**Chapter 7: The Price of Surrender**

As Alessandro wrapped his arms around her, Sophia felt a sense of disorientation wash over her. The warmth of his body, the gentle stroke of his fingers on her skin, it all seemed to conspire against her, making her forget the reality of her situation. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw the calculating glint there, the knowledge that he had her right where he wanted her. He leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers, and Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine as she saw the cold, hard determination there. "We need to talk about the rules," he said, his voice low and husky, like a snake slithering through the grass. Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she realized what he was saying. She was his sex slave now, and she would have to follow his rules if she wanted to survive. The thought sent a wave of fear through her, but Alessandro's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, daring her to defy him. "The first rule is that you will address me as Master," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "You will not speak to me unless I give you permission, and you will not look at me unless I tell you to." Sophia felt a surge of resentment at his words, but she bit it back, knowing that she had to tread carefully if she wanted to stay alive. "Master," she whispered, the word feeling like acid on her tongue. Alessandro's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction at her response, and he leaned forward, his lips brushing against her ear. "The second rule is that you will do as I say, whenever I say it," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. "You will not question me, you will not argue with me. You will simply obey." Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized the extent of her surrender. She was his now, body and soul, and she would have to do his bidding if she wanted to survive. The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating, and Sophia wasn't sure which emotion would win out in the end. As Alessandro pulled back, his eyes seemed to bore into her soul, searching for something. Sophia wasn't sure what it was, but she knew that she had to give it to him. She had to show him that she was willing to surrender, to give herself to him completely. "I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Alessandro's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction at her response, and he nodded, his lips curling into a small smile. "Good," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'll take you to the room now. You'll need to get ready for the evening." Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she realized what he was saying. She was going to have to perform for him, to do his bidding in front of who-knew-how-many people. The thought sent a wave of fear through her, but she pushed it back, knowing that she had to be strong if she wanted to survive. As Alessandro stood up, pulling her into his arms, Sophia felt a sense of resignation wash over her. She was his now, body and soul, and she would have to do his bidding if she wanted to stay alive. The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating, and Sophia wasn't sure which emotion would win out in the end. But as she looked into Alessandro's eyes, she knew that she had to try, to survive in this new world and find a way to escape.