UNDER HIS RULES

Beatrice knew, this balcony had once witnessed the terrifying night she endured back then. Fear, the urge to jump from the height, and leaving behind a lifeless body. But before that could happen, Beatrice’s courage suddenly faltered when she noticed what awaited her below. Her mind immediately processed the thought of falling and meeting the angel of death. What if not? Sam’s guard dog would never let her go so easily. Their sharp teeth would tear apart every inch of flesh covering Beatrice’s body.

No.

She shuddered at the mere thought of it. But her choice to retreat meant she would be trapped with the owner of this four-story house. Initially, she felt her life no longer had any beauty. Snatched away forcibly, under what she considered terrifying intimidation. Not to mention, she had imagined that living with Sam would be far more tense than before.

But this time, she looked at the surrounding nature from the balcony with a different feeling. The pine trees around the house stood beautifully on several sides. The road that crossed the area around the headquarters appeared faintly behind the lush trees. The evening sky still held a hint of orange light on the horizon. Its lines formed a beautiful symphony in the sky that she was now enjoying.

“Still want to stay there?”

Beatrice turned, finding the source of the voice leaning against the balcony door. He wore a disheveled black shirt. The buttons were no longer as neat as before. He had rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, not to mention his thick, slightly messy hair. His face still didn’t look fresh. Truly the typical appearance of someone who had just woken up.

“The sky looks beautiful,” Beatrice extended her hand. “Come here. Enjoy it together.”

“Taking a shower together is more enjoyable,” Sam grumbled but didn’t refuse the palm that was reaching out to him. He grinned faintly as he leaned in and planted a kiss on that hand. “Do you want to?”

“Not yet,” Beatrice laughed. “Let’s just enjoy the sunset, Abang.”

Sam chose to give in. After all, the sun would set soon. He would be free to do anything with Beatrice afterwards. To accompany his wife, ah… Sam sometimes still couldn’t believe that the girl whose hand he was holding was already his wife. Legally.

Two weeks ago.

Indeed.

The wedding party went as it should, according to him. Although he had to argue with the middle-aged man who was his wife’s only close relative on many occasions. Almost every day, Sam was driven to anger because many things were changed as Alfred pleased. Until he issued a warning with a threatening tone to ensure their marriage went according to Sam’s wishes.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Truly, Sam was not incapable of throwing a party as grand as Alfred desired. Especially since he knew very well that his feelings for Beatrice couldn’t be taken lightly. He wanted everyone to know that Sam had made his choice. No one should interfere. But Sam believed that behind the darkness of the night, amidst the laughter and the relationships that had formed among his now numerous and extensive business associates, there were a few people hiding their dislike for him.

He didn’t want to take too many risks, especially when it came to his enemies. He didn’t want to experience an incident that almost took Beatrice’s life.

Finally, Alfred gave in. Although he himself had provided tight security for Beatrice, Sam knew exactly how to make him powerless.

“Old man, did you forget? Two people guarding Beatrice died in an explosion. So… what would happen if the party ended in disaster?”

Well… Beatrice didn’t care about her wedding party. Instead, she was much happier when the party was held simply in Alfred’s mansion garden. It was transformed with many white accents and white petal flowers in almost every corner.

The moment when Sam made his vows was so sacred. Vows that made Beatrice believe her life would become more colorful and thrilling by accompanying Sam. This kind of celebration was what Beatrice truly desired. All of Sam’s subordinates were there, witnessing their happiness, and busily preparing every detail of their wedding, as well as the remaining Quassano family.

According to Beatrice, most of them looked at her in disbelief. They also seemed subservient but had their own motives. Beatrice was sure of that. That’s why she didn’t want to be close to anyone except those who had been given special trust by her grandfather. The cold and unapproachable impression suddenly stuck to her since she was introduced as the successor of Quassano.

But Beatrice didn’t care.

Her true self was only shown to those she knew well. And that was strongly approved by Sam and her grandfather.

“Have you prepared the things you want to bring?” Sam asked, playing with the ends of Beatrice’s hair. It was still black, dull yet shiny. It was so soft and smooth when Sam’s fingers touched and caressed it.

“I have,” Beatrice smiled and leaned back. “Hugo said, is your business in the East still unfinished?”

“That’s right.”

Beatrice fell silent for a moment. “David also mentioned something about Quassano?”

“Yes,” Sam kissed the top of Beatrice’s head. “Don’t worry.”

“You’ll be even busier if you have to handle the Quassano matters too,” Beatrice complained softly. “I’ll protest to Grandfather if this is how it’s going to be.”

Sam chuckled. “It’s useless, my dear.” He tousled Beatrice’s beautifully disheveled hair. “Grandfather has actually given a separate mandate regarding Quassano for you to take over.”

Beatrice’s shoulders slumped. “Can’t I give it to someone else?”

Sam shook his head without hesitation. “If you want to know the struggle Mr. Alfred went through to build up Quassano, I’d be happy to tell you.”

The woman sighed softly. “It feels heavy.”

“I know,” Sam affectionately caressed Beatrice’s slightly blushed cheek. He tidied up the strands of her slightly messy hair that the wind had blown. “But I’m sure you’re capable.”

Beatrice fell silent.

“There’s David, and now there’s one person who has been studying Grandfather’s business until you’re considered capable. Isn’t that right? Let me oversee how that person works.”

“But I also feel sorry for Grandfather. It must be exhausting to manage such a large Quassano.”

“That’s how it is.”

They chose to enjoy the sunset that was starting to decorate the sky. It was so beautiful. They let the wind gently caress their faces and hair. It provided a soothing and calming sensation.

“I’ll prepare the bathwater, okay?”

Sam smiled widely. “A bath together, right?”

Beatrice shook her head, but she used her fingers to trace Sam’s slightly open chest. She unbuttoned his shirt one by one until the very last one. Sam didn’t protest at all. In fact, he enjoyed every touch his wife gave.

Beatrice’s gaze fixed on one spot: the dragon tattoo that resembled hers. She touched the part that was inked on the right side with great affection. There were many tattoos on Sam’s body, especially on his back. But the dragon tattoo was the one Beatrice admired the most. “It’s my favorite.”

“What about the person wearing it?” Sam embraced Beatrice’s waist. He let out a laugh from his wife’s lips. A laugh that made Sam promise to fill Beatrice’s life with happiness. Somehow. It seemed to be more than just wealth and sufficiency. It was about a peaceful and tranquil life. Without fear, without sudden attacks from their enemies.

Meaning, Sam has to increase his vigilance around Beatrice. He must.

Sam’s hands, as smooth as silk, were draped around his neck. The distance between them narrowed until their breaths brushed against each other. “Ehm… if it’s not your favorite person.”

“But?” Sam rubbed his nose against Beatrice’s nose.

“What is it?” Beatrice’s teasing fingers went on an exploration. Starting from the edge of his forehead, down to Sam’s slightly rough jawline with its fine hairs, and then further down to his neck. “Maybe the beloved one?”

“Isn’t your beloved one in the mansion? Buddy?”

Beatrice burst into laughter. The poodle dog, a birthday gift from her grandfather, whom she named Buddy, had suddenly won her wholehearted affection. Besides the small size of Buddy’s body, for some reason, Buddy’s pleading eyes always managed to evoke sympathy from Beatrice. It made her unable to scold Buddy even when the dog misbehaved.

“Are you comparing me to Buddy?” Sam raised an eyebrow, looking at Beatrice with an incredulous expression. “You truly are extraordinary, my wife.” Since Beatrice didn’t want to stop laughing, it was best for Sam to silence her by carrying her in his arms. Letting Beatrice continue to giggle while her arms were tightly wrapped around him.

“You’ll be punished for that,” Sam said.

Beatrice didn’t care. After she was able to set aside her laughter, she resumed teasing Sam. Her longing for Sam was like a thousand mountains surrounding the four regions. But when her husband returned a few hours ago, Beatrice couldn’t bear to wake him up. She chose to sleep beside him, ensuring that Sam would find peaceful slumber by her side.

Sam had been in the East for three days, handling the logistics for the building materials that he would manage in the South. The East was known as the main supplier of quality logistics. Quassano had long established cooperation with the East. This time, Alfred asked Sam to continue the task.

Beatrice wanted to protest because Alfred asked at an inappropriate time. How could newlyweds be separated for a few days? But Alfred knew best how to make Sam obey his orders.

“Do you want our future child to travel back and forth to the East? I only gave you the easiest part, and yet you complain. After this, I’ll give Beatrice a one-month break. Make the most of your time to give me a grandchild, Sam. I don’t want any failures!”

Damn it! Could Sam easily impregnate Beatrice? He knew it wasn’t in his power. Nevertheless… Sam never missed a night when Beatrice didn’t utter his name.

“You truly deserve punishment.” Sam winced slightly as Beatrice playfully kissed his cheek.

“I’m just kissing; why should I be punished?” Beatrice giggled. “I haven’t prepared the bathwater, dear.”

“We’ll prepare it together.” Sam easily opened the bathroom door. Nothing had changed in the interior of the room. And when Beatrice was slowly lowered from his arms, right on the edge of the bathtub. “Warm, okay? So we can take a long bath?”

“Whatever you say.” Beatrice let Sam prepare everything, including choosing which soap foam they would use for their bath.

“Lavender is nice, babe.” Her choice fell on the purple ball that emitted a calming aroma.

“As long as I’m with you, it will surely be nice.”

Beatrice smiled faintly. “Should I give you a back massage?”

“Undress me first,” Sam approached, standing very close to Beatrice, where his black eyes had been gazing intensely. “Take the lead.”

His wife laughed. “Okay.” Her skillful hands unbuttoned the shirt that was still clinging to her husband’s body, as well as the neatly fastened pants. The sound of a click from the buckle that Beatrice managed to open accompanied the slow descent of Sam’s pants, leaving them touching the slightly wet floor. It revealed only one piece of fabric that appeared tight due to what it concealed underneath, already erect.

Intentionally, Beatrice gently stroked Sam’s most intimate part.

“Naughty, aren’t you?” Sam chuckled. “Your naughtiness is only with me.”

“I belong to you.” Beatrice slowly tilted her head, her eyes blinking slowly. Which immediately prompted Sam to embrace her tenderly. So gentle that Sam felt each touch held much more meaning this time. Perhaps it was because of their status or the emotions that enveloped them this time.

The kiss escalated into a passionate frenzy, intensifying with affectionate nibbles at every point, and when Beatrice opened her mouth. Sam delved deeper inside. Beatrice’s hands once again hung on as a form of their own grip. Because a kiss like this couldn’t go unanswered and it provoked Sam to undress her.

The dress Beatrice was wearing had only one clasp behind her hair. And when Sam found it, she lowered the fastening with the most sensual movement possible. Sam’s fingertips also touched Beatrice’s back. And the clasp covering her chest fell as the dress greeted the floor.

Leaving Beatrice’s body, which Sam had enjoyed countless times. There was no boredom there. None at all. Instead, every time Sam touched that body, the addictive sensation grew stronger. He didn’t find satisfaction until Beatrice completely surrendered under his control.

“The same goes for you, my love.” Mischievously, Sam gently squeezed Beatrice’s teasingly full bosom.

“Ah!” Beatrice gasped but then smiled faintly. Especially when Sam leaned down to suck on her nipple. “Hmm!” Beatrice closed her eyes slowly. The sucking turned into a stronger and more overpowering sensation, rendering her helpless. “Darling, when are we taking a bath?”

“Oh.” Sam stopped his actions. “I forgot. The water is already filled.” Before they entered the now purple bathtub, Sam decided to check the temperature to ensure it would be just right on their skin. After confirming the temperature, he stepped in first. Sitting back against the edge of the bathtub, he extended his hand for Beatrice to join him.

“Come on.”

Without hesitation, Beatrice entered the filled water. She sat on Sam’s lap, smiling meaningfully.

“Do you want the main course first, or is there an appetizer?” she asked.

“What kind of appetizer?” Sam asked, playing with his wife’s hair. “I’m curious.”

Beatrice bit her lip corner without realizing it. Before she truly started what was on her mind, ah… this must all be influenced by Sam. Why did she suddenly enjoy engaging in these activities? But if she thought about it again, was it wrong? They were already husband and wife, right? It was only natural for them to satisfy their desires by coming together.

Right, wasn’t it?

“What do you want to do, my love?” Sam chose to lean comfortably where he used his hands as a cushion. “I surrender.”

“Sit here first.” Beatrice gently patted the edge of the bathtub. “You’ll definitely like it.”

A thin grin appeared on Sam’s face because he knew the direction Beatrice was heading. “With pleasure.”

Although their relationship started off full of intimidation and coercion, Beatrice believed that over time, something had changed in Sam’s attitude towards her. He no longer treated her roughly, even though Sam’s orders were not to be disobeyed at all. Beatrice realized that Sam only wanted her to be safe. He showered her with so much attention, although sometimes it overwhelmed Beatrice herself.

She could still feel his cold and stiff demeanor, but truly, Beatrice was starting to understand the efforts Sam made for her.

So… she asked only one thing from God. Right on the day when they were officially bound by law and in the eyes of God. In a strong bond wrapped in love, to make that bond grow stronger day by day. To be enveloped in happiness and peace throughout their lives.

That was Beatrice’s simple wish. And Sam made sure it was fulfilled without any burden.

“Ugh! Your sucking skills are getting better.” Sam closed his eyes. His hands gripped the edge of the bathtub tighter. “A bit faster, my love. I like it.”

Beatrice tilted her head slightly, her mouth filled with Sam, who was growing larger inside her. She was familiar with the taste of Sam and never tired of experiencing it. Hearing her husband’s words just now, she became even more enthusiastic in her movements.

No matter if she would be exhausted from satisfying Sam’s long-repressed desires, she wanted those desires to be fulfilled only by her.

Just like Sam’s words that she could never forget.

“Isn’t the tattoo enough for you to realize who I want by my side?”

Their tattoos were the same, which meant that only Beatrice was allowed to accompany Sam.

Forever.