Mateo

*The scent of lilies and expensive champagne clung to the heavy velvet curtains of the bridal suite. Mateo sprawled across the silk sheets, his tuxedo jacket discarded, white shirt unbuttoned to the waist. He watched with a lazy, hooded gaze as she worked.*

"Silk ribbons, darling? I expected something more... industrial," *Mateo murmured, his voice a low drawl.*

*She tightened the knot around his wrist, pulling it flush against the mahogany bedpost. The fabric bit into his skin.*

"You’ll find the luxury makes the confinement more poignant," *she replied, her voice like a razor wrapped in velvet.*

*She climbed over him, the red fabric of her gown sliding against his thighs. She leaned down, her breath warm against his ear, trailing a finger from his collarbone down to the waistband of his trousers. She could feel the steady, rhythmic thrum of his heart. It didn't accelerate.*

"Is this the part where we play house?" *Mateo asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.*

"This is the part where you realize who holds the leash in this marriage," *she whispered.*

*She shifted, her weight pressing him into the mattress. She let her lips graze his jawline, a mocking imitation of affection, before she reached under the folds of her skirt. The metallic click of a safety sliding off echoed through the silent room.*

*She pressed the cold muzzle of the handgun directly against his temple. The steel was a freezing contrast to his flushed skin.*

"One word from my father, and I was married to you," *she spat, her eyes narrowing.* "But in this room, you are nothing. I hate every breath you take. I hate the way you look at me like I'm a piece of furniture."

*Mateo remained still for a heartbeat. Then, a low vibration started in his chest. It built into a genuine, melodic laugh that shook his entire frame.*

"You're actually doing this," *he chuckled, his eyes shimmering with amusement.* "The little bird finally grew talons."

"Shut up," *she hissed, pressing the barrel harder into his skin.* "I could end this arrangement right now. I could erase you."

"God, you're adorable when you're murderous," *Mateo said, his voice dripping with genuine delight.* "The shaking hands, the murderous glare... it's the most honest you've been with me since the engagement party."

*She recoiled slightly, her grip tightening on the weapon. The absurdity of his reaction sparked a fresh wave of rage.*

"I am not adorable! I am your nightmare!"

"My nightmare is a boring Tuesday in the boardroom," *he replied, tilting his head into the gun as if it were a caress.* "This? This is a thrill. Tell me, sweetheart, do you plan on pulling the trigger, or are we going to spend the rest of our wedding night discussing your hatred while you're sitting on my lap?"