Zane:Whatever this woman is doing to me, my body loves it. I’ve never felt this way before, and this has to be the happiest I’ve ever been. I’ve been an asshole, and I don’t deserve her love. If she decides to kill me today, then so be it.“Don’t say it, please.” I pull away from the kiss, pleading.I don’t want to hear how she doesn’t want to be with me; I know that already, and it would only worsen the situation. She stares at me with her beautiful eyes glistening in the darkness. I run my thumb over her lips while she remains silent, not saying a word.I snap my fingers at the chauffeur, who winds up the glass partition. Then I lean in close again, taking her lips once more in a soft, delicate kiss, nibbling gently on her lower lip to gain entrance. When she grants it, our tongues meet, sucking and slurping against each other as my hands find their way around her waist, inching her closer to me.Soon, I can’t get enough of her, so I lift her onto my lap, clasping her to my body as
Kiara:I wake up on Zane’s chest again. It’s been a week since this new Zane showed up, and he hasn’t changed. Sometimes, I try to convince myself he’s acting, but all he does is these nice things for me, which only makes me more scared. Maybe he’s just trying to repay me for saving him. Each time he says “I love you,” my stomach tightens with fear.“You’re awake,” he says in that rough, early-morning voice, and I pull away without responding. “I’ll take that as an answer,” he adds, sliding his feet off the bed and reaching for his robe draped over the chair.As soon as he throws it on, his phone rings. I try not to care about who’s calling. It could be one of his many women, but I do not care as long as he satisfies me in bed.“What?” His voice shifts, trailing off, and I glance over to see his face fall.He runs a hand through his hair and begins pacing around the room.“Wh-when did this happen?” His voice shakes, and now I’m alarmed. “Okay, I’ll be there as soon as possible.”He en
Kiara:“Yes, I would like the finest decor for the hall. Everything has to be perfect,” Zane says, ending the call as he opens the door to my room.I pause brushing my hair, and turn to face him.“You still haven’t learned to knock,” I say. He sighs and walks toward me with a blank expression.“Kiara, I need a favor.” His voice is steady, but I raise an eyebrow. “Boris just got out of the hospital, and I need you to take some fruit to him on my behalf. I can’t make it; there are things I need to handle for the event. Please.”I shrug. “Fine, no need to whine.” He ignores my remark, kisses the top of my head, and leaves.I get up, preparing to go see Boris. A part of me wonders if I’ll be able to look past what he said two days ago. The only way I can do that is if I meet something even worse.Once I’m dressed, I head downstairs to where a car is already waiting with the fruit basket on the seat where I am to sit. I get in, and the chauffeur drives away.***The drive to Boris’s villa
Third Person Pov:The day of the charity event draws closer, and the organizers are gathering for an important meeting. Gia and Zane are representing their family among the other co-hosts. While they wait for Zane to arrive in the VIP room of a club, Gia finds herself surrounded by two childhood friends, Jacob and Tristan.Jacob, always harboring a crush on Gia, sees this as his opportunity.“It’s been a while, Gia, and you look even better than the last time I saw you,” he says.Gia, glancing up from her phone, barely acknowledges him with a scoff.Jacob is tall, blonde, and handsome, but he’s not what Gia wants. Her heart is still set on Zane, a crush that’s lingered far too long. But since she can’t have him, she’s determined not to let Jacob have her, either.Tristan nudges Jacob, whispering, “Ask her about the city or something.”Jacob, clearly nervous, tries again. “So, what’s new in the city? It’s been what, eight years?”Gia sighs, setting her phone down on the table. Before s
Kiara:Being home almost every day is something I don’t like, but there’s little to nothing I can do. This place offers me the protection I need, and no matter how delusional I am, I can’t go back to my pack because I’m an outcast.It’s already late, and I’m about to put down my book when I hear Zane’s car pull up in the compound. A part of me feels angry that he has to stay out so late, and the other part is eager to see him. How he has suddenly imprinted himself into my life is a mystery.I put the book away on my nightstand, then I shut my eyes, pretending to sleep. My wolf dies of excitement as his scent gets thicker until he pulls the door to my room open, causing me to tighten my eyes.“And she’s asleep,” he says, and then I hear him shut the door.I assume he’s leaving, but then I feel his figure on the bed, sitting close to me. He runs his hands through my hair, gently parting it to reveal my neck. He places a kiss on it, causing my eyes to flip open.“Zane?” I call out in a l
Kiara It’s been two days since I found Gia’s lipstick, and Zane hasn’t said a thing to me about it. Every time I think about it, and the confrontation I had with Gia earlier in the week at Boris’s house, I can’t help but cringe. They must have laughed about it when they met up for whatever it is they did. Worse, he came back that night, and I let him touch me like the fool I was. The thought of it makes me want to disappear every time it crosses my mind, and there’s an unending gnawing feeling in my belly. Tonight is the charity event, and I’m already dressed, sitting in front of my dresser. He walks into my room as expected, then makes his way toward me, causing me to get to my feet. I grab my purse at once, opening my drawer to grab my lipstick, and then I see Gia’s, which makes the anger in my chest heighten. I grab it with mine, tossing it into my purse. “You look gorgeous,” he says, pulling me by my waist, letting my back rest against his chest. I force a smile on my li
Third person pov: As Kiara makes her way upstairs, Gia takes out her phone to place a call to Tristan, who is waiting upstairs. Her plan is working perfectly, thanks to Tristan and Jacob. They don’t really like Zane, and they only act like his friends because they have a lot to benefit from him. Jacob, on the other hand, has been dying to be with Gia, so he has to see the plan through to the end. With blurry eyes, Kiara makes her way through the hallway of the massive building, and because she is distracted, she soon collides with a very tough surface, which causes her to stop. “I’m so sorry,” she says to Tristan as she tries to back away from him. She turns around to leave, but he grabs her hand, pulling her to him. She stares at him with her tear-filled eyes. “Why is a beautiful lady like you crying?” She scoffs when he asks, then wriggles her hands free from his grip. “I’m sorry for prying, and it’s okay if you don’t want to tell me, but you can’t go out like that ton
THIRD PERSON POV:Tristan sweeps Kiara off her feet, lifting her into his arms, then takes her out of the room. He uses the back stairs, carrying her downstairs, and makes his way out the door, leading to the backyard.“This is fun,” Kiara chuckles, wrapping her arms around his neck as the chilly night air slaps her body while he runs with her.Gia, on the other hand, thinks her plan is still working, so she heads off to find Zane, who is still talking with a group of people. When he finishes, she walks up to him.“What do you want, Gia?” Zane asks, crumpling his face with his hands in his pocket.Gia sips her drink, sizing him up with a smile on her face.“Nothing. It’s strange that you’re alone, because I assumed you came with Kiara and you were inseparable. But I saw her crying a moment ago.” Zane looks at her, his brows drawn down. “She had a lot to drink, and I’m just looking out for you because you wouldn’t want anything to ruin your speech, would you?” she asks, walking off bef
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