Kier's POVI couldn't believe what I was seeing. This girl had to be joking. What on earth did she think she was doing? “What are you doing?” I asked, and once again, she flinched. Honestly, the number of times she had reacted like that whenever I spoke or got too close was beyond counting.She turned to face me from her spot on the floor. After tending to her injury and putting a band-aid on it, I carried her to my room, determined to avoid a repeat of the chaos that had previously happened in her room.That meant saying goodbye to Sofia, the sweet brunette I had wanted to bang today. As soon as I set her down, she jumped onto the cold, hard floor beside the bed. Who does that? Apparently, she does.“What are you doing on the floor? Get on the bed,” I instructed, and she stared at me with wide eyes, as if I had just suggested the most absurd thing imaginable. I couldn’t blame her; it was a ridiculous request, even to my own ears. I wasn’t one to share a bed unless I had just fucked
GENESIS My senses were heightened, absorbing every sound and scent around me. After thirteen long years of confinement, I found myself not only married but also in a car, venturing into the unknown. The fresh air brushed against my face, a sensation I had longed for.“Come on,” he urged, placing his hand at the small of my back. Instinctively, I recoiled from his touch and glanced up, unable to see his expression behind the large sunglasses he wore.“What do you think I’m going to do to you here?” he asked, stepping closer. I fought the urge to flinch, instinctively shutting my eyes as I felt his hand on my waist, guiding me toward what I suspected was a mall.Every sensation felt amplified. The sun warmed my skin, a stark contrast to the constant chill of my previous life. The air buzzed with the aroma of roasted chestnuts from a nearby vendor, mingling with the sharp scent of car exhaust and the delicate sweetness of flowers blooming in a planter by the entrance. It was a whirlwind
Kier's POVFrom the corner of my eye, I noticed her suddenly go tense, her face turning even paler than usual as she stared at her stepbrother."Why are you still sitting there? Stand up," I said. Without looking at her, I pushed open the door on my side and stepped out.Her brother's smile widened—not at me, but at Genesis as she stepped out of the car.That smile didn’t sit well with me."Come here," I said immediately. She tore her gaze away from him and walked over, eyes downcast, her movements hesitant."What’s your brother doing here?" I asked. She flinched, then slowly raised her head to look at me.Fear. It was unmistakable.It was always there, lingering beneath the surface, but during the drive back, it had been different. She had stared out the window, taking in the view like she was seeing something out of a dream—not just plain old New York.She shook her head.Footsteps.I looked up to see Richard descending the stairs, a maid following behind him.I gestured toward the
Genesis's POVWas I in trouble?The question gnawed at my mind as I stood before the large mirror in his room, watching the maid silently zip up the yellow dress we'd gotten from that massive mall.With each inch of fabric closing around my body, the pressure in my chest tightened. My heart pounded against my ribs, louder than the soft rustle of the cloth. He had left so abruptly.He was angry. I wouldn't fool myself into thinking otherwise.I had stood there and watched as he discarded the coat like it was nothing. He'd stormed up the stairs without a second glance, leaving me frozen in place until he returned fifteen minutes later in fresh jeans and a white shirt. He barely spared me a glance before disappearing out the door again.I didn't know whether that was a good thing or not."Ma'am... ma'am?"A light tap on my shoulder made me jolt, stumbling forward. My hands shot out, catching myself against the mirror before I could topple it over and make more trouble for myself.I glanc
Kier's POV"I don't think it's a good idea to go back to the estate looking like this," Damon said, watching me slip into the car seat.I gave him a look that clearly screamed, Do I look like I give a fuck what you think?He sighed, always so fucking dramatic, then closed the damn door and got into the driver's seat. Leonardo, my other bodyguard, took the passenger seat next to him. If I had to choose, I'd pick Leo over Damon any day. The fucker knew how to mind his own business, unlike Damon, who always felt the need to fill the silence with useless words.The engine purred to life, and for a second, just one blissful second, I thought I'd get to enjoy the ride in peace without anyone trying to bore holes into my headache-ridden skull.I should have known better."What I'm trying to say is..""No." I cut him off, gritting the word through my teeth. Each syllable felt like someone was hammering nails into my skull. "You don't talk while driving. It's against... the driving code or wha
Genesis's POVThey were beautiful, I couldn't believe my eyes. They were nothing like the dull flowers back at my former estate.The garden stretched endlessly, vibrant and alive. Red roses, yellow sunflowers, white lilies, daisies, gardenias, every flower I could think of was blooming. Their sweet scents mixed in the air, making my nose tingle.People were scattered around, trimming leaves, watering plants, and carrying small baskets filled with freshly cut flowers. The soft rustle of leaves and birds singing made everything feel... peaceful. Like a place where pain couldn't reach me.I wanted to stay here forever.And when I meant here, I meant exactly where I stood, the small patch of perfectly trimmed grass under my feet. Without realizing it, I had slipped off the soft yellow fuzzy slippers my husband had bought for me. The grass was cool and gentle, soaking into my skin like a silent comfort.I hadn't even noticed the gazes I was drawing from the gardeners and workers passing by
Kier's POVWhere the hell had she been running from?My gaze locked onto her trembling form, then drifted down to her bare feet. No slippers?I adjusted my glasses, the thick-rimmed, large-ass ones I'd been forced to wear since Damon and Leo were hellbent on making sure I didn't scare the new little wife with my bruised-up face. The glasses did a good job hiding the evidence, even if they made me look like some wannabe professor.Still, I didn't mind playing nice... for now.I stopped in front of her, towering over her small frame. She wouldn't meet my eyes, her fingers gripping the edge of the door like it was the only thing holding her up. She reeked of fear, and I found myself fascinated by it.Not in a twisted way. I loved women, or more accurately, I loved what they could give. Most of the ones in my circle were just pretty faces with sharp tongues and ulterior motives, so I learned not to get attached.But Genesis...The way her pale toes curled into the marble floor, the way sh
Genesis's POVHe was different?Scary... but different."Here, you can have this."Daisy's small hand stretched out, holding a chocolate toward me.I took it tentatively, my fingers barely brushing hers. My eyes flicked to my husband from the corner of my eye, half-expecting him to snap or snatch it away.But he wasn't even looking at me.His attention was entirely on Daisy, a small smile playing on his lips as if he hadn't just caught me trembling against the door minutes ago."We'll eat it like this," Daisy continued, her voice soft like she was explaining something very important. "You will eat one chocolate... and then I'll eat one... and then you again... like that. How do you see it?"I just stared at her, the words floating in my head without landing.She tilted her head, waiting for an answer I couldn't give.My throat felt tight.Say something...But nothing came out.Daisy's smile wavered for a second, and panic stirred deep in my chest.I wanted to nod, to do something. She
Genesis' POV"I'm proud of you."His words echoed in my head, making my face flush hot. I twirled the bottom of my pencil between my lips, lost in yesterday’s memory—the way he moved inside me, each thrust sending waves of pleasure that left my body trembling. I crossed my legs tightly, my chest rising and falling as the heat returned to my skin.“Genesis, that pencil is meant for your book, not your mouth,” Liam’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I straightened up immediately, guilt flashing across my face as I met his unimpressed gaze.“Want to share your thoughts?” he asked, tilting his head.I looked down at my book and shook my head quickly. No way. I couldn’t.“You sure? You could write it down if talking too hard. Is something wrong?” he asked gently.I shook my head again, unable to meet his eyes. If I did, he might somehow know what I was thinking—something I definitely shouldn’t be thinking in class.“If you say so,” he said, and placed his hand gently on mine where it r
Kier’s POV “Lean against the glass,” I said. She looked up at me, her eyes briefly meeting mine, then turned around and placed her hands on the cool wall of the shower stall. I stepped closer, lifting her waist slightly. She shivered under my touch, and I smirked, letting my palm glide along her waist and hips. But then I noticed them—the scars running across her back. My amusement vanished, replaced by a flare of anger. Who the hell did this to her? I had been forced to marry her, yet no one told me anything about her life. And truthfully, I hadn’t cared enough to ask. My father claimed we were childhood friends, but I remembered none of it. Still, there had always been something off about her stepfamily. Something unspoken. But I knew nothing. Not really. I traced one of the jagged scars, my fingers gentle. She shivered again. “Do they hurt?” I asked. She turned slightly, glancing at me over her shoulder, then at my hand resting on the mark. She didn’t answer right
Genesis’s POVOh God.Daisy was watching us.I buried my face against his chest, my legs trembling slightly where they were wrapped around his waist, and I could feel him twitch inside me.“Nothing, sweetheart. Just go back downstairs. Genesis isn’t feeling well,” he said, but didn’t turn around.“Not feeling well? But she was fine just a few minutes ago when I saw her,” Daisy replied, and my face burned with embarrassment. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.She continued. “Lily, are you okay?” I heard her footsteps coming closer, but Kier shifted sideways, making his body jostle inside me. A moan slipped from my mouth, and I knew he realized it.“She’s not feeling well, Daisy. Just go back downstairs. I’ll take care of her, and she’ll be fine,” he said, moving again. My mouth fell open, and then I heard the sound of a door creaking open.Thankfully, we were close to the bedroom door, so Kier only had to lean sideways slightly to turn the doorknob.“But why are you…”
Kier's POV “Mr. Blackwood, your three o'clock meeting will commence soon,” my PA, Rachel, said over the intercom. “Thank you, Rachel,” I replied, settling back into my chair. I leaned back and stared out through the glass wall. As I sat there, my thoughts drifted back home. I had left the house early this morning—she was still sleeping when I left. I couldn't help but watch her for a moment, like a creep, mesmerized by the way her brow furrowed in her sleep, as if trapped in a nightmare. I reached out and smoothed her brow. Just as I was about to pull my hand away, she reached out and grasped it. I found myself frozen, her hand wrapped around mine, holding me tight until she slipped deeper into sleep, her grip loosening just enough for me to gently pull away. Leaving her had been harder than usual. No pun intended, but I wanted nothing more than to stay and watch her sleep. Still, I had to leave, knowing she’d be fine for a while longer. “Sir, the meeting is about to begin,
GENESIS He was gone before I woke up. I didn’t even get to kiss him like he had told me.I sighed, propping myself against the headboard. My pencil and book rested on my thighs as I skimmed through the rule he had given me yesterday.To say I wasn’t surprised would be a lie.But I had to do as he said, of course.After going over the book one more time, I climbed off the bed and made my way to the bathroom.What am I going to do today?It was Monday. He was probably at work. Daisy would be in school too.She was the only person I talked to.So that meant I’d be here alone.I shed my clothes and stepped into the shower stall. The moment the water hit my head, I shivered, even though it was hot.I closed my eyes, but the second I did, I was there again.That cold, musty room…My eyes snapped open, my chest rising and falling too fast. I quickly shut off the shower and stepped out, my breath coming in short, ragged bursts.Gripping the sink, I stared down at the white porcelain, then sl
Kier's POV"Does your father still think we’re in the 1800s? Who still forces their children to marry some random girl they don’t even know?" Veronica huffed, clearly more annoyed by the situation than I was, the one actually in it.I let out a small, humorless smile, but as my eyes drifted toward Genesis, the smile vanished.Why was she smiling?I glanced at Charlie, who was leaning in too close to my wife, that ridiculous grin plastered on his face—the same one he always wore around women he fancied.And she wasn’t even pulling away.Okay, she wasn’t exactly leaning in, but she was sitting there, smiling at him.I didn’t like that.Wait—saying it like that made me sound like a controlling asshole.I just didn’t like that she was smiling at him.I thought she didn’t like strangers. She barely even talked to me. But now, she was completely comfortable, amused even.And that bastard was—"Kier, are you even listening to me?"Veronica’s voice snapped me out of my blatant gawking—no, no,
GENESIS "And who might you be?" Veronica asked, stopping just a few feet away from me. Daisy clung to her hand while she used the other to remove her glasses. Without them, I was met with sharp, cat-like eyes that swept over me from head to toe. I couldn’t deny that I did the same. She was stunning. Platinum blonde hair sleekly pulled into a ponytail, perfectly arched brows, and an air of quiet authority that made it impossible to look away. One perfectly manicured brow lifted, her lips parting as if she were about to speak— But before she could, Daisy tugged on her hand. "Aunt Vera, that’s Uncle Kier’s wife," Daisy said innocently. "And she can’t talk." The second the words left her mouth, Veronica’s fingers slackened. The glasses she had been holding slipped from her grasp, hitting the floor with a sharp clang. Her eyes widened, horror and disbelief flashing across her face. "Wife?" she whispered, barely audible. She swayed slightly, unsteady on her feet. Instinct kicked in
Kier's POV"Aren't you supposed to be home with your new wife instead of checking out single ladies?" Charlie teased, his tone dripping with mockery.I barely spared him a glance, raising a brow in silent thanks as the bartender slid my whiskey across the counter.Then, turning to Charlie, I shot him a glare. "Would you lower your damn voice? Do you want everyone to know I'm married?"He scoffed. "Really? That’s what you're worried about? When you called me, while I was in Rome, by the way, and told me you were getting married, I was surprised. No, actually, I was shocked. Then I was happy. And then…" He took a dramatic pause. "I was horrified."I took a slow sip of whiskey, letting the burn sear the back of my throat. That was exactly what I needed.Maybe it'd knock some sense into me.Because I had taken my wife against the wall. Like some kind of maniac.I shook the thought off. Dwelling on it only made things worse. And not just because of the guilt.Turning back to Charlie, I exh
Genesis’s POVWarmth spread across my face. My eyes were closed, but that wasn’t the only thing I felt. My entire body ached, sore yet not in a painful way. There was a lingering sensation, a hum of pleasure woven through the soreness, making me want to stay in bed, to keep sleeping.But something wasn’t right.One of the rules was that I had to kiss him every morning.So I needed to wake up.My eyes fluttered open, the sunlight filtering through the blinds warming my skin. I closed them again, adjusting to the brightness before blinking back to awareness.I turned to the side, expecting to find him beside me, but he wasn’t there.Panic jolted me upright and u realized I was naked."Ugh." I groaned, pressing a hand to my face as the memories rushed in.Oh god.How could I have been so… wanton?What was different about his… his…Even in my own thoughts, I couldn’t say it.Yet I had screamed and moaned from the overwhelming pleasure of his…I clenched my eyes shut.Why had it felt so go