♥ Chapter 21♥

Axel Norvelli. 

I return to the table, sitting down slowly, my legs still shaking. She is already eating, as if nothing had happened, ignoring my presence. I let out a sigh and start eating slowly, trying to process everything that had just happened. She continues her meal in silence, without giving me a single glance. Her serenity is disconcerting.

She is the first woman to find me beautiful. His words echo in my mind, a mixture of confusion and surprise. My heart is racing, and I'm not sure why. Even with his crude and possessive manner, something that would normally make me uncomfortable, his words managed to make me feel a strange and unexpected happiness.

As I chew mechanically, I try to understand this new dynamic. The idea that anyone might find me attractive, especially someone like her, is hard to process. But somehow it ignites a flame of curiosity and a spark of something I still can't fully define.

I look at her a little fearfully. 

'' What's your name? ''Whisper.

She stops eating and looks up, an intense look that seems to penetrate my soul.

'' My name is Catarina Vossini. '' Even with the seriousness, respond.

A chill runs down my spine as my hand unconsciously reaches for the choker around my neck, recognizing the initials "C.V." So, her name is Catarina.

I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of nervousness and curiosity. I decide to take a risk.

'' H-How old, are you? ''I ask.

She laughs softly, and her eyes shine with a mischievous glint.

'' Why? Am I that old? ''Tease. 

My nervousness makes her laugh even harder.

'' I'm thirty-nine years old. ''Replies calmly. 

I'm shocked by her age. She doesn't look that age; her appearance suggests that she is in her thirties. 

I pick up the glass of champagne to take a sip, trying to compose myself.

'' You will live with me from now on. ''Say, quickly. 

I choke on my drink, starting to cough desperately. Still dazed and in shock.

'' What? '' I ask scared. 

She crosses her legs with a disconcerting tranquility, as if the decision were the most natural in the world.

'' As I said, you will live with me from now on. After we finish lunch, we will go buy you new clothes and cut that hair.

'' No, please. Not my hair! '' I quickly negotiate, voice full of panic;

She rolls her eyes with a mix of irritation and patience.

'' Why? Why does it seem like no one is watching you? I already told you, Axel. You are beautiful, a tremendous hottie who leaves me completely out of control. And even if you don't want it, it will happen.

I feel a chill as I hear his words, mixed with a disconcerting sense of desire and fear.

'' Why are you doing all this? '' I ask, voice wavering under the weight of his domineering presence.

She smiles, her gaze penetrating and full of intensity.

'' Because I want to. I want to have it fixed for me. Just for me. I want to be able to watch him and see how incredibly hot my boy is. '' responds with a disturbing calm. ''And besides, there is nothing you can do to change that. You belong to me now. You better get used to it, because now you have a very possessive and crazy woman by your side. 

She gives a cold, satisfied smile, a mix of dominance and desire in her eyes.

'' S-So what do you really want me to be? A submissive? What, exactly? '' I ask, trying to understand what she expects from me.

She leans forward a little, her expression becoming more intense.

'' What I want is for you to be completely mine, in every way. It's not about submission, it's about loyalty and delivery. I want you to give me complete control over you, to accept what I have to offer and to surrender only to me. Because you are mine. I want you to let go of your doubts and insecurities, and surrender to what I can offer. A place where you can feel truly safe, where you can discover a way of living that you may never have known. You enjoyed our intense night, I can offer much more than that. And, in return, I want your loyalty and the certainty that you will be by my side, without doubts or fears.

She watches me with a penetrating gaze, as if assessing every nuance of my fear and hesitation. She gives a soft, almost seductive smile.

'' It's an opportunity to redefine what it means to be mine. Where you can surrender without fear, knowing you are protected and valued. Now enough of that matter, finish eating, because we have to buy you some clothes. Clothes that flatter that delicious body of yours.

I feel embarrassed when she talks about my body like that. I always saw myself as ordinary, unattractive. The way she refers to me with so much conviction and desire is disconcerting. My cheeks burn, and I hang my head, going back to eating. Every bite is felt under her intense gaze, which makes me feel like I'm under a microscope.

I try to focus on the food, but my mind is a mess. How could someone so powerful and controlling want to transform me into something more? And, even more so, how can she see something in me that I have never seen myself? My thoughts are interrupted by her voice again.

'' Are you well? ''Her question is calm but carries genuine curiosity.

'' Yes, I am well. It's just… it's just a lot to process. '' I respond without looking up.

'' I understand. '' She responds, with a tone that is surprisingly understanding. ''I don't expect you to adjust to all of this at once. Let's take it easy. But know that I have no intention of giving up on you.

I swallowed hard, feeling the pressure of his words. I don't know if that comforts me or makes me more nervous. Furthermore, I finish the meal in silence, trying to ignore the weight of her gaze.

After a while, she stands up, extending her hand to me.

'' Come on. We have a full day ahead. '' She says, with a firmness that does not allow for discussion.

I take her hand and stand up, feeling the firmness of her grip. She guides me out, and the world seems more intense by her side. Each step is a reminder that I am entering uncharted territory, where the rules are dictated by her.

As we walk, my mind continues to spin. What does it really mean to be hers? And what will this new life that she promises be like? The doubts are still there, but one thing is certain: I am being carried by a current that is impossible to resist.

The day will be long, and I'm just beginning to understand what it really means to be under Catherine's rule.