Skye's heart pounded against her ribcage, her breath coming in fast, uneven gasps as she clutched Elijah's hand, her fingers squeezing him like a lifeline. The thrill of their escape still coursed through her veins, adrenaline pumping wildly, making her skin feel electric."I can't believe we escaped the guards!" she burst out, her voice breathless yet laced with excitement, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to catch her breath. Elijah, on the other hand, stood beside her, a slow, knowing smirk curling his lips as he observed her reaction. He was calm-too calm, like this was just another night for him. His dark, hooded eyes studied her intently, flickering with amusement as he leaned against the nearest wall, hands tucked casually into his pockets. The contrast between them was stark-Skye, wild with exhilaration, and Elijah, exuding an almost predatory ease."Did you see my face when I thought the guards would catch us?" she stammered between her laughter, wiping
Sky trudged home after her night shift, the ache in her feet a dull reminder of the day’s work. She was exhausted, her mind clouded by fatigue, yet there was a spark of anticipation flickering inside her. Tonight was supposed to be special—it was her birthday, and Valentine’s Day too. She’d spent all day entertaining fleeting fantasies, hoping Andrew might surprise her with something thoughtful. She pictured herself stepping inside to find rose petals scattered across the floor, maybe even a romantic candle or two lighting up their tiny apartment. Something, anything, to show he’d remembered her.But as she pushed open the door, the dream shattered almost immediately. Her eyes fell on the floor near the entrance, where a lacy bra lay, entwined with a pair of men’s boxers. Sky’s breath caught. Her fingers tightened around the doorknob as the air around her thickened, suffocating her in disbelief. A chill crept up her spine, numbing her thoughts as she tried to swallow down the mount
Sky had crammed the last of her clothes into her suitcase, zipping it up with a snap that echoed around the empty room. She couldn’t stand to be here another minute, not after what she’d seen. Every glance at the couch clawed at her heart, a taunting reminder of her boyfriend, Andrew, entangled with her own sister on that very cushion. The image haunted her like a relentless ghost, replaying itself every time she blinked. This wasn’t a home anymore—it was a trap. The only way to free herself was to leave, to let the walls that bore witness hold the memories she refused to carry.Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, vibrating with Andrew’s apologies. Each text dripped with regret and excuses: "It was a mistake, Sky. “It wasn’t me. It was...it was the devil’s work." She rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “Blame it on the devil, huh? Typical. Take some responsibility, you son of a...” Her lips twisted into a bitter smile as she wished him the worst—a one-way ticket to misery.
Skye’s world blurred, and her pulse thundered in her ears as she was slammed down to the cold, unforgiving floor. Her skull screamed with pain as the back of her head collided with the hard surface, sending sharp waves of dizziness through her body. Her hair—her long, thick hair—was being yanked so hard it felt like her scalp might tear off. She opened her mouth, a guttural scream of rage and fear escaping her lips, but it was cut short as her breath hitched.“Shut up,” a voice growled, deep and menacing. The sound of it made her blood run cold. Andrew.“Andrew, what the hell are you doing here? Let go of my hair, please!” Her voice was shaky, filled with terror and disbelief. She twisted under him, but his grip was unyielding, his fingers like iron around her hair, forcing her head back.He chuckled, the sound low and twisted, vibrating in the space around them. The laugh was like a slap to her face, mocking, full of cruelty. “You thought you could leave me, huh?” he said, his voic
Xavier Collen.His name carried a reputation that preceded him, leaving a trail of trembling whispers and smoldering gazes wherever he went. Women spoke of him in reverent tones, their voices laced with desire and envy. His presence alone could reduce even the most self-assured women to quivering puddles, eager to be consumed by the magnetic pull of his dominance. Xavier was unapologetically himself—a sex addict who thrived on indulgence, pleasure, and control. He knew exactly how to treat women, how to make them melt under his touch, and that made him irresistible. But he had rules, strict ones. Once a woman found her way to his bed, she never got a second invitation. He was possessive, yes, but never repetitive. His appetite demanded variety, and yet, they always came back, pleading for another taste of him. Pleading for him to fuck them badly, pleading for answers to why he doesn't fuck a woman twice. Why? Why did he never return to them? He never answered. He didn’t need to.
Xavier tilted his head back, eyes fixed on the sprawling night sky, a smirk tugging at his lips as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. Raising his glass, he spoke in a low, gravelly tone, "A toast to that dickhead who finally got what he deserved." His smirk widened, a dangerous edge to his charm as his gaze shifted to Sky, who sat across the bar.Her legs crossed tightly as if she was trying to suppress something, and Xavier's sharp eyes didn't miss the subtle clench of her thighs. That one movement made him lean back in his chair, swirling the whiskey again with an air of predatory confidence. A wicked thought crossed his mind, and he muttered under his breath, "She wants to get laid. She wants to get fucked by me."Sky, catching his gaze, raised her glass in a shaky toast. Her lips parted as a bitter smile crept onto her face, one that couldn't hide the turmoil in her tear-brimmed eyes. "A toast to freedom," she said, her voice cracking before it rose with fiery venom. "I
The drive to Xavier’s apartment was thick with a silence that wasn’t awkward—it was charged, almost suffocating. Sky shifted in her seat, her thighs pressing together as a dull ache throbbed between them. She couldn’t focus on the passing city lights or the low hum of the engine. Her attention was on him—the way his hands gripped the steering wheel with the kind of control she wanted to unravel. Her body betrayed her; heat coiled low in her belly, and her breath hitched every time his sharp profile caught the dim glow of passing streetlights.Xavier glanced at her, a flicker of amusement playing across his face as he caught her staring. “See something you like?” he asked, his tone smooth but teasing, pulling her attention to his lips—lips she was already imagining trailing down her neck.Sky shot him a look, trying to mask her desire with bravado. “Don’t flatter yourself,” she said, though her voice betrayed the quiver of want beneath her words.He smirked, a devilish curve of his mo
Skye’s heart hammered in her chest as Xavier’s lips moved over hers with a ferocity that stole her breath. It wasn’t just a kiss—it was a battle of wills, a claim. His lips were rough and demanding, pulling her into his world, where nothing else mattered but the sensation of his mouth on hers and the intoxicating heat that radiated from his body.Her fingers tangled in his hair, gripping tightly, trying to hold onto something as the world spun around her. His hands slid up her waist, firm and possessive, as if daring her to pull away. But she didn’t want to. She couldn’t.“I fucking can’t get enough of you,” Xavier growled against her lips, his voice raw and gravelly. It sent shivers racing down her spine, pooling heat low in her belly. The intensity of his gaze when he pulled back momentarily made her feel like the only woman in the universe.His thumb brushed her swollen bottom lip, his eyes darkening at the sight of the faint trace of blood. “You’re so goddamn tempting,” he mutter
Skye's heart pounded against her ribcage, her breath coming in fast, uneven gasps as she clutched Elijah's hand, her fingers squeezing him like a lifeline. The thrill of their escape still coursed through her veins, adrenaline pumping wildly, making her skin feel electric."I can't believe we escaped the guards!" she burst out, her voice breathless yet laced with excitement, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to catch her breath. Elijah, on the other hand, stood beside her, a slow, knowing smirk curling his lips as he observed her reaction. He was calm-too calm, like this was just another night for him. His dark, hooded eyes studied her intently, flickering with amusement as he leaned against the nearest wall, hands tucked casually into his pockets. The contrast between them was stark-Skye, wild with exhilaration, and Elijah, exuding an almost predatory ease."Did you see my face when I thought the guards would catch us?" she stammered between her laughter, wiping
Xavier paced like a caged beast, his movements restless, agitated. His fingers repeatedly tangled in his dark hair, first smoothing it back, then gripping at the strands as though the act would steady his rage. His jaw was clenched so tightly it ached, his tongue pressing against the roof of his mouth in an effort to contain the storm brewing within him. His entire body was taut with tension, muscles coiled like a predator ready to pounce.His sharp blue eyes-cold and calculating-remained locked on the restroom door. What the fuck was taking her so long? His gut twisted with unease, an unfamiliar and unwelcome sensation that only served to further stoke his fury. She wouldn't dare try anything stupid... would she? The thought made his chest tighten.He wanted to storm in there, to slam the door open and drag her out if necessary. But Xavier knew better. That wouldn't be the smart move. He needed to keep his composure-or at least what was left of it. He ran a hand down his face, exhal
Skye reached the restroom, shoving the door open with trembling hands. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she stumbled toward the sink, clutching its edge for support. She met her reflection in the mirror, her face pale, her mascara smudged from the tears she hadn't even realized were falling. Her carefully arranged hair now hung in disarray, framing her tear-streaked cheeks.The quiet sobs she had been holding back finally broke free, shaking her body as she leaned over the sink. "This was supposed to be my day," she whispered bitterly to herself, her voice breaking. "My wedding day."Skye leaned against the restroom sink, her body trembling as her sobs quieted. She wiped at her face, smearing the tears that had already ruined her carefully applied makeup. All she wanted was to leave this nightmare behind, to slip out of her wedding gown and crawl into bed, where the weight of Xavier's fury and the humiliating scene from the ballroom couldn't reach her. Her exhaustion pressed down
She took a deep breath, her nails biting into her palms as she tried to center herself. Not here. Not now. If they wanted her to break, they would have to try harder. Skye was no stranger to being underestimated, and she wasn't about to let them win-not tonight, not ever.Her gaze wandered back to Xavier, who was watching her from across the room. His expression was unreadable, but his piercing blue eyes bore into her like a storm waiting to be unleashed. Had he heard any of it? Did he even care? She doubted it.Straightening her shoulders, she grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing waiter and downed it in one fluid motion. She welcomed the burn as the liquid slid down her throat, using it as fuel to fortify her crumbling walls. If this was her new reality, then so be it.But one thing was certain: she wasn't going to be a passive pawn in their cruel games. They wanted a fight? She'd give them a fight. She tilted her head back, the fifth glass of champagne slipping past her
"She's stunning," one woman admitted begrudgingly, but her compliment was overshadowed by venom. "But can you believe she's marrying Xavier Colleen? "What could she possibly see in him?""Oh, come on," another chimed in, leaning closer to her gossip partner. "You haven't heard the real story? She left her fiancé-someone just as rich, if not richer-for him. I mean, Xavier is a catch, sure, but everyone knows how he treats his women. Rumor has it, she couldn't resist his... well, you know." She giggled, her tone dripping with malice. "Bet she's addicted to him already."The words stabbed at Skye like needles, but she didn't falter. Her jaw clenched imperceptibly, and she kept her gaze locked forward, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing her react. Let them talk. Let them have their pathetic little gossip. She was no stranger to it-her life had been a spectacle ever since she agreed to this arrangement. But the raw, personal nature of their whispers still burned. How the he
"Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid!" she muttered, the words escaping her lips in between gasps. Her voice cracked, raw and broken, as she pounded her fists against her forehead. "How could I be so blind? So fucking stupid?" Her fingers dug into her scalp, her perfectly styled hair now disheveled and wild as she rocked back and forth in her seat.She was spiraling, the weight of her emotions crushing her like a tidal wave. Images of Xavier and Abigail together flashed through her mind-his hands on her, his lips against hers-and she let out a choked sob. "For Christ's sake, Skye!" she cried out, her voice hoarse from the strain. "What the hell were you thinking? You knew this wasn't real. You knew better, and you still-" She broke off, shaking her head violently as though she could shake away the shame and self-loathing that threatened to consume her.Her phone buzzed, Skye froze, her red-rimmed eyes darting toward the glowing screen. For a moment, she considered ignoring it, letting it
Abigail walked in with the kind of confidence that could silence a room, her heels clicking against the polished floor like a diva. She was stunning, dressed provocatively in a scarlet gown that clung to her every curve. . The neckline plunged daringly, revealing her ample chest, while the slit up the side of the dress showcased long, toned legs. Her lips, painted the same sultry shade as her dress, curled into a smirk that was equal parts alluring and menacing. And her eyes-sharp, piercing, and calculating-scanned the room before landing on Skye with laser precision."Well, well, well," Abigail drawled, her voice dripping with mockery as she sauntered further into the room. Her tone was sweet, but it carried an edge sharp enough to cut. "Isn't this just a lovely sight? The blushing bride, all dressed up and ready to walk down the aisle." She moved like a queen surveying her kingdom, each step deliberate and dripping with purpose.The words hung in the air like a slap, and Abigai
"Let me get this straight," Dante snarled, taking a step forward, his hands gesturing wildly. "You're telling me that Abigail-Abigail of all people-came to your penthouse last night, and instead of throwing her out like any decent man with a shred of loyalty would, you-" He faltered, his voice cracking with disbelief. "You slept with her?! You're getting married today, Xavier! To Sky! How the hell could you do this?"Xavier's expression didn't flicker, not even for a second. He adjusted his cufflinks, the soft metallic click somehow louder than Dante's shouts. "She came to me," Xavier said flatly, his voice devoid of any emotion. "She wanted it. I didn't go looking for her. She asked, and I gave her what she wanted. Simple as that."For a moment, Dante just stared at him, his mouth slightly open, as if his brain was struggling to process what he had just heard. "She wanted it?" he repeated, his tone climbing an octave. "She wanted it, so you just-what? Thought it was your duty to obli
“So, girl, you’re trying to tell me Xavier almost chewed you to the bones and his ex girlfriend is back?” Gloria’s voice crackled through the phone, sharp and incredulous. “Sky, are you even hearing yourself right now? After everything that’s happened, you’re still going through with this?”Sky sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers fidgeting with the delicate hem of her silk robe. The room felt suffocating, the weight of Gloria’s words pressing down on her like a lead blanket. Her gaze drifted to the wedding dress hanging by the window. It swayed slightly in the evening breeze, its ivory fabric catching the last glimmers of sunlight.“I don’t have a choice,” she whispered, her voice so low she wasn’t sure Gloria had heard her.But Gloria had. She always did. “No choice?” Gloria scoffed, her voice rising in disbelief. “Don’t give me that crap, Sky. You always have a choice. And your choice is to walk straight into a marriage with a man who treats emotions like they’re beneath him an