Sky's fingers trembled as she tried to keep herself composed, her nails digging into the fabric of her bag. Her chest rose and fell in sharp, erratic breaths, and her heart pounded so loudly she was certain Xavier could hear it. How is this even possible? Her thoughts raced as she stared at the man towering over her, his presence suffocating yet magnetic. She shook her head furiously, trying to silence the heat pooling low in her abdomen."You know what? Not here. I can get a job somewhere else," she blurted, her voice sharp but laced with panic. She moved to stand, fumbling to gather her things, but before she could take a step, his hand shot out, gripping her wrist."Sit down."The words weren’t shouted—they didn’t need to be. They were dark, commanding, and laced with an edge of danger that froze her in place. His gaze burned into her, sharp and unyielding as steel, and when she didn’t move fast enough for his liking, he tugged her back into the chair with a force that sent her bo
Sky sat frozen in her seat, her mind spinning as Xavier's words reverberated in her ears. Be my wife.It wasn’t a request. It wasn’t even a demand. It was an inevitability, at least in his eyes."Excuse me?" she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers gripped the edge of the chair so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She wanted to laugh, to scream, to run, but her body refused to move.Xavier leaned back, the glow from his tobacco casting faint shadows across his chiseled features. He looked calm—too calm—as though this insane proposition was the most rational thing he’d ever said. "You heard me, Angel," he said again, his tone softer now, almost coaxing, as though he were talking her into buying a pair of shoes instead of binding her life to his.Her chest tightened. She needed to breathe, to think, to push past the heat swirling in her gut and focus. "You’ve lost your mind," she snapped, standing abruptly. "I’m not some pawn in whatever twisted game you’
Hold up!” Gloria’s voice shot up a notch, her popcorn flying everywhere as she sprang off the couch. “Let me get this straight. Your one-night stand... and also your boss, the same guy who makes the Devil look like a saint, wants you to marry him?” She placed her hands on her hips, her sharp brown eyes boring into Sky like a laser.Sky flinched, shrinking into the cushions as Gloria’s words sliced through the thick haze of disbelief clouding her mind. A heavy knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach, but beneath it... something else lingered. A flicker of excitement, of something dark and dangerous, like stepping too close to the edge of a cliff just to feel the thrill.“I...” Sky faltered, her fingers knotting in the soft fabric of the couch pillow. Her mind raced, replaying Xavier’s words in his deep, commanding voice. "You’ll be my wife, Sky. No arguments. No excuses. I always get what I want."Her heart skipped a beat, and she hated it. Hated the way his presence had overwhelmed her
The truth was, as much as Xavier terrified her, he also exhilarated her. His power, his intensity, the way he seemed to see through every wall she’d ever built—it was terrifying, yes, but it was also... intoxicating.Gloria let out a low whistle, shaking her head. “ But hey, if you’re gonna marry a crazy billionaire, at least he’s offering to make you filthy rich while he’s at it.”Sky couldn’t help but laugh, even as her heart ached with uncertainty. “Yeah, because money fixes everything, right?”“Maybe not everything,” Gloria said with a shrug. “But it sure doesn’t hurt to have a hundred billion reasons to figure it out.”Just then, Sky’s phone buzzed on the coffee table, the sharp vibration cutting through the tense air like a knife. Her stomach tightened as the screen lit up, the name flashing like a neon sign in the darkness: Robert.Gloria paused mid-chew, a popcorn kernel caught between her fingertips. She shot Sky a look, her brows lifting as a slow, knowing grin spread across
At the table tucked in the far corner, Robert leaned forward, his hands folded loosely on the table as he spoke, his voice calm yet tinged with incredulity.“You wouldn’t believe the kind of mess my uncle has gotten himself into,” he began, his tone heavy with exasperation. “The man is sixty-two years old, Sky. Sixty-two! And instead of retiring quietly or, I don’t know, finding a hobby, he’s out here... impregnating the maid.”Robert leaned back, his dark eyes narrowing as he let the words sink in, his jaw tightening with a mix of disdain and disbelief. “She’s barely out of college, and now she’s carrying his child. Meanwhile, Aunt Martha—who’s stood by his side for over two decades—has been completely humiliated. He had the nerve, the nerve, to throw her out of the house, saying she’s useless because she couldn’t give him a son.”He let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. The light from the chandelier above glinted off his watch as he gestured sharply. “Can you imagine that? Twe
Their lips collided in a deep, passionate kiss, tongues dancing in a heated rhythm as their breaths mingled. Robert’s strong arms held Sky firmly, as though he was afraid to let her go. The world outside ceased to exist; it was just the two of them, lost in the intoxicating pull of each other.As they reached the bedroom, Robert used his foot to gently nudge the door shut, the soft click echoing in the silent room. He lowered Sky carefully onto the bed, her head sinking into the plush pillows, and a quiet moan escaped her lips at the loss of contact with his. Her half-lidded eyes searched his, a mixture of desire and vulnerability flashing across her face.Robert straightened, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the dim light of the room. His gaze was intense, filled with unspoken promises, as he reached up to loosen his tie. Sky’s breath hitched as she bit her lower lip, her fingers trembling with anticipation. The way he looked at her—like she was the only thing in the unive
“Robert! Faster! Please faster!” Sky screamed, her voice a mix of pleasure and desperation as she clutched the sheets like a lifeline. Blood dripped from her bitten lips, each gasp sending tremors of ecstasy through her body. She felt every inch of him deep inside her, his length stretching her in ways that made her moan uncontrollably. Her back arched, pushing her curves toward him, inviting him to take more. Her legs were wide spread opened for him to go deeper. “Damn it girl, you’re so tight and wet just for me baby. This pussy is mine. Your body is mine. You are mine sky!” he growled, his voice thick with lust. He thrust into her with a powerful rhythm, the slickness of her wetness making it all too easy for him to glide deeper. “I love how you feel around me. You’re my filthy little slut. You are my whore!” The words sent a jolt of excitement through her, and when he smacked her ass, the sound echoed in the room, filling her with a mix of pleasure and pain. “And your fu
The room was suffocatingly silent, save for the sound of Sky's rapid breathing. She looked up at Robert, her heart pounding so loudly she thought it might echo in the space between them. A bead of sweat formed at her temple and trickled down the side of her face, a physical manifestation of the turmoil inside her. This wasn’t how she wanted him to find out—not in the middle of their most intimate moment, not like this, with the name of another man slipping from her lips. Her thoughts scrambled, searching desperately for a way to spin the truth, to say something—anything—that could salvage this moment. But her mind was a blank canvas, painted only with guilt and fear. How could she tell the man she was set to marry that, even while they were together, Xavier had invaded her thoughts? That she’d pictured Xavier’s face in the place of Robert’s? Robert's voice cut through the silence, sharp and cold. “Go on, Sky. Who the fuck is Xavier? I’m listening.” He folded his arms tightl
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