Taken by the Heartless {Book One}

She spat out, her eyes filled with hatred, "I'd rather endure the torment of being dragged through mud by horses or suffer a beating from a club embedded with nails than lose my innocence to you." Her words dripped with disdain, hoping her expression conveyed the extent of her contempt. His anger and disbelief flared as he realized she was the first woman to reject him, in such an absurd manner. Rising, he approached her, forcing her against the wall as she had nowhere else to retreat. He grabbed her chin with his powerful hand, compelling her to meet his piercing gray gaze into her hazel eyes. "You don't understand," he whispered, his deep voice low and menacing, "What if it's your only path to freedom?" "Regardless," she replied firmly, "I'd rather die." He swiftly pushed her onto the bed, and as he advanced, she tried to scoot away. "I am Eros Castillo, the ruthless leader of El Dragon Gang. No one dares to reject me," he growled, his eyes turned even darker, his face reflecting a deadly determination.