Cornelia's POV
Dark blue eyes met mine as I turned the corner, framed by thick black lashes and complemented by perfectly tousled hair. Those full lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Lost, sweetheart?"
The word beautiful didn't begin to capture him. Every blink sent those impossibly long lashes brushing against sharp cheekbones. Something otherworldly flickered in his gaze, adding an edge to his already dangerous appeal. Like Mr. Dolf, he radiated the kind of power that made the air itself seem heavier.
"Not exactly," I replied, my throat suddenly dry. "Well, maybe I am. I'm trying to find the butler."
One perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched upward. "Pierce? Why do you need him?"
Fighting back my frustration, I resisted the urge to snap at this infuriatingly gorgeous stranger. My patience was already wearing thin, and I desperately needed that water and some solitude.
"Could we maybe skip the interrogation? I just need Pierce to show me where my room is."
His stare didn't waver, those unusual eyes seeming to see right through me. "Ah," he said suddenly, understanding dawning across his features. "You must be Cornelia. Trina's girl and our newest family member. Finally getting to meet you, little sister."
"I'm sorry, what?" The words came out sharper than intended. "Who exactly do you think you are, calling me your sister?"
He pulled himself to his full height, shoulders straightening, and I suddenly realized just how imposing his presence was. Despite my own decent height, I felt dwarfed beside him.
"David Dolf," he said with a slight bow.
I studied him carefully, confusion creasing my brow. "Dolf..." My eyes swept over him, taking in those blue eyes and softer features. The only similarity to the older man I'd met was that same commanding presence.
"Griffin is my father," he explained, reading the question written across my face. "His youngest."
I gave a curt nod. "Fine. Can you tell me where to find Pierce?"
David shifted his weight, leaning casually against the wall with crossed arms. "Not even going to say it's nice to meet your big brother?"
"You. Are. Not. My. Brother," I bit out, moving to step around him.
Before I could react, his hand shot out, capturing my wrist with inhuman speed. In one fluid motion, I found myself pressed against the wall, his solid frame caging me in.
"That's incredibly rude," he murmured, dipping his head toward my neck. His nose brushed against my skin as he drew in a deep breath, his entire body trembling with the exhale. A low sound rumbled from his chest. "Christ, the way you smell..."
I twisted against his hold, equal parts revolted and shamefully aroused. His body radiated heat that seemed impossible for any normal person. Every inch of him felt solid, burning hot, and I couldn't ignore the very obvious hardness pressing against me.
"Get off me, David," I demanded through gritted teeth, even as unwanted warmth pooled between my thighs.
He lifted his head to meet my gaze, and I couldn't suppress my gasp. Those eyes were definitely glowing now, a faint but unmistakable light that no human should possess.
"Say it again."
"Get... off," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He shook his head, dark hair falling across his forehead and partially obscuring that supernatural glow.
Without thinking, my hand moved upward, brushing the strands away from his eyes and exposing them fully.
"Not that part, Cornelia," he said roughly. "Say my name again."
The word escaped before I could stop it. "David..."
Another low groan vibrated against my neck as he buried his face there once more, inhaling like he was trying to memorize my scent. With each breath he took, I could feel him growing harder until his erection pressed firmly against my stomach.
"Cornelia," he breathed, his hips moving slightly against me. "You're going to drive me out of my mind."
When his hand started sliding toward the waistband of my pants, reality crashed back. I planted my palm against his chest and shoved hard. Caught off guard, he stumbled backward, his eyes still clouded and glowing brighter than before.
"You absolute creep," I spat, my face burning with embarrassment and my chest heaving.
The bastard actually smiled. "You're close, but I'm much worse than that."
I spun away from him, feeling dizzy and breathless, and started walking in whatever direction would take me furthest from him. I had no idea where I was heading, but distance was all that mattered.
What the hell had just happened? I'd never lost control like that before. Self-control was practically my trademark. The only person who'd ever managed to crack my composure was my mother, and even that happened rarely.
As I approached the staircase, another figure came into view and I stopped short. This man stood at the bottom of the stairs wearing an immaculate three-piece suit, every hair perfectly in place.
I didn't need anyone to tell me this was another Dolf. Everything about him announced it, especially those distinctive blue eyes with their unnatural quality.
Those eyes were currently focused on something behind me.
Glancing back, I saw David locked in some kind of silent standoff with his brother. The predatory look from moments before had vanished, replaced by pure arrogance.
When I felt that piercing stare shift to me, I turned back toward the stairs. The newcomer was studying me now, and I fought the urge to squirm under his scrutiny.
Unlike his brother, this man possessed no trace of boyish appeal. Everything about him suggested he'd crush me beneath his expensive shoes without a second thought.
"Miss Lopez," he said, the first person in this house to use my last name. "Colter Dolf. Pierce is currently busy, so I'll take you to your room."
He turned and started up the stairs without checking to see if I followed. I looked back once more, but David had disappeared.
I trailed behind Colter down a long corridor, his pace never slowing or his attention turning back to me. He walked with purpose until we reached the very end, where he opened a door.
When I finally caught up, I stepped inside while he held the door.
"This is your room for the time being," he stated in the same tone someone might use to discuss stock reports.
I turned to face him, eyebrow raised. "For the time being?"
He nodded but offered no further explanation. "I'll leave you to settle in." He started to close the door, then paused, meeting my eyes one final time. "Keep this door locked at all times."
The soft click of the closing door left me staring at the empty space where he'd stood.
"Wonderful," I muttered, finally heading toward the bathroom.
Less than twenty four hours here, and I could already tell these people were far from ordinary. I was ready to leave.