Zane:The next time my eyes open, I find myself in the familiar room at Mindy’s cottage. Mindy was an ex of mine. I inherited the cottage from her mother, who left it to me instead of her daughter after we broke up.I ended things with Mindy because she was unstable, hurting innocent people with her powers, unlike her mother. I’ve never shied away from hurting people, but only for revenge. Mindy, on the other hand, was a murder machine.I scan the room and see Kiara slumped in a chair, her head thrown back, a blanket wrapped around her. She’s asleep. The events of yesterday flood my mind, and I quickly check my body, realizing the wounds have healed perfectly. Guilt washes over me as I recall all the pain I’ve inflicted on her throughout our lives.I made her life a living hell, yet she chose to save me. Why? This is something I can’t understand, something I wish she would explain. I get to my feet and approach her, lifting her gently in my arms. I carry her to the bed and place her d
Third person pov:As Boris walks into the room to check on his son, Kiara stands behind him, gripping the handle of the door, trying to catch her breath as her eyes lock onto Zane’s. Zane forces himself to keep a straight face.“How do you feel?” Boris asks. Zane, unable to tear his gaze away from Kiara, hesitates before speaking.“F-fine. I... feel better.”He stutters again, wondering how much power she holds over him. No one has ever affected him like this, but she does, and it makes him feel strange.“I must say, you have one smart woman around you,” Boris says to Zane before turning to Kiara. “Where did you learn to do that?” he asks. Kiara glances at Zane, who subtly shakes his head.Was the godfather not aware of how he had tortured her? She wonders.“We are taught a lot of things at a young age back home, and this was one of the few I picked,” she replies humbly.“Beauty with brains. Hard to come by nowadays,” Boris remarks, and she forces a smile.Grabbing the handle, Kiara o
Kiara:After I say those words to him, he tries to speak, but then he passes out against me, crushing me with his weight as my chest rises with each breath, a lump growing in my throat. I feel a mix of relief and confusion, wondering what might have happened if he hadn’t passed out, or if I hadn’t stopped him. Would we have had sex? Would he even remember it?The thoughts swirl in my head, and I push him away, standing up and grabbing a robe from my closet, throwing it over my body. I leave the room and head down the stairs to the hallway that leads to the servants’ quarters.I can’t remember which room belongs to Ariana, so I trust my instincts and walk down the hall to the last room. Just as I’m about to open it, I hear her call out to me. I turn to see her standing in front of the second room at the beginning of the hallway.Relief floods my heart as I rush back to her, grabbing her hand and pushing open her door to reveal a tiny room with a small bed that could barely fit two peop
Zane: I hate her guts so much, and I hate myself even more for thinking I should be with her. My heart is stupid, and if there were a way to stop it from working, I’d be glad. I wish we were vampires; then I could control what I feel. But all I want right now is to hold and caress her. She’s hurt, and it’s my fault, but her people hurt me first. But you hurt her yourself. What is this stupid debate in my mind? I storm into my room, slamming the door shut so hard the sound reverberates through the entire house. I throw myself on the bed, trying to banish her stupid face from my mind. She saved my life, and without her, I’d be dead now. I owe her a lot, but I can’t let her go. Maybe I could let her go and seek revenge on her people alone, but I want her. I love her. Shit! Did I just confess to loving her? I sit up, slapping my forehead multiple times. My heart races, and all I can think about is her face, her lips, everything in between. I want her. I need her now. I get t
Kiara: One would think hearing those words would be pleasant, but they do nothing but create a hollow feeling in my chest. The last time I heard those words was before Blake cheated on me. He always said them like he meant it, but going on with Veronica proved it was all fake. We both sit up at once, throwing our legs over the edge of the bed, facing opposite each other in silence for a while. It’s evident he regrets his words, and it disgusts me. “What did you say?” I ask, grasping the sheets to cover my bare body, as though I hadn’t been entangled in a fierce moment of passion with him just moments ago. “You lo...” Before I can finish, he cuts me off. “It was a mistake.” How could he say that? I didn’t want it to be true that he loved me, but the way he says it, like he has no use for me anymore, gets to me. I raise my tone, turning slightly to face him while he gets to his feet. “Of course, it’s a mistake. With you, every fucking thing is a mistake!” I say, then he
Kiara: Zane grabs my waist, pressing my body toward him. His hands trail up my thighs until they rest on my butt, barely covered by the dress. He pulls away from the kiss, his breath hot against my lips. “I don’t know what I was thinking when I bought this dress.” As I open my mouth to respond, he grabs the slit in front of me, ripping the dress until my pussy becomes visible. “I guess that solves the problem,” he says, taking my lips again, but this time tenderly. He pulls me up to his body, wrapping my legs around him, then places me on the bed. His lips trail kisses down my neck to my breasts, finding their way to my thighs. He pauses, ripping the dress more until the entire bottom is gone. He gets on his knees, grabbing my feet, worshipping them with kisses. His lips trail up my thighs as I stare into his needy eyes, my hands gripping the bed. My entire body tenses as his kisses stop close to my core. He grabs my thighs, parting them gently, his lips meeting my moi
Third Person pov: The ride to the party was silent as Zane battles with his thoughts about what had happened. Having sex with Kiara twice in one day is crazy, and yet his body still craves her. As the car speeds down the highway, his eyes continuously divert to her, and all he wants to do is pull her close, but he can’t. “Can you stop staring, even just for one moment?” she asks as the car comes to a halt. He scoffs, opening his door before the chauffeur can do it. “Do not flatter yourself.” They both get out of the car, and Zane strides toward the front door of the gigantic house. He opens it and meets the eyes of a lady in a short, tight dress who throws her arms around him. Her eyes meet Kiara’s, who stands behind. Kiara’s face burns with envy for a reason she can’t understand. “I didn’t know you would be here. I heard about your accident, and I am so sorry,” the lady says, pulling away from him. “Thanks, Zoe,” he replies. Zoe places her hands on him, facing Kiara
Third person pov: “I do not need your help,” I say to him, and he scoffs. “He’s only a human, and I could have taken him down with one strike, so don’t act like you saved me from some life-threatening occasion.” I fold my arms with my back against him, feeling the heat of his presence. “And you have to be stubborn about it,” he replies, his voice tinged with frustration. I maintain my stance without looking at him. “A simple thank you would have been appreciated.” He closes the space between us, his breath warm against my neck. I turn to face him, taking two steps back to keep some distance. “Are you done chatting with your FRIEND?” I stress the word, and he raises an eyebrow. “You’re angry because I was with Zoe?” “I’m not angry,” I say, throwing my face away, but he steps closer again, forcing me to retreat further. “Will you stop it?” I huff, shaking my head in exasperation. “Then admit you’re angry,” he insists, and I raise a corner of my cheek in defiance. “Even i
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