The next morning, like most of the mornings I had spent here, I was woken up by the light coming from my bedroom window.

It was December 25th. Christmas. Despite the freezing weather, a certain warmth spread within me. The feeling of the holiday spirit?

The window light wasn't as harsh as it once had been when I first got here. With the snow almost fully replacing the sun, the city looked truly beautiful during the wintertime.

Laying on my side, peering through the large window, I watched the snow slowly fall from the sky. Soft sun rays shined over the tall skyscrapers that towered over our building. Most of the building windows were tinted like mine, blocking out anyone from looking in.

Maybe I didn't hate my bedroom window after all.

Ever since the day I was kidnapped, I had been counting down the days I could leave. I wanted to be eager to leave, but now I was dreading it.

My phone started to ring and I reached over to the nightstand, grabbing it. I looked at the screen to see that it displayed my dad's contact.

Hoping that nothing had gone wrong, I took a deep breath and pressed the answer button before holding it up to my ear.

"Hey, dad," I said, trying to hide my drowsy voice.

"Merry Christmas, Darcy." I heard his usual voice say. I smiled as a certain comfort spread throughout my chest at his voice but the knot in my stomach seemed to tighten. I missed him but it wasn't just as simple as that.

He was my dad, I couldn't hate him but I did hate living under his control. The reason why everything had happened was because of that. Running away to a different state was what led me here. But why didn't I feel any regret?

"Merry Christmas," I replied.

I knew I was being unappreciative of the things my dad did for me. I was more than fortunate to have him and he gave me more than I could need. I had everything except the one thing I longed for and valued. Free will.

We all want what we can't have.

I had traded everything I had for what I couldn't have. I left everything behind for free will and was it even worth it in the end?

He let out a sigh, filling the silence. "How have you been?"

"Good." Ever since I had left, all of our conversations had been short and pointless.

He seemed to be holding something back but I didn't ask what.

I enjoyed the first few weeks in New York, independent and free. It was a break from actuality, giving me a glimpse of the life I would never be able to live but now I had to go back and face reality.

Why couldn't I just be content with what I had? Most people would be thrilled to have my life, being able to live in a nice house, and not having to work. And that was exactly what I dreaded. Living such a boring useless life.

We continued to talk for a couple of minutes before we finally ended the conversation and hung up.

Even though I was already 18 and fully able to take care of myself, it didn't seem like that in my dad's eyes. I was always going to be a little girl who needed to be protected and watched over at all times.

But maybe it wasn't going to be like this forever. Maybe after some time, he would be more at ease with the idea of me going out without having his bodyguards around.

Who was I kidding? I sighed, knowing I was only trying to avoid reality. There was no use in false hope. I knew for a fact that when the time came for me to leave and go back to his place, security on me would be even more intense than it was before, just in case I pulled something like this again.

But I was going to find a way. I always did.

...

Walking out of my bedroom, freshly showered, I caught the scent of what seemed like pancakes. Closing my eyes, I took a deep whiff. Someone knew how to cook.

It was too early in the morning for Eliza to bring up breakfast and I knew damn well it couldn't have been Viola.

Tying my robe, I came out of my room and walked into the kitchen, trying to find where the scent was coming from.

Seeing that no one was there, I walked to the dining room to find Vince and Viola sitting next to each other while eating their plateful of pancakes. My heart practically melted at the sight. The two looked so cute sitting together, eating Christmas breakfast.

They seemed to notice my presence when they lifted their eyes at the same time.

"Merry Christmas," Viola said, smiling from ear to ear. I couldn't help but smile back

"Merry Christmas." I echoed. It was today. The day of giving, celebration, and much more. As a kid I always looked forward to the holiday, giving and receiving gifts but now... things were different.

She pointed to the other plate of pancakes across from her. "This is yours."

Pulling out the chair, I practically drooled at the fluffy golden brown pancakes. Taking a seat across from her, I picked up the syrup bottle next to me before drizzling it onto the pancakes. Grabbing the fork and knife I cut into the stack of perfectly made pancakes before taking a bite.

Holding back a moan, I quickly realized how good the pancakes were. Puffed, brown, and heavenly, I stuffed more in my mouth than I could chew at a time.

As I scarfed down my plate, I could feel a set of eyes on me. Swallowing the food, I slowly lifted my gaze to see him watch me, a curious look in his eyes.

"Did you make this?" I asked, gesturing to my plate with my fork.

"Yes." He replied, giving me one last look before he diverted his attention back to his plate.

I'd known Vince was a man of many talents but he could also cook? I had half expected him to be terrible at cooking because he had hired a cook to make all his meals but it would appear that I had been wrong. He had looks, money, and he was a great cook? This was like a 3 in 1 package deal

"If you can cook so well, why don't you just make your food?" I asked, beginning to take another bite of my food. I had no complaints about Eliza's cooking but I was curious what other surprises Vincent Ferraro had up his sleeve.

"I'm usually too preoccupied with work." Of course. Spending 90% of his time in his office, I hadn't expected any other answer.

After finishing our breakfast we started to gather around the tree to open presents. Surprisingly enough, underneath the tree was full of gifts and presents of all sizes. There was no doubt that it was all Vince's work.

I heard Viola squeal excitedly from next to me as she grabbed the present closest to her. Perfectly wrapped in red and green striped wrapping paper, you could tell Vince had spent his time wrapping presents.

We watched her as she opened the gift, tearing it apart. I chuckled at her excitement. She was so young, so pure.

Ripping off the last bits of wrapping paper, she held up the pink box in her hand. Leaning over to get a better view, I noticed that it was an American Girl doll.

"Thank you so much!" She exclaimed, before giving Vince a tight hug. He hugged her back, chuckling.

The way he looked right now was so different than he was usually. All the stress and exhaustion were no longer evident on his face. I wasn't sure if he was hiding it or Viola made it all go away.

Either way, his love for his sister was so precious and special. He had a soft spot for her and she seemed to be the only person he would reveal a side of him that he usually didn't.

Vince had been through so much. His ex killed his father and his mom died after giving birth. But right now, Viola seemed to take it all away. All of his pain and suffering.

Viola pulled out of the hug before reaching over to grab another present.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Vince reach into his pocket and pull out a small gift box.

"This is for you." He said, extending out his arm, handing me the gift box. Blinking once, I stared at the box in my hand. Wrapped in red and gold wrapping paper, the box was pretty light, not too heavy.

"You got me a present," I stated, unmoving, my gaze fixated on the gift in hand as Viola continued to open her presents.

"I did," He confirmed, motioning for me to open it. He had actually bought me something. And I hadn't bought him anything.

"But-"

He raised a finger to his lips, stopping me from saying any more. "Open it."

I gave him one last look before I began to carefully rip off the wrapping paper, revealing a blue Tiffany & Co box. Slowly and carefully opening the lid of the box, my jaw dropped once I saw the necklace inside. It was a gold necklace with a hexagon charm that held a sapphire in the middle. So simplistic yet so detailed.

"Holy..." I trailed off, breathless.

The necklace sparkled beneath the light from the ceiling. Jesus Christ, it had to be worth thousands. But the price of the necklace probably didn't bother him at all. After all, he was filthy rich.

"I'm assuming you like it?" Vince spoke, forcing my eyes to break away from the necklace and draw my eyes to his. He had a faint smirk on his face, amused.

"Yes, it's beautiful," I replied, smiling as I traced the outline of the charm. Then I frowned. "But I didn't get you anything."

"That's not a problem." He declared, before getting up. He rose back up on his feet and I simultaneously did the same. "You can make that up to me tonight."

My eyes widened, immediately catching on to what he was referring to. I glanced down at Viola to see if she noticed but thankfully she was too busy with her presents to bother.

"We'll see," I replied lowly before sending him a provocative wink.

....

Merry Christmas.

Wear it for me tonight.

I stared at the card for a long moment before glancing at the gift box the card was once attached to. I had found it on my dresser, neatly placed, and clearly meant for me. It hadn't been there this morning so someone had to have placed it there when I was gone.

And the someone was Vince.

I placed the card down, trailing my hand over the red bow tied around the box. Letting out a breath, I untied the bow before taking off the cover to the box.

My mouth went dry once I saw the black lace lingerie set neatly placed inside of the box. I picked up the bra from the box, examining it. My jaw dropped once I realized how small and skimpy it was. The material was completely see-through, covering absolutely nothing.

Checking the tag that was still stuck to the set, I blinked twice, making sure I was seeing correctly. He even managed to get the size right.

First, he had bought me a necklace worth thousands, and now this? I was flattered but this was simply too much especially with the relationship we had. Right, we didn't even have a relationship. Which only made this more inappropriate.

Inappropriate? Did the countless times you boned him count as inappropriate?

Rubbing my temple, I placed the lacey black lingerie back into the box along with the card before attempting to tie the bow around the box like it was originally.

I needed to give this back to him along with the necklace. It was simply too much for me to accept.

Picking up the necklace box along with the box with the lingerie, I walked out of my room and towards his office. Passing the living room, I noticed that Viola had fallen asleep on the couch.

I made it to his office, standing in front of his door, pausing in for a moment. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on his door twice.

Without waiting for his response, I opened the door, walking in. Although it was Christmas, Vince was busy at his desk, sorting through papers. He gave me a short glare before focusing his attention back on his work.

"Do you ever take a break?" I asked, walking over to the desk and setting the gifts that he had bought me on the side of his desk that was vacant.

He glanced at the gifts that he had bought me before looking at me and raising his brow.

"No." He replied, eyeing the gift boxes. "Do you need anything?"

I pursed my lips, almost forgetting that I had come to return the gifts he had given me. I watched Vince as he tiredly leaned into his chair. Ever since the first day I had met him at his nightclub, he always seemed exhausted.

"Yes, I'm here to return the gifts that you bought me," I eventually replied, patting the gift box. Rubbing his jaw, he sighed.

"Do you not like them?" He asked.

"do, it's just that I can't accept them."

"Why the hell not?"

Because you're not my boyfriend. You don't need to buy me these gifts.

"Because you don't owe me anything," I mumbled, just low enough for him to hear. I appreciated the gifts but...

He sighed, getting out of his chair and walking around the desk towards me. Reaching over to grab the box with the necklace, he opened it, taking the necklace out of the box. He moved behind me, putting the necklace around my neck.

I didn't protest, allowing him to put it on. His hand brushed against the nape of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. I felt his knuckles brush against my skin as he clasped the necklace together before taking a step back.

I turned to face him. Even in his tired state, he still looked so unbelievably sexy. My fingers fumbled with the sapphire charm of the necklace.

"It brings out your eyes." He noted. My eyes? I frowned before scoffing.

"My eyes aren't blue."

He reached his hand to cup the side of my face before chuckling. "I know."

I rolled my eyes but I couldn't help but smile. I leaned my face into his palm, closing my eyes for a second. Besides sex, I really did enjoy his presence.

Opening my eyes I realized how he had distracted me from why I had come to his office in the first place.

"I can't accept these gifts, Vince," I said, shaking my head. I pulled his hand off my face and a scowl grew on his face.

"I don't see what the problem is," He spoke, walking to the door as my gaze followed him.

"It's inappropriate,"

"Inappropriate? I believe we crossed that line when we slept together." He said, walking out of the room. I grabbed the gift boxes before following him out of his office

"I can't accept such expensive gifts," I called after him, picking up my pace to follow him into his room. He turned on the lights and I set the gifts on his desk.

"Money is not an issue for me." He shook his head. I didn't respond, standing my ground. I shot him a glare, crossing my arms. The next few moments, we stared at each other, seeing who would give in first.

"Stop being difficult, Darcy." He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair.

"Oh, so I'm the one who's being difficult?" I raised my voice, frustrated. Who was it again who kidnapped me?

Vince didn't respond and instead, he walked over to the gift boxes, taking the cover off of the larger box with the lingerie he bought me. Picking them up from the box he held it towards me.

"Put this on for me."

I froze, shocked. Had he not heard a word I said? I was returning his gifts and now he wanted me to put them on?

"I'm not going to-"

"Put it on." He cut me off. I raised my eyebrows, watching him.

I sighed, giving up. It was stupid, arguing about whether or not I should accept his gift.

I took the black lingerie from his hand and started to walk to his bathroom but he stopped me, his hand pulling on my arm.

"Change right here." He demanded, narrowing his eyes before releasing my arm. "In front of me."

I gulped at his assertiveness. Fuck, the things he made me feel...

I nodded, complying as I began to strip in front of him. My body shuddered beneath his hungry eyes as they watched me. My clothes were in a pool next to me while I stood naked in front of me.

He did nothing but watch me as I began to put on the lace lingerie set. I slipped on the thong before picking up the bra and began to put it on. Clasping the bra behind my back, my eyes met Vince's again.

"You look ravishing." He stated, his voice now lowered to a low and husky tone. A slow smile grew on my face, flattered by his compliment.

"Are you trying to woo me into your bed?" I asked, cocking my head to the side. I wrapped my fingers around his tie, pulling him closer with a firm tug. He grunted in response before grinning, entertained by the situation.

"I suppose." He uttered, his face now smug. I click my tongue, shaking my head. I released his tie before beginning to unbutton his shirt.

"Well, it worked," I said, sliding the shirt off his body and letting it fall onto the floor. I dragged a finger down his toned chest, admiring his body. How he managed to stay in such good shape even with all the work he was constantly doing was beyond my understanding.

I wrapped my hand around his and began to lead him closer to the bed. I pushed him down onto the bed, taking him by surprise. He let out a sharp exhale as I began to crawl on top of him.

"I like this version of you." He states, watching me as my face came to level with his.

"Oh?" I responded, raising a brow. Usually, he was the dominant one but this time, I had taken hold of the reins. I hardly had a clue what I was doing but I was enjoying every second of it.

Go with the flow. Pretend you know what you're doing.

Letting out a breath, I look into his eyes. My heart almost stopped, caught off guard by his eyes. One minute they were shut off from any emotion and the next...

I couldn't even begin to describe the way he was looking at me. I had grown accustomed to his lust-fueled eyes but now I couldn't even sense the lust. The warmth and admiration in his eyes— what was that?

He smiles slightly, enjoying my uneasiness. His hands caressed my hips, watching me. This wasn't just fucking. Fucking wasn't so damn intimate. But neither of us was going to verbally admit it.

Ignoring my thoughts, I began to lean towards him, dipping my head to meet my lips with his. Placing my hands flat against his chest, I harshly sucked on his bottom lip, eliciting a low moan from his lips. My panties dampened at the sound and my thighs clenched around his hips, turned on. What a nice fucking sound.

I began to move to his neck, teasing him. Sucking on the more sensitive part of his neck, he let out a groan. I drew back, pulling my lips away from his body before positioning my crotch over his. My eyes drink the sight of his frustrated face.

"You're a fucking tease." He noted in a deep aroused voice as I began to grind against his groin. His voice made me even wetter.

The only thing separating us was the thin material of my panties and his pants. I didn't understand why he wanted me to put it on in the first place when we both knew it was going to end up on the floor either way.

His eyes trailed down my body drinking the sight of me wearing the lingerie he had bought for me. Sensing his growing erection between my thighs, I felt like my body was on fire, aching for him.

"I know," I smirk again, leaning back down to now place a kiss on his nipple, trailing around it. "And you're at my mercy."

Vince let out a grunt, knowing that I was right. After pressing my lips on his chest, I began to drag my tongue around his nipple.

I tore off the skimpy material of my panties and began to unbuckle his belt. I could see the small rise and fall of his chest as he patiently waited for me to undo his pants. Pulling down his zipper, I reached into his boxers, letting his erection loose.

Slowly stroking his shaft, he let out a sound that seemed to be a sigh mixed with a low groan that almost seemed painful. My heart rate quickened at the sight of his glorious cock, standing tall and proud. His tip glistened with pre-cum and I sucked in a sharp breath.

He was huge, in fact too big for my hand to fully wrap around.

I positioned myself over him, his blunt tip pressing against my core before I began to run it along the slit of my entrance. I let out a moan before I began slowly sinking down, taking him. I hissed as he stretched me once again, filling me with him.

I squeezed my eyes shut, letting myself adjust to his size before taking in all of him.

"Darcy..." He groaned out my name and I couldn't help but feel breathless as I began to move my hips. He gave me an exhilarating feeling that no one else could ever give me.

I rode him, the sound of our bodies slapping together and my moans filled the air. Sweet Jesus, this man was amazing.

My small meek whimpers mixed with his low groans as he moved in and out of me. Sweat began to glisten on my body as I rolled my hips, taking him over and over again.

The wetness between my legs seemed to increase as he gazed up at me. His eyes burned into mine with an intense stare, claiming me as his.

But no matter how bad I wanted to be his, I wasn't.

Shutting my eyes, I ignored my thoughts and focused on nearing my orgasm. That was all this was for right? For our sexual needs.

Grunting, Vince's squeezed my hips.

My moans grew to pants as I felt the pleasure build higher and higher.

"Vince!" I cried out desperately as his hips moved to meet mine, quickening the pace.

"Come for me." He demanded, his voice thick. I let out a whimper, growing closer and closer. My walls tightened around me as the pleasure almost became too much to handle.

Before I was even ready, the orgasm came, taking over me. I arched my back and I cried out, my legs buckling but I didn't stop. I continued riding out my climax while bringing Vince closer to his.

His breathing became uneven as he grew close. I could feel him pulse inside of me before he came, releasing himself inside of me. I let out a whimper in surprise, clenching my walls around him as I felt him fill me with his semen.

I shuddered around him, my climax starting to fade as I collapsed onto his chest. My body relaxed at the soft panting of our breaths.

"Merry fucking Christmas." I breathed out breathlessly, grinning from ear to ear.

His hand moved to my hair, running his fingers through it before he placed a small kiss on the top of my head.

"Merry Christmas, Darcy."