Chapter 10.Luther's POV. A Master's Control. The car finally stopped. "Sir, we have arrived," Luke's voice cut through the fog in my head. I wasn't really asleep, more like… numb. Today had been a shitshow dealing with those two-bit thugs.Luke hurried to get my wheelchair, helping me settle into it. I hated this chair, but it was my reality now, A show I have to always put on for people. As he pushed me towards the entrance, I heard voices, Mom and Maya, and a third, softer voice. Arguing. Always freaking arguing."... How are you even still breathing?" Mom's voice dripped with venom. "After Luther found out you weren't the woman he thought he was marrying, he still let you stay? Unbelievable!"Aurora. Damn it. I forgot she was here. This was going to be a disaster. She hadn't met Mom yet."Luke, you can… go take care of something else," I said, flicking my hand dismissively."Okay, boss!" He saluted and disappeared.Taking a deep breath, I shoved open the doors and rolled insid
Aurora's POV. 11. The weight Of Luther's Name.I hurried into the bathroom, splashed some water on my body, and quickly changed. I could feel Luther's eyes on me the entire time, a heavy, unsettling gaze that followed my every move until I was finally done.I grabbed the purse he bought me, the one sitting on the bed, and saw him fiddling with his drawer. He took off the necklace he always wore and shoved it into a locked compartment within the drawer. "Was he always this secretive?" I wondered. Then he wheeled towards me, holding a small velvet box.He flipped it open, revealing a necklace that glowed under the light. It looked expensive, and… personal. Then it hit me. I’d seen it before. That's the necklace in the photograph, the one adorning the woman's neck in that framed picture on the wall."Take this and put it on," he ordered, his voice flat."No," I blurted out. The word escaped before I could even think."What?" He snapped, visibly angered. His eyes hardened.I rushed t
Aurora's POV. 12. Aurora's Rebellion."Well, well... look who’s the latest bride around here!"Maya's voice was dripping with hatred. I just turned a deaf ear to her and kept strolling over to the sink to wash my hands.Suddenly, she grabbed my hand, yanking me back. It was like she had a metal clamp around my hand. I stumbled, almost falling, but caught myself."I don't like you," she spat, her eyes narrowed."I know." I shot back without even thinking. A flicker of surprise crossed her face. She clearly wasn't expecting me to be so blunt."I don't get why you're even here. From the moment I saw you, I knew I didn’t like you. You're not good for my brother," she continued, her voice sharp."Oh, really? I'm not good for him? Who could possibly be good for your crippled brother, Maya?" I said, a little smile playing on my lips. It was a low blow, I knew, but I was tired of her attitude. I turned to the washing sink to wash my hands.Her face twisted. "What?""What in the world did yo
Aurora's POV 13. Aurora's Hidden Desires. Finally, we reached home. Maya and Mom weren't back yet. I figured Luther was just tired; that's why he rushed us out of the event. Now the whole world knows Luther Hawthorne is married. I really hope I don't have to attend another one of those things.Luther practically rolled into the house, while I was still stuck at the doorstep, snagged my heel on something. Frustration was bubbling up inside me."Brother, you're back!"That voice... it sounded so familiar. I looked up, shut the door behind me, and there he was. Richard.I've been trying to see that foolish son of the Hawthorne family for a while now. It's ridiculous that I ever loved him, and now look at where it's led me.His arms were wide open as he walked towards Luther, ready for a brotherly greeting. My face twisted. I quickly moved to stand next to Luther."Brother, congratulations! I had prior business plans, which is why I missed the wedding." Richard rubbed his hand over h
Luther's POV. 14. The Game of Cat and Mouse.The sound of my wheels grinding to a halt on the marble floor echoed in the silence. She’d stopped me. Aurora. My Aurora. God, even thinking the word “my” felt like a dangerous indulgence."If you can't spill what's eating you, why'd you stop me?" My voice came out harsher than intended, a gravelly growl born of built-up frustration and carefully constructed distance. I continued without giving her a chance to answer. "And don't even think about offering to help me bathe. I can damn well manage myself." Each word was laced with ice, a warning shot across her bow.I knew. I knew what she wanted. The way she fidgeted in the doorway, the almost faint tremor in her voice... It all screamed of a desire she couldn't quite express, a hunger for something she knew was forbidden. That awareness, that powerful mix of her desire and my own restless craving, ignited a fire in my veins. I wanted to punish her. For wanting me. For tempting me. And
Luther's POV. 15. Aurora's Punishment.I slammed my hand on the bedside, the sound echoing in the sudden silence. Rage choked me. "Wake up!" I barked, my voice raw.Aurora jolted, her eyes wide with what she probably hoped looked like innocence. "L-Luther?" she stuttered, her voice thick with fake sleep. The sight of her play-acting made my stomach churn.I leaned over her, my shadow swallowing her face. "Don't play dumb with me, Aurora," I growled, each word a threat. "I saw you outside the door. I know you were eavesdropping. I know you saw me... moving. Walking"She quickly looked away, a knowing blush spreading across her neck. Busted. She knew she was caught, and now she was scrambling for a way out. Pathetic."Look at me, Aurora," I demanded, grabbing her chin and forcing her face up. "Look me in the eye and tell me the truth."Her eyes met mine, a mix of fear and resistance churning inside them. I could practically taste her panic."Tell me, Aurora," I pressed, my grip ti
Luther's POV. 16. The Dark Side of Desire."Come on," I growled, yanking her up from the table. Before she could react, I had her pinned. My hand tightened, not enough to crush, but enough to let her know I was in control. A possessive anger throbbed in my gut.Then I was kissing her. Her damned lips were soft, softer than anything she deserved. A dangerous kind of soft that made me want to ruin them, bite them, claim them as mine.She actually kissed back, a flicker of defiance in her eyes and it ignited something rough and demanding inside me. I slipped my tongue into her mouth, tasting her, invading. My fingers tightened on her throat, just a little."Mmm... mmm..." she mumbled, trying to pull away. Not a chance. I pressed my hand harder against the back of her neck, forcing her lips back onto mine. She choked, a tiny, desperate sound.I released her, dropping her to her knees. My hands were shaking slightly, a mix of fury and something else I didn't want to name. I fumbled wit
Aurora's POV. 17. Price to pay for desire. "Luther... it's money that I want" My voice was shaky, barely a whisper.It was as if the words turned to dust on my tongue..He was still gripping the bathroom door handle, back to me. I couldn't read him. Would he even consider it? My heart hammered against my ribs. This whole plan felt flimsy, desperate.He finally turned, his voice was rough, demanding. "How much?"I rushed it out, before I could chicken out. "One hundred million." My voice sounded too sharp, too greedy. I tried to sound confident, but I was anything but.His eyebrows furrowed. "One hundred what?"He let go of the door and turned to face me fully. A wave of heat washed over me, but it was mixed with dread.One hundred million... it was a ridiculous amount. But he had it. He was worth more than that. And I was his wife, wasn't I? Shouldn't that count for something? But god, who was I kidding? He didn't love me. Who was I to ask for anything? I was just a pawn in his gam
Aurora's POV. 26. A Night of Temptation. I eased myself up from the bed, slow and quiet. Each movement was deliberate, trying not to make a single creak that might rouse Luther. The last thing I needed was him awake and asking questions. Questions I definitely wasn't planning on answering truthfully. How could I possibly tell him I was sneaking out to meet Richard? Richard, his own brother, his enemy. No way.I was practically tiptoeing as I made my way to the closet. My heart was pounding in my chest, a nervous little drum solo. I grabbed a simple gown. Something that covered the basics, but still... well, it couldn't completely hide my figure, not in this material. Hopefully, Richard wouldn't be paying attention to that anyway.I slipped out of the room, holding my breath. The mansion was silent. Relief washed over me. Mother-in-law and Maya must be asleep. Even the maids were tucked away. Good. One less obstacle.Reaching the main gate, I expected to see the security guards
Aurora's POV. 25. The Devils Playground.I stood there, the words jumbled in my head like a bad song. I needed to explain, but the fear of making him angry was a heavy weight in my chest."Uh... Luther... the money..." I stammered, hating how weak I sounded. "The money I asked for... I wanted to use it to get my family's company back. So I went to Marcus, he said he could help with his... influence. I didn't know he was..."He cut me off, his voice sharp and hard. "Why? Whatever you need is right here in this mansion! Do you want to start working? Seriously?" The anger was in his voice, a low growl that made me want to shrink."Luther," I said, my voice rising despite my best efforts, "the company is in my name. It belonged to my mother. My father ruined it, and he rushed to marry Lydia because of her connections." I hadn't meant to yell, but the words burst out, raw and desperate. The thought of Dad and Lydia made my blood boil. I never even dared to raise my voice at Luther normal
Luther's POV. 24. Tied To His Whim.The shower was still running, water drumming against us. My hand was already exploring her, and the other was on my own cock. It was hard, throbbing, ready. I wanted her now.I yanked her up, shut off the water. The cold tile hit her skin. I bent her over, her ass pressed against me, Aurora's hands flat against the wall. I felt this sudden urge hit me - a need to slap her ass.I didn't hesitate.SMACK."Aaahhh!" She screamed, loud.I did it again. SMACK. Harder.Her screams were getting louder, a mix of pain and something else... something that turned me on."Luther, come on, just fuck me now... please..." It was a desperate cry, a moan.Her words... they hit something in me. I lifted her hips a little, and then I was inside her. I thrust, hard and rough, pounding into her pussy. I felt her legs start to tremble.Whimpers escaped her.I was close. Too fucking close. It all rushed at me, and I exploded inside her, way too fast. Damn it.I turned h
Luther's POV. 23. Control And Desire. I stood up from my damn wheelchair, the movement still stiff and painful, as we entered the room."Come here," I commanded, the word rough.Aurora, who was rushing towards the bathroom to wash off the blood and dirt, stopped dead in her tracks. She turned around slowly. Her dress was torn a little, and her face was pale."Yes?" she answered, the word laced with anger and maybe a little fear. She was probably still pissed about what happened.But what the hell did she expect? I gunned someone down. It's not like it was the first time. She needs to deal with it. I won’t change, not for anyone. Especially not for some woman.But Aurora… she's starting to make me feel. A dangerous feeling. One I'm not ready for. Emotions are a weakness, and I'm a monster, a ruthless killer. I won't let her do that to me."You called me, Luther?" she interrupted my dark thoughts. Her voice held a strange mix of anger and forced calm.I couldn't speak for a moment. I
Richard's POV. 22. Bitter Rivalry.My fists clenched so tight, my knuckles turned white. Luther. Just the name tasted like bile in my mouth. The way he carries himself, like he's untouchable, some damn god walking among us. It's irritating. I slammed my fist against the table, the impact sending a ripple of pain up my arm, but it barely registered."Richard, stop this nonsense!" My mother's voice, sharp and disapproving, cut through my rage. "Anger won't get you what you want!"I rounded on her, my chest heaving. "Oh, is that right, Mother? Then what will, huh? What will get me even a sliver of what that damn bastard has?"Her eyes narrowed, focusing on the shattered remains of her favorite vase, a delicate porcelain thing that now lay in fragments on the Persian rug. "You even had to smash my beautiful flower vase… what the fuck is wrong with you?""Mum!" The word tore from my throat, a strangled mix of pain and resentment. I kicked a shard of porcelain across, the sharp sound ec
Aurora's POV. 21. Game Of Survival."You are a stubborn little girl," Luther's voice was a gravelly growl as he shoved me into the car. "Take us outta here, Luke!" he barked.The car lurched forward, Luke expertly navigating the road straight to... the Hawthornes' mansion. I saw Luther's hard gaze reflected in the rearview mirror, and Luke seemed to get the message instantly.Luke got out, unfolded Luther's wheelchair, and helped him into it. A wave of nausea rolled over me. This whole act, this pretense. What was he playing at? Did he have enemies too? How could someone so ruthless, capable of... I squeezed my eyes shut, the image of him killing that man flashing in my mind. How could I still be married to him? What sane person would stay?I hadn't moved from the car. Luther always noticed everything, every tiny detail. It was like he had a sixth sense. Perfect vision, perfect hearing... a perfectly monstrous heart."Aurora!" His voice, cold and sharp, cut through the air.I heard
Aurora's POV. 20. Bloodshed.My head was throbbing, the rope biting into my wrists. "Boss Luther? You're here—" Marcus started, but the words died in his throat.A sickening sound ripped through the room as Luther moved with terrifying speed. A thud, a choked scream... Marcus slammed against the floor."Luther," I managed, my voice a weak rasp. The energy had been completely sucked out of me."Luke, untie her," Luther commanded, his voice dangerously low. He didn't even glance my way. It was jarring. Where was his wheelchair? He always used his wheelchair.Luther's attention was solely on Marcus, and the air crackled with his fury. "How dare you lay a hand on my wife?" he growled, each word a guttural threat. "Tell me, who gave you the right to do that?!" He punctuated his rage with a brutal kick to Marcus's stomach."Ahhhh...! Fuck!" Marcus shrieked, clutching his abdomen. "Boss, I didn't know she was your wife! Let alone a Hawthorne! She was the one who came to me, proposing a b
Aurora's POV. 19. The Devil's Den.The man's words were like a physical barrier, making me spin around. He was enormous. Towering over me, muscles bulging. No shirt; just dark trousers, a bit torn pulled tight with a belt. His skin was covered in tattoos, a roadmap of his life. His face was a mess of scars, like someone had taken a knife to him repeatedly . It made my breath hitch."Please," I stammered, my voice barely a whisper. "I... I'm looking for Marcus.""Why?" He barked, his voice rough as sandpaper. Not a hint of warmth softened his features. "Do you have an appointment? And who the hell are you?""Um..." Damn it! My stomach clenched, fear tightening its grip. "I... I have business to discuss with him. Please, just take me to him." I managed to force the words out, desperately clinging to the last shreds of my courage."Follow me." It wasn’t a request, it was a command.He led me to a small, door. I never would have noticed it. The shadows swallowed me whole as we stepped
Aurora's POV. 18. The Family Feud.My stomach was already churning before the food even arrived. Every meal felt like a battle fought on a plate."Here ma'am, your food," the maid said, her voice devoid of warmth as she placed it on the table. I tried to block out Maya's presence, pretending not to notice her spiteful glances."Mum, can you believe we have to share the same dining table with this little slut?" Maya sneered, turning to her mother who rewarded her with a cruel, knowing smile.I bowed my head, focusing on the food, trying to ignore the venomous words. I was so tired, bone-weary.Whose fault is that? I thought bitterly. Luther's. That's who. Luther, pretending to be crippled, draining the life out of me, little by little.I lifted a spoon to my mouth, but before I could taste a bite, Maya slammed it away, sending my plate crashing to the floor.My breath hitched. "You really shouldn't be here!" she exclaimed angrily. "Go find somewhere else to have your meal. It's bad e