Chapter 5

Kyla spent the next day in a haze, her mind replaying every word, every touch from the night before. Reece's words, his desperate pleas, echoed in her head. He begged her to stay. She couldn't let herself believe it. She had spent so long convincing herself that he didn't care, that she was just another woman in his life-a pet. But now his words haunted her.

"You're mine. You always have been."

She shoved clothes into her suitcase, trying to focus on the task at hand. Her flight was tomorrow and everything was falling into place. The apartment in London was arranged, the credit card Mrs. Hastings had given her was ready to use, and all she had to do was leave.

Simple.

Yet, her heart felt like it was being torn apart with every step closer to the door.

Kyla's phone buzzed on the dresser. She picked it up, glancing at the screen. A message from Emma.

"Hey sis, still planning on going out tonight? You should meet this guy I know, he's super rich. Call me later."

Kyla sighed and tossed the phone back onto the bed.

No one knew about Reece. No one could. That secret would die with her, just like the deal she has made with his mother.

She walked over to the window and stared at the skyline outside her apartment. This city has given her everything-love, pain, success and heartbreak. But now it was time to leave it all behind.

***

That evening, Kyla made her way back to her parents' house. She needed to say goodbye properly-even if it meant more lies, more pretending. As she pulled up to the driveway, her heart twisted at the sight of her father, already waiting on the porch, a warm smile lighting up his face.

"Kyla!" he called out, waving her over.

She parked the car and stepped out, walking toward him, forcing a smile as she approached. Her mother soon joined them, her arms outstretched, wrapping Kyla in a tight hug. The scent of fresh laundry and home filled Kyla's senses, and for a moment, she felt like a child again-safe, protected, loved.

"You're really going, aren't you?" her father asked softly as they all sat on the porch.

Kyla nodded, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Yeah, I leave tomorrow."

Her mother's face softened, though sadness glimmered in her eyes. "We'll miss you, sweetheart."

Kyla's throat tightened. She didn't deserve this. The lies, the deceit-it was all weighing down on her soul. She tried to swallow the guilt but felt it lodge deep in her chest.

"I'll come back soon," she whispered, though she wasn't sure how much of that was true.

***

Later that night, Kyla returned to her apartment for her final night in the city. The apartment was eerily quiet, and as she stepped inside, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

Reece.

She didn't want to believe he'd show up again, but something in her gut told her he would. He always did when she least expected it. And sure enough, as she stepped into her bedroom, there he was- sitting on the edge of her bed, looking as though he had been there for hours.

Reece didn't say a word at first. He just watched her, his blue eyes filled with something dark and unreadable. He had a bottle of whiskey in one hand, the glass already half-empty, and in the other, his ever-present cigar. Smoke curled lazily around him, giving him an air of quiet menace.

"You came," Kyla said softly, her heart pounding in her chest.

He didn't move. "I wasn't going to let you leave without a proper goodbye."

She swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Reece..."

He stood up, his broad frame towering over her, and closed the distance between them in two long strides. His hand cupped her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. His eyes were burning with intensity, the heat between them almost suffocating.

"Tell me you don't feel it," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Tell me you can walk away from this, from us."

Kyla's breath hitched. She wanted to lie, to tell him that she was done, that she didn't care. But the truth was burning a hole inside her chest. She couldn't walk away from him, not really.

"I have to go, Reece," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Your mother-"

"Fuck my mother," he spat, pulling her closer, his hands gripping her waist. "She doesn't get to decide for us. For me. I don't care about her plans."

Kyla shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "But you are engaged and besides this was just temporary, no feelings attached"

"I don't care about her," Reece interrupted, his voice harsh. "I'll take care of everything. I'll make everything right. Just stay."

His lips crashed down on hers, the kiss fierce and possessive. Kyla moaned against his mouth, her body betraying her once again as his hands roamed her back, pulling her against him. His tongue slid against hers, igniting the familiar heat that she had tried so hard to suppress.

"You're not leaving," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin as his lips trailed down her neck. "Not for London, not for anything."