40 [Bonus chapter] (You can skip this part)

**SIDE STORY (Ysabel's backstory)

The smell of the scented candle tingled Ysabel's nose. She was brought to an elegant room. 

The bed was made of the softest material Ysabel had dreamed of lying on. She had been to a fancy hotel once, delivering a package for her uncle on the side.

She didn't know what that package was, but she was invited to come inside the room.

Ysabel dropped the box in the living room while the female recipient finished her shower. 

Long story short, Ysabel was able to glimpse and touch the bed.

If she weren't about to be stripped of her innocence once the old man joined her, Ysabel would have appreciated the bed.

The scrape on her knee was aching a little. She was able to scrub herself clean and only had a white bathrobe covering her body.

Ysabel was back to being scared. But she was more nervous about her brother's safety than what would happen.

A soft creak informed Ysabel that her nightmare was about to begin. 

Her hands trembled.

Ysabel clasped them together, hoping it would be quick and she would survive the night. Her brother needed her. There was no telling what her uncle was doing to him or would do when she came back.

Clutching her hands tightly, Ysabel could feel the nails cutting through the skin. She couldn't feel the pain. Her fear overrode everything else at the moment.

Footsteps padded on the marbled floor. Closing her eyes, Ysabel waited for the old man to join her at the bed and be over with it. 

She couldn't resist even if she wanted to.

Her brother's survival was in the line.

"Damn," a soft voice resonated inside the room. It didn't sound as old as she had pictured out, bringing Ysabel to open her eyes instantly.

From the entryway leading to the bed, a young man, almost the same age as she was, stood with his hands inside his pants pockets. He had a slight smirk curving on his sexy lips.

He had broad shoulders and a muscular build.

The white collared shirt he had on was unbuttoned, showing off his well-toned abs. The grey sweatpants he matched it with complimented him justly.

Ysabel found him attractive, but that didn't answer the question she had about who he was and what he was doing in there.

Unable to finish the thought, the door opened loudly for the second time.

Ysabel watched as the handsome man turn to the door, smirking.

"Hey, uncle, I'm taking this girl with me."

"I paid for her. Find your own—" the second person wasn't able to finish replying. The young man rushed at him. 

There was a disgruntled grunt and a thud. 

"You owe one favor, remember? I'm taking her, and be sure to tell her guardian you had a lot of fun. Otherwise, you could say goodbye to your pub privileges if I hear any complaints."

Ysabel sat frozen in the bed. She heard a groan followed by footsteps. 

The handsome young man appeared in the entryway again. He beckoned for Ysabel to come to him.

Ysabel felt uncertain but gradually got to her feet.

She wasn't entirely sure if she was being rescued or if this other man was worst than the first.

Either way, she couldn't risk refusing either person. Her brother was not yet safe.

Holding out a hand to her, the handsome man smiled.

"Name's Bronn, pretty damsel. Come on. You are better off with me than this old hag."

Clicking his tongue, Bronn glanced at the old man whom Ysabel saw with her uncle earlier. He picked himself up, wiping the blood away from the cut on his lips.

"Don't worry about him. I have more money to pay."

Grabbing Ysabel's hand, Bronn dragged her out of the room. They walked past the hallway and climbed a few steps, heading to the third floor of the grand mansion.

From one elegant room to another, Ysabel's heart didn't stop pounding against her chest.

She could almost hear it.

Locking the door behind them, Bronn let go of his hold on Ysabel. He then walked towards the same large bed in the middle of a spacious room.

A grey carpet was spread under the king-size bed. It had elegant colors of red and silver.

Bronn removed his white shirt and sat on the bed, patting the space beside him, and inviting Ysabel.

"Well? I didn't save you from my uncle because I'm kind. I told him the truth," Bronn smiled again. "I want you for myself."

Ysabel wanted to feel scared, but somehow, there was something soothing with how he smiled at her.

Lowering her head, Ysabel walked toward Bronn. She stopped in front of him, clutching her left arm with her right hand.

Bronn rose to his feet, towering over her for a few inches. He put a hand under her chin, lifting her head.

When he looked into her eyes, he knew she was scared.

"You're beautiful."

His words were sincere. Its effect left Ysabel mesmerized, fluttering her innocent heart while he slowly brought his lips to hers.

The fear she was feeling earlier resurfaced. But Bronn's gentle assurance chased away the worries she have. 

She felt his tongue slip into her mouth, his hands traveling through her body. A different kind of aching and hunger had Ysabel feeling sensations she never knew existed.

The thin fabric of the robe she had on did nothing to prevent Bronn from caressing Ysabel's nipples. They hardened at his touch, letting a moan escape her lips. 

Listening to her cries of gratification, Bronn smirked, deepening the kiss. He found a way to untie her robe and had his hands touching her bare skin, tracing circles with his thumb.

It ignited Ysabel's moan of pleasure.

Ysabel was at the peak of begging and Bronn knew it. He pulled away and found that her eyes were shining with sensual desire. 

"I don't want to be a jerk like my uncle," Bronn stated, putting a strand of hair behind Ysabel's ears. He lifted her chin again, giving her wet lips a gentle peck. "So let me ask you ask this."

Bronn paused, slowly removing the robe that kept Ysabel clothed.

Ysabel shivered at the cold wind that brushed through her bare skin. She was standing naked before a man she had only met a few seconds ago.

She knew that should bother her but staring into his devilish eyes, Ysabel felt something stir from within. His irresistible charms gave her no choice but to surrender.

Bronn dropped another peck on her lips, running a finger along her jawline before finishing his question.

"Will you let me invade you tonight, pretty lady?"