Her eyes glinted with danger even as she smiled.

Bennett met her gaze with a cool, almost playful look. He said slowly, "I like the way you dance."

Ariana said through gritted teeth, “Thanks. Now, can you let go?"

Bennett said nothing in response. Their faces were now just inches apart. He lowered his head, smelling the scent of Ariana and pressing them even closer.

Ariana had reached her limit. She shoved Bennett hard and took a few steps back, creating some distance between them.

She adjusted her clothes quickly and shot him a cold look. "I did your little dance. Now you better keep your word.”

Bennett smirked. “Of course, I always honor my promises. You get to keep the dog, and you're out of the arena. You can stay here and do whatever you want; just don't try to escape."

Ariana mustered a fake smile and looked at him. "Do whatever I want?"

Bennett chuckled. "Yeah, as long as you don't mess with me. You can have cash, jewels, fancy meals, whatever you desire."

Ariana scoffed, "Oh, really? So, you're just going to keep me here?"

Bennett raised an eyebrow. “Isn't keeping a woman simple?"

He moved closer to her, his voice light but laced with threat. "Just do as I say. Keep me happy, and you'll have no problems. That should be easy, right?"

Inside, Ariana was boiling with rage. Bennett was acting like she was his property, some sort of toy to amuse him until he got bored.

It was common in this place-nobody saw anyone as human, not even themselves.

Ariana stayed silent. She didn't trust herself to say anything without blowing up.

At least Bennett wasn't pushing further right now, which gave her a chance to think.

She was already plotting her next move, trying to figure out a way to let Bennett take her to the banquet.

On her way here, she had spotted several guards. Staying here meant being under watch, but slipping out from a busy banquet might be easier.

She didn't know Holden's exact plans, but he would soon realize she wasn't heading back to the arena. Yet getting inside the villa might be tough for him.

Ariana was deep in thought as a hand brushed against her cheek.