The night had settled over the White mansion, the weight of the evening still lingering in the air. The event was finally over, and guests had trickled out one by one. Sophia stood by the grand staircase, her nails digging into her palm as she watched the last of them leave.
She felt like a total failure.
Esme had humiliated her without even trying, but she refused to let it end like this. Her chest burned with resentment as she thought about the small, victorious smile Esme had worn at the dinner table.
She was lucky this time. That's all.
Sophia exhaled sharply, her eyes darkening. I don't know why exactly Kael married you, but I'll make sure you leave soon. He's mine.
Her lips curled into a smirk. This was just the beginning.
Esme threw herself onto the bed, exhausted. The soft fabric of her robe brushed against her damp skin, fresh from the bath. Her body felt heavy, her limbs aching from the night's events. But despite her tiredness, sleep didn't come.
Her mind was too full.
Then—
A shadow loomed over her.
Her eyes flew open, and she found herself face to face with him.
Kael was inches away, his black eyes dark and unreadable, staring down at her like he could see into her soul. His presence was overwhelming, a force that made her pulse race.
The room felt smaller.
"I wanna kiss you… again."
His words were low, almost a whisper, and the way his thumb brushed against her lips sent a sharp shiver through her body. His touch was different—gentler than usual. It confused her. It rattled her.
Her breath hitched. What is he playing at?
Kael leaned in, and before she could think, before she could question—
Their lips met.
The kiss was slow, deliberate. His lips moved against hers with a tenderness that left her stunned. Unlike before, unlike the times he kissed her out of dominance or to prove a point, this was different. This was… dangerous.
Her heart pounded against her ribs as he deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping into her mouth, tasting, exploring. Without thinking, without resisting, she found herself pulling him closer by the neck. She wanted this. She wanted him.
She needed air, pulling away to catch her breath. But Kael's gaze was locked onto hers, his pupils blown, his hunger visible.
And then—he kissed her again.
Harder this time.Possessive. Like he wanted to consume her.
Esme felt the shift immediately—Kael's hands moved lower, tracing the curve of her thighs before squeezing them. A breathy moan slipped from her lips, and at that moment, something in Kael snapped.
A low growl rumbled in his chest.
His fingers teased the hem of her robe, sliding higher—
"No…"
It was barely a whisper, but Kael stilled.
He pulled back just slightly, his gaze sharp. "What?"
Esme swallowed. Her voice was small, but firm. "I'm not… I'm not ready for this."
Kael's expression shifted, and then—
His lips curled into a smirk. Amused.
"You're a virgin?" His voice was laced with something between disbelief and mockery.
Esme stiffened at his tone. "Yes."
Kael let out a low chuckle, running a hand through his hair before shaking his head.
"Damn. I don't really do virgins." The words hit her like a slap.what the hell did he mean by that?
Her face burned—not from shyness, but from offense. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Kael didn't even spare her a glance as he moved to his side of the bed. "That you should sleep and let me sleep too."
Esme sat up, fuming. "But you were gonna—"
Before she could finish, Kael reached over and covered her mouth with his palm.
"You talk too much sometimes, Esme. Shut up, please." His voice was lazy, dismissive, and infuriating.
Then, just like that, he turned his back to her and closed his eyes.
Esme scoffed, throwing herself back onto the pillows, arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Unbelievable."
This man was unbelievable.