The kiss is forceful, a collision of our anger and frustration. I can taste the alcohol on her lips.God! My hatred for her is profound, but I can’t deny that there is a magnetic pull in between us.For a moment, it feels like she might resist, but then I feel her surrender, her body relaxing against mine, her hands clutching my shirt. Our lips move in perfect sync, burning our bodies with desire.I just hate myself for feeling something for this woman, although it is just sexual.She suddenly pushes me away with a gasp, her eyes filled with confusion and anger.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She hisses, wiping her lips.“Grace, my father’s man is watching us, so just behave if you don’t want him to come to know about your true face.” As I whisper in her ear, her eyes widen in shock.I keep a watchful eye on my father’s man, who pretends not to be watching but is clearly keeping tabs on us. Our kiss seems to satisfy him, and he leaves, giving us some much-needed privacy.G

Steve’s P.O.V.As Grace storms off to the bathroom, I’m left alone with my thoughts and the memories of the previous night.I feel frustrated as I think about how hard it was to clean her up and help her change, all the while trying to resist the undeniable attraction I feel toward her.I can’t deny that Grace is an incredibly alluring woman. Her words and actions, even in a drunken state, made it difficult for me to maintain my composure. Yet, I controlled myself.***She is about to leave the room, but stops as I call her, “Grace.” She turns to face me, and I continue, “Please, don’t get drunk today. I can't go through that again.”Annoyed by my remarks, she retorts, “Don’t sleep with men. Don’t do this, don’t do that. Just stop fucking telling me what I should or shouldn’t do, Mr. Steve.”I respond in a firm tone, pointing my finger at her. “This situation is an outcome of your choices, Grace. Remember that the contract marriage was your idea, so you should be prepared to accept th

Steve’s P.O.V. It’s late at night, and an unsettling restlessness has overtaken me. I can’t shake off the feeling that something is wrong with Grace. As I can’t ignore my growing concern, I decide to check on her. I pick up my phone and access the tracking app I had discreetly installed on her phone when I gave her a new phone. I know I hate her, but her safety is my responsibility. I reach the club, following her location. As I pull into the club’s parking area, the sight that greets me is a nightmare. I see Grace; her torn dress, and the menacing figures of two men who have pinned her to the ground. I can’t believe what I’m witnessing. Anger consumes me. Without hesitation, I leap out of my car, my steps fueled by rage. With swift and powerful strides, I approach the men who have caused her harm. I seize and yank the bloody bastards away from Grace. Anger courses through me as I meet the terror-stricken gaze in her tear-filled eyes. I have never seen her so vulnerable before,

Grace’s P.O.V.I storm out of the room, fuming with anger, and head to the kitchen to eat something because I have been starving since morning.How could he lock me in the bathroom because of a mere servant? What did he think of himself? I’ll certainly make him regret doing this with me.As I stand up from the dining table after finishing my meal, Steve’s father, who has always been kind and warm, approaches me.He looks at me with concern and asks, “How are you feeling, Grace? Steve told me you’re not well.”So Steve lied to him. Now it’s my time to teach him a lesson for messing up with me.I decide to put on a drama to gain sympathy. Sobbing, I say, “I’ve had a terrible day, Dad. Steve locked me in the bathroom for the entire day just because I accidentally dropped a cup of coffee on the servant.”His expression transforms into one of disbelief, and he speaks with anger. “What the hell? I can’t believe it. Trust me, Grace. He was never like this before.”I continue my act, tears st

Zara’s P.O.V.At night, Jace and I lie in each other’s arms in a peaceful silence. I feel so safe in his warm arms.He asks, breaking the silence. “Zara, I want you to share your thoughts and feelings about when I spanked you. I want to know your experience.”I raise my head from his chest and look at him, his eyes are filled with curiosity and affection.“It was... intense. The mixture of pleasure and pain, the vulnerability of being completely exposed to you—it was exhilarating.” A soft smile graces my lips as I recall the sensation.He listens attentively, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my skin. “And the ribbon binding your wrists? Did you enjoy that part?”A blush tints my cheeks as I admit, “More than I expected. It was a turn-on, Jace. It was like entering a world where I could surrender completely to your dominance.”He lets out a soft chuckle, his thumb brushing over my cheek. “I’m glad to hear that. Your pleasure is my priority, Zara.”I nestle closer to him. “I appre