Chapter 4

-Katherine-

It will all be okay...

The words echoed in my mind, their source uncertain, but they brought a calming sense of peace. Then another sensation spread through me—warmth. It was an unusual warmth, enveloping me in a pleasant burn without pain. I felt hands on my body, and I smiled, hearing a dark voice in my ear.

“Missed me, my queen?”

I chuckled happily, feeling a throbbing between my legs as a hand wandered lower, finding the place I needed it most. The touch intensified the warmth, and I whispered, “Ah… yes.”

“You know how much I need you every time we’ve been apart,” he murmured. “You always taste so sweet after missing me.”

Acan was never this vocal during our intimate moments. But the pleasure was overwhelming, and as his hand continued to tease me, something exploded inside me, spreading pure pleasure. I gasped, clinging to the body above me, while his lips kissed and adored my neck. It was incredible. I didn’t remember ever reacting this intensely.

Then he slid inside me, filling me completely. The sensation spread through me, making me gasp and pant with each movement. As he quickened his pace, my cries grew louder, and I felt alive in a new, exhilarating way. I could hardly bear it, growing more desperate with every thrust, until his hand moved between us again. I came apart, screaming with pleasure, shaking and calling out for more.

Acan seemed just as wild, groaning and taking me harder until he found his own release. He came inside me, then slumped down, and we both rested.

I woke up with a muscular arm around my waist, feeling an unexpected sense of contentment. It was a different kind of satisfaction, almost as if I had been thoroughly used. I smiled as I slowly came to consciousness, the memories from last night spreading through me and making me feel warm and eager for more. What had gotten into me? I enjoyed our intimate moments, but I didn’t remember ever having such a fierce hunger for Acan. It was as if he sensed it too, stirring behind me, sighing, and pulling me closer. I felt his readiness for more and gasped, my cheeks flushing.

“Goddess, I love waking up next to you,” he whispered in my ear.

I was more awake now, and the voice had a deeper undertone than Acan’s usual timbre. Confusion washed over me. Turning my head, I was met with a startling sight: Darius, smiling down at me with dark hunger in his eyes. I let out a shocked scream, and he pulled back slightly, surprised by my reaction.

“Darius?”

“Yes?” he replied, sounding puzzled. “Who else?”

“I… You…” I glanced around, realizing I wasn’t in my usual bedroom. How could this be? What had happened?

“Katherine?” he said, placing a hand gently on my cheek. “What’s going on? Are you alright?”

“I… but you… We…”

“Did you have a bad dream?” he asked softly.

“A what?”

“It’s alright,” he murmured soothingly. Before I could react, his lips were on mine. For some reason, I couldn’t help but respond, leaning into the kiss and moaning, savoring the sensation of him against me. But how could this be? I had always seen Darius as just a friend, and now I desired him. What had changed?

“I will make you feel better,” he promised in a dark voice that sent pleasant shivers through me.

I gasped as he turned me onto my back and spread my legs wide. My mind was blank, my body taking over with memories of how good he made me feel last night. He entered me slowly, savoring every moment, and we both panted heavily as he pushed all the way. When he let out a deep groan, it made me clench around him, filling me completely.

“Goddess!” I cried out as he began to move. His lips stayed connected with mine, making me feel incredible. It had never been like this before. He whispered sweet nothings about how beautiful I was in the morning, how good I made him feel, and how amazing I felt. He kept me warm with both his body and his words, and I couldn’t help but fall apart for him. “Darius!”

Did I just scream my husband’s brother’s name? I couldn’t believe it, but the thought quickly faded as I reached my peak. Darius moved faster, growing louder with me, continuing to kiss me before finding his own climax. He came inside me again, and we both slumped down, our sweaty bodies tangled together, feeling utterly satisfied. I closed my eyes, taking a moment to rest. How could it feel so good? This was wrong. I shouldn’t be in bed with Darius!

“Darius,” I called softly, the pleasure leaving me almost boneless.

“Feeling better?” he whispered, leaning down to kiss my neck.

“This… This…”

“A perfect way to start our morning. I know how hungry my queen is,” he chuckled. “I have to make sure to always keep her satisfied. There’s nothing more beautiful than when she comes for her husband.”

“Husband?” I exclaimed.

Darius lifted his head, looking at me with confusion. “Yes.”

“What? When?” I asked, and he seemed even more puzzled.

“What do you mean, when? Three years ago.”

“Three?” I shouted, but that couldn’t be right. I married Acan ten years ago. He was my husband.

“Katherine, are you alright?” he asked.

“But this… I… We…”

Darius saw the confusion in my eyes and clearly wanted to make me feel better. He took my hand and kissed it, drawing my attention back to him. As I watched his lips graze my fingers, I noticed something: a ring. It was a slender silver band, adorned with a single black onyx stone. Its simplicity was elegant, and I found myself captivated by it while Darius continued to softly kiss my hand. He smiled slightly as he clearly noticed my fascination with the ring and his lips.

“This is…” I began, but I struggled to find the words.

“A symbol of our union,” he finished for me when I hesitated too long.

It was clear that it was meant to signify our connection, but why couldn’t I remember that it should be on my finger? What was happening?

Suddenly, a sharp sting pierced the side of my head, and I groaned. Memories began to resurface, appearing like blurry flashes. I saw Acan—the man I loved—killing me. Flames surrounded me, and the smoke choked me before the fire even touched me. And then… there was someone else. A hero. Tears welled in my eyes as I refocused on Darius, who looked at me with concern.

“Katherine,” he whispered, reaching out to place his hand on my cheek. “You’re crying. Did I hurt you?”

The sincerity in his voice was overwhelming. He spoke as if the idea of causing me pain was unbearable. I realized now that Darius had always spoken to me with such genuine kindness and interest, making every word I said seem significant. How had I never noticed this before? But despite this newfound awareness, nothing made sense.

“Darius?” I called softly, and he nodded, still looking troubled by my distress. “Do you love me?”

Darius pulled back, clearly surprised by my question. “What?”

I repeated, “Do you love me?”

“Katherine,” he said, a small smile spreading across his face. He kissed my hand again and held up the ring. “Have I not proven it? Are we not married?”

“A marriage can be arranged,” I replied.

“Yes, our families did arrange it, but I told you the moment I saw you, I couldn’t get you out of my head. I knew you were meant for me.”

“Only me…” I echoed, trying to grasp the weight of his words.

“Yes, only you. Don’t you remember what I said in our vows? I deviated from the script and spoke from my heart.”

“I…” I couldn’t recall any of it, as if this life wasn’t truly mine, yet it was. It felt like a part of me, but not entirely. He spoke as if he was recounting Acan’s and my story, but this time he was the one who married me.

“I promised to always protect you, to care for you, and to never look at anyone else, because it felt as though the Goddess had sent you to me. You can touch me without being hurt by me.”

“I can,” I whispered, running my free hand down his shoulder, feeling the smooth skin and tight muscles underneath. He groaned as if my simple touch brought him pleasure. The connection between us was electrifying, but I still needed answers.