-I'm not sure where I'm going with this story, yet. It was just an idea that popped in my head, and I started playing around with it, We'll see where it goes.-

Chapter 1

"What are you reading?"

The question tore Amar out of her story and made her glance back at the unwelcome voice behind her. Standing by a back window in the library, in her velvet gown, she held the book up to the light, which highlighted her pale-blonde hair. She inwardly groaned at the sound of the smooth voice, and the man it came from. Damien, the son of the most prominent family in the village, was less than an arm's length away from her. Amar eyed him with a cold look, before turning back to the book in her hands.

He chuckled, "Ignoring me? You won't be able to do that forever."

She closed the book with a loud clap, and turned to face him. "Try me." He eyed her like she was a trophy, his sea-green gaze running the length of her body. A rumor had been going around that the privileged son of the Maddock family had been seeking a wife. When a messenger had shown up at her door with a request for marriage, she almost laughed. Imagine, the rich and powerful Damien Maddock, wanting to marry Amar. She had thrown the letter in the trash, not even bothering to send a reply. But that didn't stop him from lurking around the village after her. Amar ignored him, but occasionally, he found her alone and his advances were much more progressive.

Now, he was standing very close to her. "Do you intend to play these games once we're wed?" he whispered, mockingly. His voice took on a husky undertone, like that of a lover. She cringed, but refused to back down and he stepped closer, pressing her back against the windowpane. The light from the window danced across his face.

She laughed, but it didn't touch her eyes, which followed his every move. "That's cute, you still think it's a game." She said, in an emasculating tone.

"Doesn't matter what I think," he said, unperturbed. "What I know is that you'll be on the alter next to me, once I get everything in order. Once the marriage license is approved, and I've found a presider for the ceremony, you're mine."

"Not going to happen."

"It's not your choice."

"What goes on in my life is my choice," her voice was flat as she spoke, and her fingers gripped the spine of the book even tighter. She raised her chin so she could look him in the eye, "Now, leave me alone."

He stepped even closer, and she had to tilt her head back to keep her gaze level with his. He whispered, "I don't know why you pretend that this isn't going to happen." He stared down at her, his raven-black hair falling into his eyes, as he smirked at her. "You belong to me."

She narrowed her eyes at him, and stepped closer, speaking the words slowly to emphasize each syllable. "I belong to no one."

For the space of a breath, they stared at each other. Neither backing down and the tension rising between them. Before she knew what was happening, he had brought his arm around her waist and slammed her body against his. The hand that wasn't holding the book came up to push against his chest. She didn't make a sound, but her jaw clenched in irritation.

His eyes bored into her and he lowered his lips to meet hers. Before he could, she brought the spine of her book across his face, causing him to loosen his grip on her instantly. He leaned away from her and she stepped to the side, so that she wasn't pressed against the window. He straightened and brought his hand to the trickle of blood running from his left temple. She had expected to see rage, but his lips were spread into a wide grin, "That's my girl, I didn't expect that."

"There's a lot you won't expect if you touch me again," she threatened.

"Won't be much fun on our wedding night."

She nearly rolled her eyes, "I'm not your girl."

"Oh, but you are." He took one more step toward her, causing her to tense. "You just proved why we're perfect for each other. I chose you for your strength, and obvious beauty." He paused, taking a second to admire her and she didn't try to hide her disgust. He continued, "I want someone like me."

"I am nothing like you." She spat the words at him, her anger clear in the way her knuckles turned white against her book.

"Yes, you are. You don't see it now, but you will soon." He said, with a dazzling smile.

She sighed, "When will you realize, I don't want you? That I will not marry you." She made the last part a statement. "Keep it up, and I'll make sure you regret it."

"Sounds like a challenge," he said, with a spark of excitement.

She narrowed her eyes, "It's a warning. Keep your distance."

She turned and started walking away from him. But he spoke to her one more time. "This would be a lot easier if you just accepted it." he said, leaning back against the window, with his arms crossed over his chest.

She turned around to meet his eyes. "I'll say this once more. There will be no wedding. My life belongs to me."

"That's where you're wrong, your life was mine the second I saw you. Because of who my family is, I have power in this village, and I always get what I want." He kept his gaze on hers and she was the first to break contact.

"We'll see," and with that she left the room, leaving him staring after her. He rubbed the spot on his head where she had struck him. There was a sharp shoot of pain when he touched his skin, and he chuckled lightly to himself. She had a fire inside of her, and that was what had attracted him. She was beautiful, yes, but it was her spirit that was mesmerizing. He wanted her. If she only knew how close she was to being his. A sly smile made its way across his face as he left the library.