*****************CHAPTER 113~Kaia’s POV~The city lights flickered in the distance as we pulled up to Blaze’s house. I didn’t say a word. Neither did he.I just wanted to be alone.Once inside, I headed straight for my room and let the silence swallow me. The hot bath I took was meant to relax me, but even with the steam and lavender-scented soaps, my thoughts wouldn’t settle. Still, I emerged feeling lighter. Not better, but… lighter.I slipped into a simple blue off-shoulder gown, the fabric soft against my skin. It cinched at the waist with a thin strap and fell just past my knees. My hair was damp, tumbling down my back, and for once, I didn’t bother taming it.I had one more thing to do before I could let this day go—I needed to check in on Blaze’s grandmother. The way I left… it wasn’t right.I needed to apologise and explain my sudden departure. She deserved that, at least.I walked softly through the hallway and stopped outside her room. My hand hovered over the door before
*****************CHAPTER 113~Blaze’s POV~The morning came too damn fast.After what happened last night in the second parlour with Kaia, I didn’t sleep. I just couldn’t. All the while my mind kept replaying her words. They were stuck to me like a thorn—“You seem incapable of love.”I wasn’t even sure if I was angry, heartbroken, or just numb.But before I could make sense of it, I got a call from the office.Emergency board meeting. No warning prior but then again, it was my company, shig like this happened especially with my father as the Chairman.I left without seeing Kaia. Didn’t say goodbye. Didn’t even look toward her door when I passed it.She was probably still asleep… or pretending to be.By the time I got to Apex Global, the city was already moving like it had no time for heartbreak.As soon as I got in, the conference room buzzed with tension. I sat at the head, flipping through the project files, trying to stay focused, but my mind was scattered. My team filed in one b
*****************CHAPTER 115~Kaia’s POV~I was halfway through reviewing the quarterly reports when a knock came at the door."Come in," I said without looking up.My secretary stepped in, holding a sleek folder in her hands. "Ma’am, I wanted to inform you of a new assignment."I raised a brow, finally glancing up. She looked... hesitant. That immediately put me on edge.She placed the folder gently on my desk. "Effective today, you’ve been assigned to lead the negotiations on the Apex Global energy expansion project."I blinked. "Wait. What?""Kayne Kyle will be the lead from the investment firm’s side. You’ll be working directly with him over the next several weeks to secure the partnership terms."My mind froze for a second. Kayne Kyle? The same man from Draven’s files? This was… sigh."Does Blaze know about this?" I asked carefully, keeping my voice calm even as my pulse picked up.She nodded. "Yes, ma'am. He was at the meeting this morning when the announcement was made. His fa
*****************CHAPTER 116~Kaia’s POV~Ever since our little scandal situation with Crystal, I was glad Blaze wasn’t running to Shyne just yet. Even though he got angry with me, it was understandable, yet things still felt so shaky.My mind thought back to the vacation house we stayed at and how Snow was planning something about getting me pregnant. I shook my head, not wanting to think of it and focus on my drive back home.I hadn't spoken to David since then and I know he wanted to hear from me. I did not wish to play a game and dance in anybody’s hands anymore. Back home, I dropped onto the bed, still slightly damp from my workout. The silence in the room wrapped around me like a blanket I didn’t ask for.My phone buzzed. It was a message from the office.The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, 9:30 AM, with Kayne Kyle and Kaia Black.Great.I stared at the screen for a long time, then tossed the phone on the bed.Why did it feel like I was being thrown into a fire that Blaze
*****************CHAPTER 117~Acer's POV~The club was dimly lit, the kind of place where the lights were low, the music was expensive, and the drinks even more so. Perfect for unwinding, or scheming—whichever came first, just like how Kelvin loved to call it.I slid into the leather booth, where Kelvin and David were already halfway through their drinks. Kelvin raised his glass in greeting, and David nodded.“About time,” Kelvin muttered. “We were starting to think you got lost in the city.”“I don’t get lost,” I said, grinning as I grabbed the drink waiting for me. “I just take scenic routes.”David smirked. “You always had a way with dramatic entrances.”I leaned back, sipping the whiskey. It was smooth. Just how I liked it.We talked shop for a bit—business, upcoming deals, the usual power-play conversation. Then Kelvin pulled out his phone, flicked to a picture, and slid it across the table toward me.“By the way, David’s been losing sleep over this one,” he said, half-laughing.
*****************CHAPTER 119~Kaia’s POV~Walking into Apex Global that morning felt like slipping into a familiar suit of armour.The moment I stepped through the revolving doors, the crisp chill of the air conditioning clung to me hard. I had barely slept, but I dressed sharply—black fitted trousers, a white blouse, a blazer, and heels that clicked purposefully against the marble floors.No more hesitation. No more distractions.I was here to work.As I approached the executive wing, Blaze’s secretary stood up from her desk, her hands folded in a professional manner.“Good morning, Mrs. Black,” she greeted with a small nod. “Mr. Black is in his office… but there’s someone inside waiting for you.”I arched a brow. “Waiting for me?”She nodded. “Yes. He said it’s important.”“Right.” I adjusted my blazer and walked up to the double doors.I knocked once before pushing them open.Blaze stood near the windows, hands in his pockets, staring out like he was too focused on anything but th
*****************CHAPTER 120~Kaia’s POV~Dinner ended with the same polished charm it started with. I tried not to stay too late. Once we were done discussing business, I finished my meal before announcing that I wanted to take my leave. Thankfully, he wasn’t much trouble and allowed me to leave. Kayne accompanied me out of the restaurant like he had all the time in the world. The valet handed over my keys, and I walked ahead, mentally reviewing everything we had discussed. Every word. Every pause. Every calculated compliment.I stopped beside my car, turning to say a brief goodbye.“Thank you for dinner,” I said politely but guardedly.Kayne didn’t move right away. He simply stepped closer, not into my space, just near enough that I noticed. Then, with the same smooth confidence he wore like a second skin, he leaned in and kissed my cheek once, then the other.It was light, professional or formal and nothing out of control but I was still tense.He straightened and extended his h
*****************CHAPTER 121~Kaia’s POV~Blaze's tongue pushed deeper into my mouth, and I moaned. His steps faltered, and his grip around me, tightened.My mind was racing, trying to keep up with what was happening around me. But I knew where this was going, and I didn't want to stop it.We got to my room, and he kicked the door shut, and the next second, he was on me. His lips trailed down my neck, and his hands found the front of my robe.I gasped, but Blaze just continued his trail of kisses down my chest, tugging the thin fabric open as his lips explored the curve of my breasts."Fuck," I gasped.Blaze kissed lower, down my stomach and his hands slid beneath me, squeezing my ass, kneading, pulling me up, and then he dropped me gently on the bed.I landed on the sheets and sat up, but Blaze was already kneeling in front of me, his mouth inches from mine, his eyes wild."Kaia," he whispered. "Last chance. Tell me to stop."I shook my head. "No. I don't want you to stop. Ever."He
*****************CHAPTER 127~Author’s POV~The rooftop lounge of Seraphine, one of the city’s most exclusive members-only clubs, buzzed with low conversation and jazz humming through golden speakers. The skyline burned orange with the last of the sunset, and the air was thick with cigar smoke and quiet power.Kayne arrived just as David Mercer waved him over from a private corner booth.“Good timing,” David said smoothly, raising his glass as Kayne took the seat across from him.“I figured you'd pick somewhere dramatic,” Kayne replied with a chuckle, resting his blazer on the arm of the chair. “What are we drinking to?”“Progress.” David leaned forward, his tone was much cooler now. “And control.”Kayne raised a brow. “Sounds vague.”“Blaze is unravelling. Slowly. I’ve seen it. Ever since Kaia, he’s more emotional, more unpredictable. You showing up—getting close to her—it’s exactly what we need to keep him off balance.”Kayne smiled lazily, but his eyes sharpened. “You sound like
*****************CHAPTER 126~Author’s POV~The evening sun shone through the tall windows of Kayne Kyle’s penthouse suite, filling the space with warm light. From the top floor, the sprawling city unfolded—buildings like steel giants against a cotton-candy sky. But Kayne’s gaze was inward, fixed on the amber liquid swirling in his glass as his feet rested on the cool surface of the glass coffee table.The intercom’s soft buzz broke the silence. “Sir, Mr. Draven is here.”A smile touched Kayne’s lips. He stood and straightened the cuffs of his shirt. “Send him up.”Two minutes later, the door yielded, and Draven Davion entered. Dressed in a black shirt and dark jeans, his attire suggested ease, yet his presence never did. He moved with confidence into his cousin’s house while his eyes raked the surroundings. “Nice place,” Draven commented, his gaze sweeping over the penthouse a second time as though taking in anything he missed on first glance. “As expected.”Kayne chuckled, extend
*****************CHAPTER 125~Kaia’s POV~I was still sitting in the living room of my parents’ house when my phone buzzed beside me.Blaze.For a second, I considered ignoring it. My mind was still wrapped around the truth I had just uncovered. The weight of that document hadn’t left my chest since I found it.But I answered.“Kaia,” Blaze’s voice came through, warm and deep. “I was thinking… dinner tonight? Just the two of us.”I hesitated, shifting on the couch. “I don’t think—”“It doesn’t have to be anything serious,” he cut in, gently. “Just you and me. Good food. Maybe some dessert we don’t finish because I can’t keep my hands off you.”I should’ve laughed. I almost did.But something in me wasn’t ready. Not tonight. Not after everything.Still, I couldn’t bring myself to say no to him. Not when he sounded so hopeful.“I’ll meet you there,” I said quietly.Later that evening, I arrived at the restaurant he had chosen—Maison Lune, a softly lit, elegant space tucked into a quiet
*****************CHAPTER 124~Author’s POV~Eriel Black was sitting in his cozy study, gently swirling the last bit of his aged whiskey in a crystal glass. The late morning sun poured in through the tall windows, filling the room with a warm golden light, but his mind was anything but calm.Not today.He had barely finished reading through his messages when one of the housekeepers knocked softly and entered with a bow.“Sir… Miss Crystal is here. She’s waiting for you in the living room.”Eriel’s brows lifted slightly. That was fast.He stood up without a word, set his glass down on the desk, and walked down the long hallway. The housekeeper disappeared behind him as he stepped into the big living room.And there she was.Crystal sat elegantly on one of the couches like she had all the time in the world, her legs crossed, one hand casually resting on the armrest as though she hadn’t been at the centre of a brewing storm. Her smile was faint, polite… and empty.“Uncle,” she greeted s
*****************CHAPTER 123~Kaia’s POV~The soft rays of sunlight filtered into the room through the sheer curtains, casting faint golden stripes across the bed. I stirred slowly, my limbs sore and heavy, my skin still tingling from the night before.The space beside me was empty.Blaze was gone.I blinked slowly, adjusting to the light. The room still smelled like him—warm skin, spice, and something undeniably masculine. I shifted slightly, my body humming in the places he had touched, kissed, and worshipped.As the memories returned, my face heated.I remembered how his mouth felt between my legs, how he growled my name like he needed it to breathe. And when we’d both passed out, exhausted and bare, I remembered waking up sometime in the middle of the night with his face nuzzled between my breasts, his soft breath warming my skin, his lips pressing lazy kisses there as if he never wanted to leave.I smiled to myself, biting my bottom lip.But just as I reached for the covers to r
*****************CHAPTER 122~Kaia’s POV~"I... I—""Cum," Blaze ordered.His teeth sank into my clit, and his fingers curled, and that was it.The dam burst, and my entire body convulsed.My voice cracked, and my limbs went numb."Fuck!"My body convulsed, and I was shaking, twitching, and shuddering.It was never-ending, and I couldn't breathe.His mouth stayed locked, sucking, and his fingers didn't stop moving.It was too much."BLAZE!!"But, Blaze kept his mouth where it was, and his fingers were relentless, and all I could do was cry his name, over and over, until I thought I might pass out.Finally, just when I was about to lose consciousness, Blaze's mouth slowed. He kissed and sucked lightly, his fingers drawing circles on the outside of my core."Are you okay?" he whispered, his mouth leaving my clit and returning to mine.I couldn't answer. It took about two minutes for me to fully recover all the while I smiled at him."Yes. Yes, I am," I replied."Good. Now, can I have y
*****************CHAPTER 121~Kaia’s POV~Blaze's tongue pushed deeper into my mouth, and I moaned. His steps faltered, and his grip around me, tightened.My mind was racing, trying to keep up with what was happening around me. But I knew where this was going, and I didn't want to stop it.We got to my room, and he kicked the door shut, and the next second, he was on me. His lips trailed down my neck, and his hands found the front of my robe.I gasped, but Blaze just continued his trail of kisses down my chest, tugging the thin fabric open as his lips explored the curve of my breasts."Fuck," I gasped.Blaze kissed lower, down my stomach and his hands slid beneath me, squeezing my ass, kneading, pulling me up, and then he dropped me gently on the bed.I landed on the sheets and sat up, but Blaze was already kneeling in front of me, his mouth inches from mine, his eyes wild."Kaia," he whispered. "Last chance. Tell me to stop."I shook my head. "No. I don't want you to stop. Ever."He
*****************CHAPTER 120~Kaia’s POV~Dinner ended with the same polished charm it started with. I tried not to stay too late. Once we were done discussing business, I finished my meal before announcing that I wanted to take my leave. Thankfully, he wasn’t much trouble and allowed me to leave. Kayne accompanied me out of the restaurant like he had all the time in the world. The valet handed over my keys, and I walked ahead, mentally reviewing everything we had discussed. Every word. Every pause. Every calculated compliment.I stopped beside my car, turning to say a brief goodbye.“Thank you for dinner,” I said politely but guardedly.Kayne didn’t move right away. He simply stepped closer, not into my space, just near enough that I noticed. Then, with the same smooth confidence he wore like a second skin, he leaned in and kissed my cheek once, then the other.It was light, professional or formal and nothing out of control but I was still tense.He straightened and extended his h
*****************CHAPTER 119~Kaia’s POV~Walking into Apex Global that morning felt like slipping into a familiar suit of armour.The moment I stepped through the revolving doors, the crisp chill of the air conditioning clung to me hard. I had barely slept, but I dressed sharply—black fitted trousers, a white blouse, a blazer, and heels that clicked purposefully against the marble floors.No more hesitation. No more distractions.I was here to work.As I approached the executive wing, Blaze’s secretary stood up from her desk, her hands folded in a professional manner.“Good morning, Mrs. Black,” she greeted with a small nod. “Mr. Black is in his office… but there’s someone inside waiting for you.”I arched a brow. “Waiting for me?”She nodded. “Yes. He said it’s important.”“Right.” I adjusted my blazer and walked up to the double doors.I knocked once before pushing them open.Blaze stood near the windows, hands in his pockets, staring out like he was too focused on anything but th