Chapter 2 Spiked

Sophia's POV

I didn't hear a single word.

The bright camera flashes kept hitting me. Countless lenses were aimed at my face. The news of this 'marriage of the century' would soon be everywhere, and everyone would benefit from it.

Except me.

I cautiously dabbed my lips, forcing a smile for the cameras.

The heat of the man's mouth still lingered on mine.

It was scorching, even... frantic.

It wasn't a kiss. It was the savage bite of a beast.

My mind was blank. The only thing I could focus on was how Luca's long, thin lashes lowered when he tilted his head, his deceptively beautiful face radiating a false intensity and tenderness.

Everything happened too fast.

Before I could think, a large hand wrapped around my waist.

Luca used his other hand to lift my chin. "Darling, your face is flushed like an apple. So cute."

I froze. Before I could react, I felt the hand behind me slowly start to move up.

It was light, but impossible to ignore.

I could distinctly feel his fingers' movement, playfully and slowly teasing the fabric of my dress. His broad, thick hand covered my waist, gripping the belt, and tracing the path up my spine.

A tingling sensation traveled from my waist. I bit my lip hard. "You...!"

Luca's face zoomed in on mine. I instinctively tried to back away, but the hand on my waist pulled me tighter.

"Sweetheart, are you uncomfortable?"

Luca frowned. "My fault. I should have listened to you and gone to bed early last night. I apologize for the trouble, Sophia."

The reporters exchanged knowing glances.

I kept my composure. "It's fine. I'm perfectly well."

Luca shook his head. "That's enough, media friends. My fiancée isn't feeling well. We're retiring for the night."

The crowd quickly dispersed, leaving just the two of us.

I immediately stepped back. "Luca, don't push it. We're only marrying for the alliance."

"That's what I should be telling you, piccola rosa," Luca said, wiping the corner of his mouth. "Very sweet. I’ll cherish that memory."

With that, he dropped me and walked away.

Damn Luca.

If not for the arms dealing alliance, why would I marry a man like him? I knew I never had a choice. Since I couldn't choose freedom, why not choose the most powerful option? That’s why I picked him.

This engagement was purely a business transaction.

Returning to the party, I noticed the elite socialites sizing me up.

I knew they weren't here for my happiness. They were here for my family and, more importantly, for Luca—the heir to the Vittorio Empire.

I took a deep breath. Just as I took a step, someone appeared right in front of me.

Anna was wearing a white gauze dress. "Luca doesn't like cold women. I don't mind teaching you how to be passionate in bed. Or maybe... you already learned that day."

This damned, smug, self-satisfied bitch!

Seeing my silence, Anna continued, "Luca's a fantastic kisser. You really should try it. Too bad. Maybe you'll never get the chance."

I snorted and laughed out loud.

Anna frowned, staring at me.

"You're right," I said. "His kissing skills are absolutely superb."

The triumph on Anna's face instantly shattered.

I didn't care what Anna did next. I turned and walked away without looking back.

I went up to the rooftop and slowly let out a breath.

I preferred to be alone rather than endure the calculating stares down at the engagement party.

A light breeze touched my face, and I unconsciously touched my lips.

Luca's lips had been soft. Despite the roughness of his action, the actual touch had been surprisingly tender.

Wait. I paused. Why am I even thinking about that?

I hit my forehead in frustration. The next second, I heard a low moan.

"Who's there?"

I cautiously walked closer. Suddenly, everything went dark.

A hand firmly locked around my waist.

In the darkness, I could only see a pair of grey-blue eyes.

Short, ragged breaths were ragged in my ear.

"Let go! Do you know who I am?" I swallowed, trying to sound calm. "I am the Vittorio heir's fiancée!"

Another low chuckle came from next to me.

"Little rose, drop the act."

Hearing the familiar tone, I shivered. "Luca?" I tested.

Luca's grey-blue eyes were flat, like still water.

"I underestimated you, Sophia." Luca's mouth was near mine. "If you wanted me to fuck you, you should have just said so. Did we really need the drugs?"

My heart stopped for a second. "I don't know what you're talking about..."

Luca's nose pressed against mine.

He was so close I could almost see every tiny hair on his face. Though I despised Luca, I had to admit he had a stunning, almost enviable beauty.

Luca bit my earlobe.

"Sophia, my dear little rose, what am I going to do with you?" he laughed into my ear.

I winced, a cold shiver running through me. My hairs stood on end. "Luca, calm down first."

Luca smiled chillingly. "A fiery rose indeed."

His lips pressed against my skin, the heat washing over me. I bit my lip tightly. All I could hear was my own frantic heartbeat and his heavy breathing.

"Luca—mmph..."

Luca flipped up my skirt. His long, calloused fingers dug into my thigh, leaving five deep red marks.

I couldn't move, a thin layer of sweat forming on my palms.

"Sophia."

His low, husky voice was lost in the lonely night.

High above the city, Luca called my name again. "Sophia..."

Trapped against his chest, I couldn't retreat. "Luca, you need to calm down. Maybe we can talk."

By now, I finally understood what was happening.

It was the predictable trick of unseen enemies. Luca had been drugged—an aphrodisiac.

"Luca, snap out of it. I'll take you to a hospital."

Luca grunted, but his hands didn't stop moving.

I tried to say something else, but his burning mouth instantly captured mine.

"Luca... mmpf..."

My waist was firmly pinned by his arm. I couldn't break free and was forced to tilt my head back, submitting to his will.

After what felt like an eternity, Luca pinched my chin.

"Good girl. Now, tell me, who sent you?"

"And who... made you spike my drink?"