**************CHAPTER 28~Kaia’s POV~The world tilted as I felt myself lose balance, the slick patch of water catching me off guard. A gasp escaped my lips, and my hands flailed in a desperate attempt to grab onto something—anything—to steady myself. But before I hit the ground, strong arms encircled me, halting my fall midair.Blaze.Instantly, he spun me upright and held me close to his chest. My heart was pounding, both from the fall and the overwhelming realization that I was cradled in his arms, his scent wrapping around me like a second skin.I stared up at him, my breath hitching as our faces hovered mere inches apart. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, intensely, and I couldn’t look away even if I tried.“You okay?” His voice was low and concerned, yet there was something else in it that made my stomach knot up.I gulped, nodding slowly. “Y-yeah. Thanks to you.”Blaze didn’t respond right away. Instead, his gaze flicked to my lips, lingering there for a moment too lo
***************CHAPTER 29~Kaia’s POV~The office was quiet, the city lights twinkling through the floor-to-ceiling windows as I stared at my screen. My presentation was due first thing in the morning, and while most of the data was in place, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.“Late night?” Blaze’s voice startled me, and I looked up to see him leaning against the doorframe, his tie loosened and his sleeves rolled up.“What gave it away?” I said dryly, gesturing to the empty office.He walked in, setting a steaming cup of coffee on my desk. “You’re always here late. Thought you could use a pick-me-up.”“Thanks,” I murmured, taking a sip. The warmth spread through me, but it did little to ease the tension knotting my shoulders.Blaze pulled up a chair and sat across from me, his sharp eyes scanning my face. “You’ve been tense all day. What’s going on?”I hesitated, unsure how much to share. “It’s nothing. Just the usual pressure of making sure everything’s perfect.”“
***************CHAPTER 29~Kaia’s POV~The boardroom looked very professional with a long glass table, shiny metal details, and walls decorated with Apex Global’s recent successes. There was a bit of tension in the air as executives from various departments took their seats, ready with their laptops and notepads.Blaze sat at the head of the table and I sat to his right, my laptop open and ready. My heart raced, but outwardly, I maintained a calm, confident demeanour.This presentation was critical—not just for the company, but for me.As I rose to begin, the conversation died down, and all eyes turned toward me. The projector screen lit up with the first slide of my carefully prepared presentation.“Good morning, everyone,” I began, despite the nerves swirling in my chest. “Today, I’ll be walking you through the financial strategy and projections for our upcoming expansion into the European market.”The room was silent as I delved into the details, my words accompanied by crisp, pr
***************CHAPTER 31~Summer’s POV~The room was empty now, save for Blaze and me. His icy gaze bore into me, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of unease in his presence.Thanks to that bitch Kaia, I was in this deep shit. I thought I had messed up her work to allow Blaze see her incompetence and question the motive for her joining his company but all that backfired.“Summer,” he began, his voice cold, “do you think I’m a fool?”I forced a laugh, though it sounded hollow even to my own ears. “Blaze, I was…”“Mr. Black to you,” he corrected fiercely as he interjected. I swallowed, nodding and correcting myself. “Mr. Black, I was only trying to help. That data was obviously incorrect—”“Incorrect because you tampered with it,” Blaze cut in, his tone sharp enough to slice through steel.I blinked, feigning shock. “Me? That’s ridiculous! Why would I—”“Stop,” Blaze snapped, his hand lifting to silence me. “I have no patience for lies, Summer.”I bit my inner cheek, trying to
***************CHAPTER 32~Kaia’s POV~The parking lot was quieter than usual. I scanned around searching for Blaze’s car when I spotted him at a corner. As I approached the sleek black car waiting for me, the door swung open, and Blaze’s familiar, confident smile greeted me from inside.“You’re late,” he teased lightly.I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. "Not everyone can summon cars instantly."Sliding into the seat, I smoothed my skirt and glanced at him. “So, where exactly are we going, Mr. Black? And what’s this about a surprise?”Blaze’s smile deepened a hint of mischief in his eyes. “You’ll see,” he said cryptically. “Just wait.”The drive to City Hall was uneventful, but my mind raced with curiosity. By the time we arrived, I was more anxious than I cared to admit. Blaze led the way into the impressive marble-floored building; his stride was confident.We were ushered into a conference room where several top executives, both men and women
***************CHAPTER 32~Kaia’s POV~The ride back to the office had been relatively quiet, Blaze’s confident smirk barely leaving his face as I sat beside him, my mind racing with thoughts about the day.When we arrived, I stepped out of the car, expecting the usual hum of activity at Apex Global. Instead, the lobby was filled with whispers, and the reason became clear the moment I heard her voice.“Kaia Gold,” Summer’s shrill tone rang out, amplified by the megaphone she held. “I owe you an apology.”I froze, my stomach dropping. A crowd had gathered in the open atrium, employees pausing their tasks to watch the spectacle unfold.“I deeply regret my actions,” Summer continued, her voice dripping with false sincerity. “I was wrong to tamper with your work, and I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.”She paused, and for a moment, I thought she might end it there. But then she added with an exaggerated pout, “Though I suppose not everyone has the grace to accept an apolo
***************CHAPTER 33~Blaze’s POV~The murmurs and whispers in the lobby faded as I strode to my car, my jaw clenched and my mind preoccupied. Kaia’s reaction to Summer’s apology—if it could even be called that—lingered in my thoughts.She was strong and resilient, but I could see the cracks in her armour. Summer’s antics weren’t just irritating; they were dangerous distractions.As I settled into the driver’s seat, my phone buzzed in the cup holder. The screen lit up with my father’s name.I sighed, tempted to let it ring out, but I knew better. With a resigned breath, I answered.“Blaze,” his deep, commanding voice came through the line. “Come home. We need to talk.”“Now?” I asked, irritation lacing my tone.“Yes,” he said firmly. “It’s important.”Reluctantly, I hung up and started the engine, sparing no time to inform Kaia. She would manage without me for the evening. She could handle herself just fine but now, I had some important things to do.***********The Black famil
**************CHAPTER 34~Shawn’s POV~The dimly lit bar reeked of cheap whiskey and regret, the kind of place where people came to drown their failures. For me, it was the perfect setting to plot my comeback.Sipping the amber liquid in my glass, I leaned back in my seat, my mind spinning with plans. The image of Kaia standing tall during her presentation today still burned in my mind, mocking me. She had always been strong, but now, with Blaze Black at her side, she was untouchable.For now.Beside me, Derek, my longtime friend and occasional enabler, swirled his drink lazily. He had the kind of face that could charm most people, but tonight his expression mirrored my simmering frustration.“Still thinking about her?” Derek asked, his tone dripping with disapproval.I scowled. “She humiliated me, Derek. After everything I gave her. And now she’s prancing around like she’s better than me.”Derek raised an eyebrow. “She is married to Blaze Black. That’s a pretty big step up.”I glare
**************CHAPTER 60~Summer’s POV~My breath came in short, panicked gasps. My pulse pounded so hard it echoed in my ears. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. Blaze wasn’t supposed to care about Kaia this much.Not enough to do this. Not enough to terrify me in a way I had never known before.I yanked at the ropes binding my wrists, my nails digging into my skin. “Blaze,” I forced out, trying to keep my voice steady, “you don’t have to do this.”Blaze exhaled. He rested his elbows on his knees, watching me like a predator studying his prey.“You’re right,” he said calmly. “I don’t have to. I want to.”I swallowed hard.This was bad.Really, really bad.“I just…” I tried to force my voice into something sweet, something desperate enough to pull at his heart—soft, something that might appeal to the man I used to know. “Blaze, I just—”His chair scraped as he leaned forward, cutting off my words with nothing but his sheer presence.“Shut up, Summer.”The way he said my name
**************CHAPTER 59~Kaia’s POV~I stared at Blaze, my mind spinning from everything that had happened. The drug. The fight. The hotel room.And now… this conversation.Well, it was apparent we had concluded. My craziness yesterday hadn’t landed me in bed with Blaze Black.My fingers tightened around the blanket as I sat up a little more. “Okay, serious question—how did you change my clothes?”Blaze smirked, leaning back against the chair beside the bed. “Kaia, I can disable a bomb without looking. You really think I can’t change your clothes with my eyes shut?”I exhaled, letting my shoulders relax. “Fine. Fair point.”Then, just as I started to let it go, he added, “Doesn’t mean I didn’t look.”I blinked. “You—”Blaze chuckled, but before he could finish his laugh, I grabbed the nearest pillow and launched it at his face. He caught it effortlessly, amusement dancing in his sharp blue eyes.“You’re impossible,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.“You love it.”I glared at him, but
**************CHAPTER 58~Blaze’s POV~I watched the doctor, one of my close friends, Sam, check Kaia over, my arms crossed tightly as I leaned against the wall. Her breathing was steady, but she looked so damn pale. The way she had passed out earlier had nearly given me a heart attack.I wasn’t used to seeing her like this—weak, vulnerable. Kaia was always the strongest person in the room. But now? Now, she looked small and fragile.“She needs to sleep,” Sam concluded, standing up straight. “Let her be. Her body will naturally process the drug. In a day or two, she should be fine.”My jaw clenched. “And her mental state?”“She’ll be a little disoriented,” Sam admitted. “But there should be no permanent damage.”I exhaled, some of the tension in my chest easing. “I see.”“She also seems a little dehydrated. Keep an eye on her and ensure she drinks plenty of fluids,” Sam added.I nodded. “Yeah. Of course.”Once that was done, he exhaled and packed up his things, zipping up his bag bef
**************CHAPTER 57~Kaia’s POV~I could feel the hunger in his touch, the barely restrained desire. And yet, beneath it all, there was a tenderness I hadn't expected.I clung to him, my fingers tangling in his hair, his clothes, anything I could grab.I wanted more.I needed more."Blaze," I gasped, my body arching off the bed as he kissed his way down my neck, his tongue tracing patterns on my heated skin.Blaze smirked, nipping at the sensitive spot where my shoulder met my neck. "Is this what you want?" he asked, his voice low and husky.I whimpered, my hips bucking involuntarily. "Yes," I breathed, my eyes fluttering shut as pleasure washed over me."Or would you like me to quench your desire?"I happily nodded, unsure of what his question truly meant.But it was all the permission Blaze needed.He tugged my dress down, baring my bra, and then the gown was completely off.My cheeks burned at the thought of Blade seeing me almost half naked, but the next second, he leaned do
**************CHAPTER 56~Kaia’s POV~Blaze’s voice penetrated through the fog in my mind. The moment the three men turned, a force of raw fury crashed into them.Blaze.I barely had time to process what was happening before Blaze’s fist connected with the first man’s jaw. The sickening crack of bone against bone echoed through the corridor. The man staggered back, blood spurting from his nose.Jesus!Before the second man could react, Blaze spun, delivering a brutal kick to his stomach. He doubled over, gasping for air, but Blaze didn’t stop there.His rage was unchecked.He grabbed the man by the collar and slammed him against the wall so hard the paintings rattled. “Touch my wife again,” he growled, his voice deadly, “and I’ll break you.”The third man, clearly realizing he’d made a mistake, tried to bolt. But Blaze was faster. He caught him by the back of his shirt and yanked him backward, sending his knee crashing into the guy’s gut.The man let out a choked gasp before collapsi
**************CHAPTER 55~Kaia’s POV~The moment I stepped downstairs, I could feel the shift in the air.Blaze stood at the bottom of the staircase, dressed in a black tuxedo, his hair styled just enough to look effortlessly put together. His blue eyes flickered up, and for the first time tonight, his usual cocky smirk vanished.His gaze raked over me, from the deep emerald silk gown hugging my figure to the high slit that teased my thigh with every step I took.I knew I looked good.And from the way Blaze’s jaw clenched slightly, I knew he knew it too.I descended gracefully, keeping my expression composed. “Are we late?” I asked as I reached the last step.Blaze blinked once before schooling his face back into its usual unreadable mask. “No,” he said, offering me his arm. “But you sure know how to make an entrance.”I smirked and looped my hand around his arm. “That’s the idea.”With that, we headed out.**************~At the Event~The venue was a masterpiece—elegant chandeliers
**************CHAPTER 54~Kaia’s POV~Shyne.I knew that name.At Blaze’s uncle’s birthday celebration, I had seen her approach Blaze, a woman too poised, too familiar, and clearly accustomed to getting attention. Even then, I had noticed how his entire demeanour barely shifted the second she appeared—his features hardening, his irritation barely concealed.Back then my anger or jealousy didn’t make me see it, but later, when I thought about it, he masked it, which was why I thought he was entertaining her.And now, here she was, calling at this hour.I wasn’t sure what to think.Was she just some annoying family friend? Someone his father had imposed on him? Or was she—I cut off the thought before it could fully form.Blaze hadn’t even responded yet. He just sat there, his grip on his phone tightening.I suddenly felt like an intruder in a conversation I wasn’t supposed to be a part of.“I’ll leave you to it,” I murmured, stepping back and smoothing the creases of my apron, as if
**************CHAPTER 53~Kaia’s POV~Blaze’s phone call lasted longer than I expected. He had walked out of the kitchen, irritation across his face as he answered. I lingered for a moment, listening to the deep rumble of his voice before deciding to focus on dinner.The aroma of roasted chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and garlic-buttered asparagus filled the kitchen. I plated everything carefully, setting the table like nothing happened even though my mind kept circling back to Blaze’s tense expression.As soon as I was done, I wiped my hands on a napkin and made my way to his room. Just as I reached his door, it swung open, and Blaze stepped out.“Dinner’s ready,” I said simply, stepping aside.Blaze hummed in acknowledgement, his usual smirk absent as he followed me to the dining table.For a while, we ate in silence.It was strange. The teasing, the heated moments, the arguments—all of it seemed to have faded into the background, leaving behind an unsettling stillness. I sig
**************CHAPTER 52~Kaia’s POV~“Bingo… a way to tame the hot CEO, Blaze Black.”Tiffany spread her arms dramatically as if she were staring at a billboard showcasing her master plan.From the couch, Bethany raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Yeah, Tiff? And what exactly is Lesson 101 on achieving that?”Tiffany spun around, her gaze locking onto me like a predator spotting prey. “Simple,” she said with a devilish grin. “We bring out the seductress in Kaia and tame the untamable CEO.”I blinked. “Excuse me?”Bethany chuckled, throwing a piece of popcorn into her mouth. “You heard her, babe. Apparently, our resident Ice King needs to melt a little.”Tiffany leaned forward, excitement buzzing in her eyes. “Think about it, Kaia. He’s so used to being the one in control. You, on the other hand, always react to his moves. It’s time to flip the script.”I scoffed, crossing my arms. “And how exactly do you expect me to do that?”Tiffany smirked. “By making him want you even more—but giv