Kiara:
A scream tears through me as my eyes snap open, locking with the gaze of the blonde woman from yesterday. She screams as well, a reflection of my fear. I back away, but she seizes my hand and places a hand over my mouth.
“Why on earth are you screaming!” she exclaims in a voice barely louder than a whisper, her eyebrows rocketing towards her hairline. I shake my head incessantly, hoping she will remove her hand from my mouth. The moment she does, I back up until my body collides with the headboard.
With a hint of panic in her voice, she exclaims, “It’s six in the morning! Mr. Malibu is probably still asleep. Can you imagine the consequences if he were to wake up?” Her words linger heavily in the air as she paces nervously around the room.
“I don’t see how this is my fault. Weren’t you the one trying to kiss me?” I counter. She halts in her tracks, spinning around to face me. Her face is a mask of bewilderment.
“What?” she asks, her face scrunching up. “Ew!” she exclaims, and I swiftly spring to my feet as I feel something cold on my butt.
“Why would I want to kiss you? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, and it would be best if it never comes up in conversation again,” she says, and my face reddens under the weight of embarrassment.
“Am I that hideous?” I ask as I reach for my butt to notice how wet it is.
The maid ignores me and walks to the headboard, then she collects a rag from it.
“No, you are not. I am totally gay, and I would consider you if you were a lone wolf,” she says, with a pause. “I was doing my duty as your maid, and I was trying to clean the headboard, but you had to wake up,”she says, tossing the rag into a bucket of water which I hadn’t noticed.
“But I love my life and job so much that I would never dare touch any of Zane Malibu’s properties,” she says, striding towards the closet. I trail behind her.
“I’m not anyone’s property, and…”
“You can assert that all you want, but as long as you’re attractive with a face like that, you’re here to stay. Zane will shatter you if you don’t toughen up, so I’d rather you prepare instead of living in a fantasy,” she advises, flinging a clean towel at me.
Did she just label me as hot? I hear that often from guys, but seldom from women. Back home, almost everyone despised me because I was mated to Blake, the alpha. But it feels good hearing it from her.
“I’ve never been called hot by a woman before,” I confess to her, and she shrugs, then resumes her work. The silence between us is intimidating, and I yearn to have a genuine conversation with her. Mainly because the house is boring, and I lack friends.
“So… what’s your name?” I inquire, and she rolls her eyes, marching to the bathroom without uttering a word. I tail her, but she rudely slams the door in my face.
A part of me is tempted to exploit her lower status to extract information, but then I recall Zane’s advice about setting aside my Luna title. I inhale deeply, a sense of unease settling in, and I wait for her by the door.
After what feels like an eternity, she emerges from the bathroom, her gaze carefully avoiding mine.
“Your bath is ready,” she announces, and I turn to face her.
“So, when do I get your name?” I inquire, trying to keep my voice steady. She responds by slapping the rag in her hands onto the table with a startling thud.
“If you’re trying to get me into trouble, it won’t work. I’m here to serve you, and I won’t be pulled into any alliance you’re trying to form,” she declares, her voice firm.
My eyes widen in surprise, her words striking me like a punch to the gut.Her words, so unexpected and defiant, strike the final blow to my dwindling patience. A wave of frustration washes over me.
“I’m not asking you because I want to form an alliance. You serve me, and I demand to know your name or you can kiss your job goodbye,” I declare, my voice echoing in the room, uncertainty creeping in about the extent of my power.
The room plunges into a tense silence, and I feel a compulsion to press on.
“My pretty face will keep me here, and it will be enough to kick you out too!” I threaten, my words hanging heavy in the air. She immediately crumbles to her feet, her body shaking with fear.
“I’m sorry, please. Don’t kick me out. This is my last chance to please Mr. Malibu, and he will slaughter me if he gets any negative report,” she pleads, her voice trembling. H
er vulnerability strikes a chord in me, and I can’t help but chuckle.
She looks up, her eyes wide with fear, only to see my face illuminate with a smile. A glimmer of hope sparks in her eyes.
“So…”
“I’m Ariana, and I’m just a common slave, please,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes pleading for mercy.
“Was that so hard, Ariana?” I ask, and she shakes her head, her gaze still fixed on the floor. “I think I’ll call you Ari,” I declare, strolling over to the bed and throwing myself onto it.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupts the silence, causing me to sit up abruptly. Ariana springs to her feet instantly and rushes to answer the door. She swings it open, and a male servant strides in, giving me a curt bow.
“Mr. Malibu requests Mrs. Blackwood’s presence downstairs for breakfast in ten minutes,” he announces, before turning on his heel and departing.
I swallow hard, my eyes locked on Ariana, whose face has drained of color, a clear sign of fear.
Sorry that it took so long to update. My final exams are coming up, and my attention is divided, juggling writing and reading, but once it is over, I will focus more.xoxo.
Kiara:I don’t need to be told twice to get into the bathtub. I know I’m given ten minutes, but there’s no way I can take a bath in ten minutes, so I take my bath as fast as I can. Then I walk back to the room to see a dress laid out for me.It’s a deep blue color, with a fitted top and a long, flowing skirt. The dress has no sleeves and a modest neckline.“Do I really have to wear this?” I ask Ariana, who is standing rigidly by the door.She nods, and I let out a groan of protest. She glances at her wristwatch and says, “Ma’am, we are two minutes late, and…”“I get it,” I interrupt, rolling my eyes.I grab the gown and stride over to the mirror. As I remove my towel, Ariana gasps and quickly shuts her eyes. I ignore her reaction and slip into the gown. It fits perfectly on my upper body, accentuating my waist, while the skirt of the gown hangs perfectly on my ass.“Looks good,” I admit, giving a twirl in front of the large mirror.Ariana approaches me with a box and says, “he asked to
Kiara:Following my clash with Zane, I stride back to my room; the door slamming behind me in a burst of anger. Ariana is there, her face bright with a broad grin, eagerly awaiting feedback. But I ignore her, throwing myself onto the bed and repeatedly pummeling the pillow.“Ma’am,” Ariana says, reaching for my hand. She halts my assault on the pillow, and I turn to face her, my brows furrowed in irritation.“We should get you out of those clothes,” she says, and I exhale a sigh.I take a deep breath and decide not to lash out at her. She’s innocent in all this. The real foe is Zane Malibu, and I must keep my attention on him.As Ariana assists me in removing my dress, a thought occurs to me.“Ari,” I call out. Her eyes widen at the nickname.“Ye...yes, ma’am,” she stammers, and I scoff. I remind myself that she will have to get used to the shortened name.“When do you think Mr. Malibu will want to see me again?” The question lingers in the air, sounding out of place and revealing my
Kiara: “Argh!” I scream as I open my eyes to find Zane staring down at me. He chuckles, and I furrow my brows as he stands up from my bed. “I can see that I occupy your thoughts day and night,” he says, causing me to pull me to make a fist under the blanket. He strides towards the door before turning to face me. “An old friend of mine is in town. If your family has any hobbies besides murdering innocent people, then you surely would have heard of the great John Hilly.” Everyone knows John Hilly, and it’s exciting that I’ll get to meet him, but I can’t let Zane know how thrilled I am because he seems to take pleasure in draining the life out of me. “Why are you telling me this?” I ask, and he closes the door, walking towards me. “We’re having a private dinner with him, and you must behave!” he grits his teeth, then walks away. I slump back in bed, pulling the blanket over my face. ** Dinner with John Hilly arrived quickly, and once again, I find myself in front of the mirror,
Zane:If there’s one thing I despise more than Kiara’s pack, it’s taking someone else’s advice. Rufus is right, and this mate bond seriously messes with the mind. Kiara is attractive, but I’ve met other women who look twice as appealing, and all I can think about is how she looks without clothes.I want to hold her, rip off her dress, kiss those plump and juicy lips of hers, and make her moan my name all night.Fuck!I grab her hand immediately, pinning her against the wall, and I stare at her captivating figure. My body twitches with anger and my wolf howls in excitement, yet I know I can’t give in to its desires.“Smack me already if you will,” Kiara interrupts, breaking through my internal mind bugging struggle.I remember finding her voice annoying on the first day, but now there’s nothing I crave more than hearing her call out my name in a high octave of pleasure.‘Get a hold of yourself,’ I tell myself. Despite my inner conflict, I can’t resist. I grab her neck, tightening my gr
Zane:Those words sound like a dream, but I know my foster father better than anyone. He is ready to tear down my house for one night, and rebuild it the next day as long as he gets what he wants. I make a phone call for the gates to be opened and then I rush out of my room.When I get to the stairs, I see Rufus at the foot of the stairs.“Do you know the Godfather is here?” I ask, and he nods.I stare at him with my hands on my waist, and my brows arched. Then I go in for a punch, but he ducks.“I tried to tell you, sir, but you didn’t listen. I… I… am sorry,” he says, and I scoff, walking away.Lately, I find myself angrier, and I can’t tell if my workers are getting on my nerves or if it’s Kiara.As I reach the front door, the man who has shaped me into the person I am opens it, and we come face to face. He stands tall like he always does, and his feet look really strong. Wrinkles appear on his grey brows and his usual smile, which used to hang on his face, is absent, making way fo
Kiara:Of course I saw Gia standing by the door, and I needed Zane to say something demeaning about her. I saw her kiss him outside, and the way she was all over him got to me, no matter how much I don’t want it to.Zane marked me, and I can’t help what the mate bond is doing to me, and it’s his fault, so I have to make his life unbearable.“Gia, wait!” Zane calls out, but Gia slams the door hard in his face.Zane shoots me an angry look, but I ignore him and tuck myself into bed. He has a lot of explaining to do, and I’m ready to hear it. I can hear things from a distance if I want to, so I don’t need to get out of bed to hear their conversation. I lie tight in bed as I hear him running down the hallway after Gia. When he catches up with her, he tries to hold her, but she pushes him away.“All these years, I think the feeling is mutual. You have sex with me, Zane. I give up my virginity for you and I have seen no man for five years. I am twenty-three, and I never dream of any man but
Kiara :I know the mate bond is messing us up, but he has gone way too far. Whooping up fifty million dollars wouldn’t be a problem if I were still Luna. It sucks a lot to be under this man, and I have never been powerless in my entire life. He is my mate, so I desire him in a way that makes me hate myself.“Haven’t you done enough?” I question, and he glares at me with his brows wrinkled.“In the space of twenty-four hours, you have done a lot. Gia and I are meeting for the first time and somehow, she already hates me because of you.” I say to him, and his face loosens up a bit.“Look, I don’t have time for this. I am running behind schedule, please behave.” he says, and I chuckle.“Behave? I could say the same for you, Mr. Malibu. You have the audacity to order everyone around, and you want everyone on their best behaviour, but there is…”“Kiara!” he yells, cutting me short.“The truth hurts, Mr. Malibu, but you have to acknowledge it,” I say to him, and then he turns to leave with h
Zane:As I speed down the highway, all I can think of is Kiara. She drives me crazy, and the fact can’t stop fantasizing about her messes with my mind. I pull over to the side of the road and glance at my rearview mirror. The moment I see Kade’s reflection in the mirror, my brows wrinkle.“You have to stop doing this. Why Kiara? You could have chosen any other person as your mate. What is this?” I yell at Kade’s reflection in the mirror.He’s the one messing with me, and I swear if it weren’t for this stupid wolf thing, I wouldn’t have feelings for Kiara. I claimed her because I thought it would be easier to trap her, and if we weren’t mates, it would have been easy to torture her. I despise wolves, and I’d love nothing more than to see them all perish.“Keep telling yourself that lie. I’m attracted to Kiara because you claimed her, but your heart desires her, too. I know because I live inside you,” Kade says, and I sigh, contemplating the best way to erase thoughts of Kiara.Suddenly
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