HIS TO OWN

Lyra’s POV‎The hotel smelled like roses and was like happiness. Guess what, everyone? Tonight was my last night being single!‎The receptionist smiled politely as she slid the room card across the counter.‎“Mr. Killian checked in an hour ago. He asked us to expect you," she informed me. "and he said to refer to you as Mrs. Blackthorn.”‎The title made my chest flutter. Mrs. Blackthorn. I’d repeated it in my head a hundred times, imagining how it would sound when he called me that tonight.‎By this time tomorrow, I will be married to the love of my life. ‎I clutched the spare key she handed me and said. “Thank you.”‎The elevator ride felt endless, and I twirled repeatedly in it as my imagination ran wild. Thinking of how Killian would hold me in his arms, how our first night would be.‎Gosh, I couldn't wait!‎The key card clicked, and I pushed the door open, then my world stopped.‎ ‎Matilda’s moan was the first thing I heard then. Then Killian’s voice, low and rough, as he rammed int

Damien's POV‎The door to the suite shut behind us with a soft click. I'd taken her to one of my hotels, which wasn't far from the club. ‎‎Lyra stood there like she wasn’t sure whether she belonged in a place like this, her fingers brushing the edge of the sofa and her shoulders too tight for someone who claimed to want me.‎“You don’t like it?” I asked, stepping behind her. "Or are you scared?"‎She jumped slightly, then forced a small smile. “No. It’s beautiful. Just… a lot to take in for someone who is just here for a one-night stand.”‎‎I slid my hands to her waist, pulling her back against me, and I rested my head on her shoulder. “Then stop looking at the damn room and look at me.”‎When she finally turned her head, her lips were so close I didn’t bother waiting. I leaned in and kissed her, pulling her against my body. She kissed back like she needed it as much as I did, clutching my shirt like she’d fall if she let go.‎“Damien…” she whispered when I pulled back, and the way s

‎Damien leaned back in his seat, one leg crossed over the other, before he dropped the bombshell. “I want a wife,” he said simply. ‎Lyra blinked repeatedly. “Excuse me?” She'd come here for a job, not for some sort of clown show.‎His lips curved faintly, though there was no humor in his eyes. “That is the nature of the job. I don't want a lover or someone to warm my bed; all I need is a wife."‎Her throat went dry, and she forced herself to sit up. “So you want me to… what? Be your—” ‎“Wife,” he repeated, cutting her off. “But before you misunderstand, this isn’t some fairytale proposal. It’s a contract marriage with clear terms, so don't think I've fallen in love with you overnight."‎Well, that was a relief. After what she'd been through, marriage was the last thing she wanted.‎Lyra’s heart slammed against her ribs. A contract marriage? She’d only just met him and he'd taken her virginity too. The smart thing to do was laugh in his face and walk out, but Killian’s mocking