Kiara: “Ah! Mr. Malibu!” Ariana exclaims, leaping to her feet as I cough up a dreadful amount of blood. “Damn!” Zane groans in my mind. He’s getting hurt too, and it’s satisfying to see that my suffering isn’t much fun for him. She dashes towards the door, but Zane opens it before she can reach for the handle. His eyes widen at the sight before him, and he immediately backs away, rushing out and slamming the door. Ariana paces around the room, her hands shaking terribly. She hurries to get a glass of water from the table while I sit numbly, bloodied. It’s supposed to hurt a lot, but a part of me doesn’t want it to end because I want my life to end. Even if everyone else turns their backs on me, I didn’t expect my father to do the same, so I feel alone in the world, and it’s becoming burdensome. “Take this,” Ariana says, handing me the glass of water. But when I take a sip, my throat burns terribly. “Make it stop.” I hurl the glass towards the door, and I look up to see Zane sta
Zane: This is probably the hundredth time I complain about hating myself ever since Kiara walks into my life, but truthfully, I do. I hate to see her in pain because I share her pain. Having to pretend I’m not in pain the whole day is the worst thing I ever do. Now I need comfort and all I can do is drown myself with a bottle of whisky. Normally, it would have worked, but it feels like my soul is detached from my body. “There is more to what you see on the surface and I warned you, but you wouldn’t listen. Werewolves aren’t humans and you shouldn’t joke with a lot. We have hurt Kiara and Bailey, and…” “Oh, shut up!” I groan at my wolf, gulping down the entire content which burns my throat. I try to act like I’m fine in this club filled with people, but I’m not. “You know what? I need a good girl,” I say to my wolf, standing up from the bar stool. I look around the bar through the neon lights that glow. There are many women in it, but none of them is Kiara and at the moment, she
Zane:“What the hell are you doing here, Gia?” I yell, yanking the sheets to cover the only piece of my dignity left. “I could ask you the same, Zane,” she says, sitting up with the duvet across her chest. “Aren’t you supposed to be in the city, running my father’s business like you’re the actual firstborn son of this family and not Yusuf?”Her words sting, but I don’t hold on to them because I hurt her, and I’m truly sorry.I feel twice as terrible as I did initially because dreaming of sex with Kiara is much better than actually doing it with Gia. She’s my sister, and even though we aren’t related by blood, I hate the fact I’m betraying my father.“Did Kiara throw you out of the house? You’ve been quite a pussy lately, and I can’t believe someone like her has so much power over you,” she says, and I curl my hand into a fist. “I can’t believe I was in love with you,” she scoffs.“Gia, what is wrong with you? You know I was drunk and…”“Don’t come at me with that, Zane. This was a con
Kiara:I gulp when I hear him say that. How could he want to lock me up in this place forever? This is beyond cruel.“Why don’t you just kill me for real?” I question, and he chuckles.“What fun would that be? I’ve kept you this far and every single moment, I come up with ideas on how we can keep having fun,” he says, and I scoff.He caresses my cheek gently while I stare at him, wishing I could chop his hand off.“Where is Ariana?” I ask.“On a brief trip to the airport with my men, and the loving doctor who helped you. Did I tell you I’m a philanthropist and he will be getting a room at the mansion?”The sarcasm in his voice is irritating.“Yes, if that’s another word for murderer,” I say to him, and he laughs.“I like your sense of humor, but that will get you nowhere, my love,” he says, tapping my nose gently before standing up.“Even if I tried to be nice, you do not deserve it. I hate you and the day you die will be my happiest,” I spit.“Everyone has what they wish for. Like me,
Kiara:The musty scent of the room hits my nostrils as I stand before it. Doubt gnaws at me, but I have no choice—this might be my only shot at getting healed since Zane won’t give me the cure.Taking a deep breath, I mumble a quick prayer to the moon goddess, then reach for the flashlight on the table. The weight of it feels strangely reassuring in my hand.I step into the hallway, the flashlight beam cutting through the darkness. My fingers graze the rough concrete walls, pricking my delicate skin. Suddenly, something drops onto my shoulder. My heart skips a beat as I aim the torch upward, revealing a cluster of bats. The light startles them, and they scatter, hitting the walls erratically. I crouch, shielding myself, my pulse racing.Eventually, I find myself in front of a door. I push it open and step into an old, cobweb-covered room. The air is thick with the scent of herbs and earth, a bizarre comfort amidst the unease.I fumble for a light switch, finding one and flicking it. T
Zane:It’s been three days since I left Kiara at the cottage, and life has been anything but easy. Her memory haunts me, infiltrating my dreams and daily life. I can’t shake the guilt of sleeping with Gia, thinking she was Kiara—a foolish mistake born from a desire I was supposed to despise.I wish I had the damn cure. I would have given it to her, but my pride got in the way, and now I’m paying for it. I didn’t even like Natalie that much; I was just trying to spite Kiara. I went too far. What is this whirlwind of emotions? I push myself out of bed, needing a breath of fresh air. I haven’t left the house in three days.As my feet touch the ground, my legs wobble, barely able to support my weight. I steady myself against the wall, gripping my chest, trying to catch my breath.“Sir,” Rufus calls out, placing a hand on my shoulder. I glare at him through sleep-deprived eyes, sweat trickling down my face. “Food is ready. I advise you eat something since you haven’t eaten since yesterday,
Kiara:Zane lifts me in his arms, but this time, he doesn’t carry me roughly. This time, it’s gentle and unexpected. He cradles me bridal style, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as my face rests against his chest. As he walks, I shut my eyes tightly, praying he doesn’t notice I’m faking.After a while, he stops, and I hear a door open. He places me gently on a seat, and I expect him to leave, but instead, he surprises me. He moves closer, lifting my head and placing it on his lap. My heart races, wondering if he has discovered I’m faking.The door shuts, and soon the seat vibrates as we start moving. Zane gently pats my hair, revealing the spot on my neck where he marked me. I can feel his gaze on me, but how would I know for sure?After a while, I feel his belly contract. Is he tense? I wonder. His hands run down my hair, and I take a deep breath, praying he doesn’t reach my belly where the book is hidden. My heart races faster than his hands move lower, but he stops at
Zane:“You’re breathing so hard,” I whisper to Kiara as we inch closer, my breath rising too, anticipation building as our lips nearly meet.“I’ve waited for this moment, Mr. Malibu,” she replies, her voice barely a whisper. I grab her waist, pulling her closer so that her breasts press against my chest.“Call me Zane,” I say, and then our lips finally meet. I want to be gentle with her, but the intensity of my feelings takes over. My heart races wildly, and our kiss turns fierce and passionate. I bite her lower lip, eliciting a soft moan from her.“Zane,” she gasps, tugging hard on my body.I lift her up, wrapping her legs around my waist, and I carry her to the bed. My lips trail down her neck to her chest, and as I unbutton her shirt, revealing her bosom, my phone rings, jolting me awake. Sweat trickles down my body as I sit up in bed, realizing it was all a dream. She’s now haunting my sleep, goddamn!Anger surges through me as I grab my phone from the nightstand, ready to lash ou
Kiara:After about thirty minutes to an hour, I’m dressed and ready for dinner. Zane walks into the room with a smile on his face, making his way over to me. He pauses, clasping his hands together as his gaze sweeps over me, warm and lingering.“I’ve never seen anyone or anything more beautiful than you,” he murmurs,causing my face to flush a little before he leans in and kisses my cheek.He glances back at the couch where the bouquet lies. “You don’t like your flowers?” he asks, his eyes searching mine.I hold his gaze. I love the flowers—but I can’t shake the thought that the man who gave them to me is hiding too many secrets. If he isn’t being real with me, then how am I supposed to enjoy even the little things?“I’m famished, and I’ll spend time with the flowers when we get back,” I say, forcing a smile onto my face. “Shall we go?”He nods, taking my hand and leading me outside. Rufus stands by Zane’s car, and from where I stand, I glare at him. He quickly looks away. I don’t enjo
Zane:I turn around to see Mindy standing behind me. She still looks the same as the last time I saw her five years ago, but her hair is short, and she dyed it brown to match her eyes. My mouth falls ajar for a split second, and I quickly clear my throat, adjusting myself on the seat.“Zane!” she exclaims, opening her arms as her brown eyes gleam with the widest grin hanging on her face.Ignoring her invite for a hug, I put out a hand, taking hers in mine, and initiating a handshake, which is short. Her smile remains while my expression hardens.She takes a seat beside me, and I face my glass of martini, waiting for her to speak.“Since I heard you were in town, I have been trying to reach you. I’ve been coming to this restaurant, hoping to run into you, and thank goodness, I did.” When she says this, I sip from my glass.“I am aware, because my phone keeps buzzing.” Her expression tightens, but I do not care. This woman made my life hell, and she fueled my spirit of revenge so much t
Zane:“That is what I am telling the young lad. I enjoy seeing young people in love because it reminds me of the good old days. The adrenaline mixed with fear when you are about to make the move that will change your entire life.”For some reason, they think their words are encouraging, but they are only making me scared, and I am trying hard to push away the thoughts that are questioning why I am trying to buy a ring for Kiara. As they keep taunting me, I look down at the finely polished marble floor beneath. I try to hold down my feelings as I remember Kiara’s voice asking me to be more gentle with people.“Look around, young lad; pick something nice for your lady,” Jerome says, and I force a smile, looking around the store, which has cases lined with plush, dark velvet, showcasing a carefully curated collection of sparkling jewels. Ranging from diamond rings, necklaces, and bracelets that sit perfectly on the ring cushion.I walk around, staring at the rings, but none catches my at
Zane:I know Kiara is sad about me leaving tomorrow, but there is almost nothing I can do. All I owe her at this point is sorting out things with my father and finding a way to expand the business to other parts of the world, especially Efla. It is not surprising Kiara likes the town; it is serene, except that it has Mindy, but I do not care about that. If I knew she would come back to this town, then I might not have considered it, but I am here already, and Kiara loves the town. When I properly expand, Mindy cannot get into any of my properties, and she will not bother Kiara or me.I pull up to the spot where I am to meet with Theo, a real estate agent. Then I take out my phone to call him.“I am here, and...”“Up ahead, Mr. Malibu,” he says, then I raise my head, looking forward to see someone on a bike pedaling toward me. I shut off the call, then I wait for him to get to me.He gets down from his bike and parks it, then he walks up to me. I roll my window down, and he puts out hi
Kiara:In a moment, Zane and I both reach the peak of our pleasure. He pulls me up from his body, and I watch his release, his face clad in ecstasy. I take off his shirt, then I help him wipe off the mess from his body. He pulls up his pants, and I sit back on him—this time with my legs to the side. He leans in and takes my lips in his, and we remain with our lips on each other’s for a while.His phone rings, breaking the kiss. I help him take it out of his pocket, hoping it will be whoever has been disturbing him, but then I see it’s Rufus.“Rufus must have arrived,” I say to him, showing him the screen of his phone.By now, the rain has reduced, so we get to our feet, making it out of the pavilion. We walk down the clear path that one can only access on foot. Shortly, we make it out to the car park, where we see Rufus waiting in the car.Zane grabs my hand, speeding up our movement. When we get to the car, he opens the door for me. He gets in after me and shuts the door, then Rufus
Kiara:Zane grabs my hand and tries to pull me to him, but I yank my hands away, then I stand there, opening my palm and letting the rain hit my skin.“Kiara,” he calls out, and I glance at him with a smile on my face.“It is beautiful, and I want to stay,” I say, then I take his hands. “Come on.” I attempt to pull him to me, and he reluctantly comes closer.Zane stands there, watching me with an amused smile as I open my palm to the sky, allowing the raindrops to pour onto my skin. Each drop feels like a tiny kiss from nature, and I spread my hands out wide, giggling and twirling.The rain falls heavier, soaking my hair and dress, but I do not care.“Kiara,” he calls out, but I do not look at him. “We should find cover before we get drenched!” His tone is loud, but I do not want to leave just yet.With a smile, I shake my head, letting more raindrops collect in my hand.“Just a little longer,” I say.I haven’t been in the rain in a while, and this is the perfect relief for all my pro
Kiara’s POV:A few hours later, Zane is dressed, sitting on the bed in the room. I, on the other hand, find it difficult to pick out an outfit.“How is this?” I ask, holding up a mini floral gown.He gazes at me.“You know you are perfect in whatever you wear,” he says, and I sigh.“Not helping,” I say to him, then I find another black gown. “You are in black, so maybe I should put this on.” I say, and he gets to his feet, walking up to me.He grabs the purple floral gown from the couch, then closes in on me from behind, placing it against my chest as he peers into the mirror.“It complements your skin, and I love the flowers,” he says, and I peer at him through the mirror. “Put it on.” His tone comes off more like an order, in a way that I like.I turn around, facing him with my arms around his neck.“Is that an order, sir?” I tease, and his lips curve into a smile. “Who says ruthless men don’t blush?” I ask, and he hardens his expression, taking my hands off his neck.“I was only sm
Kiara:“We’ve spent the past few hours fighting, and it is making me hungry,” Zane says, and I tilt my head a bit on his chest, enough to look into his eyes. “We should go out to get something to eat,” he suggests, and I do not say a word.How can he bother about eating at this moment when our lives are in danger? If Boris wants me dead, and he disobeys him, then it is a two-way problem.“I do not think I want to see the city,” I say to him, then he stops playing with my hair. “I would prefer eating in if you do not mind. Rufus can get us some takeout, and we can eat in.”He is silent for a split second before he mutters an “okay.”Then he reaches out to the nightstand to get his phone. He grabs it.“What do you want to eat?” he asks, and I shrug, closing my eyes.“I will eat whatever you have; I just want to be with you,” I mutter.Then he places the call.“Get me some takeout. I want the spicy chicken pad Thai and spring rolls,” he says before ending the call.He places his phone ba
Zane:I know I have wronged her, and it will be difficult to get her to fully trust me, but it hurts every single time, knowing this love is one-sided.“Zane, wait.” I pause as she grabs my hand, then I turn around.She runs her hands into the hem of my shirt, feeling the scar from the bullets.“When did you get this?” she questions, and I watch her with my mouth struggling to voice a word. “Zane!” Her voice rises, and I watch her breathing increase.As I stare into her eyes, I see the fear buried within her, and she is right; I am bad for her because all I do is make her cry.“It’s nothing serious, and you do not have to bother…”“You do not tell me what to bother about and what not to bother about, Zane!” She grits her teeth, and then I grab her hand, but she yanks it away. “I am not some inanimate object that you…”Before she can finish her sentence, I press my lips against hers, taking the words off her mouth. She stops talking, and I feel her tears run down my face, causing me to