CH.46

Killian cradled Serena's unconscious form tenderly in his arms and lifted his gaze towards the car's inner roof.

He knew there was a camera hidden there, and he was certain that Knox was watching his every move.

A slow and wicked grin spread across Killian's lips as he wondered what Knox's reaction looked right now on seeing his precious new bride held so closely by another man.

Killian knew he was treading dangerous waters by intentionally provoking Knox, but he couldn't resist the temptation to draw a jealous reaction from the man who was as cold and impassive as the Arctic ice.

There was a certain thrill in poking the bear…. in testing the boundaries of his dear Friend's legendary self-control.

A soft chuckle rumbled from deep within Killian's chest. He knew that Knox hadn't been quick to save Serena; the only reason she wasn't currently rotting in a cell was thanks to the intervention of the one person Knox couldn't refuse.

If it had been left up to Knox alone, Serena would have been sent to prison for at least several weeks, maybe even months, before he made any move to rescue her.

Killian understood why Knox had been so reluctant. Their lifestyle was anything but simple. They lived in a world of mystery and violence that was hardly suited for someone as seemingly frail and delicate as ice mountain appeared to view Serena.

In Knox's eyes, she was a fragile flower thrust into the midst of a garden of thorns, ill-equipped to withstand the harsh realities of their existence.

The convoy finally pulled up in front of an immense, luxurious estate that sprawled over thousands of acres of grandeur. Despite the picturesque surroundings, a sense of foreboding seemed to envelop this place. The aura of danger that raise the hairs at the nape of one’s neck was tangible.

Serena and Jenkins remained unconscious throughout the drive, blissfully unaware of anything going on around them.

"Do you need assistance with anything, boss?” One of the bodyguards on the other car’s asked while holding the back door open for Killian to get out.

Killian shook his head. “No need, I will bring her up myself. Take care of the other one,” he replied, getting out of the car while cradling Serena securely in his arms. However, he suddenly felt a cold chill that rose goosebumps on his skin, and he didn't need to see to know who it was.

Serena was peeled from his arms as though she had vanished into thin air before he could even fully turn his head, disappearing from his grasp with a swiftness that defied belief.

"It seems you enjoy playing with fire, Killian," Seven's voice came from behind, breaking the stillness with a quiet menace.

Killian smirked. "Someone has to keep that ice mountain on his toes. Besides, isn't she worth it?"

"You've made your point, Killian. But remember, some fires can burn you to ashes." Seven replied.

Killian had always been rebellious by nature, pushing boundaries and testing limits simply for the thrill of it. Yet he also knew that Knox wasn't someone to be trifled with lightly. The latter lacked a sense of humor and couldn't appreciate even the most basic jokes or playful provocations.

"No need to fret, bro," Killian said with a casual shrug, his tone deliberately nonchalant in the face of Seven's thinly veiled warning. "Just making sure he's still human underneath that ice."

Without another word, Seven turned and walked towards the grand entrance of the massive building before him.

Jenkins, still unconscious and oblivious to the tense exchange that had just taken place, was lifted out of the car by two burly men who had been standing by.

They carried him inside the estate with practiced efficiency, their movements betraying no hint of emotion or hesitation.

Killian watched the grand doors of the estate swing shut behind the others with a twinge of apprehension gnawing at him despite his outward bravado.

He had intentionally provoked Knox, a man known for his ruthlessness and cruelty, and Killian couldn't shake the feeling that he had perhaps pushed his luck a bit too far this time.

He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a slow breath as he tried to quell the unease that had settled like a weight in the pit of his stomach.

The line of guards stationed outside bowed to Killian as he strode towards the mansion, which was enveloped in an atmosphere of grandeur and power that seemed to permeate every inch of the estate.

The foyer was vast and lavishly decorated, with marble floors and soaring ceilings adorned with intricate moldings and chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow over the space.

Killian followed the sound of footsteps down a long hallway. As he rounded a corner, he caught sight of Knox disappearing through a set of double doors at the end of the hall.

He quickened his pace reached the doors and pushed them open before stepping into what appeared to be a lavish study.

The room was adorned with rich, dark wood paneling and well decorated shelves lined with books that stretched from floor to ceiling.

A massive fireplace dominated one wall, its flickering flames casting dancing shadows across the space.

Knox stood in the middle of the room with his back to Killian, Serena's unconscious body nowhere to be seen. "You're treading on dangerous ground, Killian," Knox said without turning around.

Everyone in his vicinity knew that he was averse to provocations, particularly when they dealt with issues related to his personal affairs.

Killian arched an eyebrow with a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he feigned ignorance. "Am I overstepping in your matters of the heart? I didn't realize you had one, bro."

Knox's gaze darkened. The air around him seemed to grow colder and more deadly as he slowly turned to face Killian.

Killian quickly held up his hands in a placating gesture, sensing that he had perhaps pushed a bit too far this time. "I meant no offense. I was merely trying to gauge the depth of your intentions towards my sister-in-law." His tone took on a more serious note, his eyes betraying a hint of genuine concern.

"My main concern is for the two of you. I wouldn't want that innocent woman to suffer harm, nor would I want you to make a major mistake that could ruin everything we've fought so hard for. She only made the mistake of ever crossing lines with you, and from what I can infer, you are still trying to fight your connection with her. But might I remined you why would the old man, who had been bent on chasing that white lotus away even when given the circumstances of your relationship now become involved in Serena Bolting's—"

Before Killian could continue, he was flung across the room by an unseen force. His body slammed into the opposite wall with a sickening thud before crumpling to the ground.

The study door slammed shut behind him, leaving him dazed and staring up at the ornate ceiling as he tried to catch his breath.

‘Damn it! Why was this guy so bad tempered?’