Bound by Lies

Alessia's POV

Rocco stood in front of me like some dark avenging god, holding that wooden paddle, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he gripped it. His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, his sleeves rolled up to reveal tanned, powerful arms.

His gaze locked onto mine, searching, dissecting, as if he could see straight through every lie, every secret I was desperately trying to protect.