Bound by Lust

Esme sat by the large window in her room, staring out into the darkened estate. The events of the day weighed heavily on her, and no matter how much she tried to convince herself that everything was under control, she knew deep down that nothing was.

Lucan's words echoed in her mind. "Once you belong to Kael, there's no going back."

A shiver ran through her. Was she truly ready for this? She had no choice.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. Before she could answer, the door creaked open, and Kael stepped inside.

His presence filled the room instantly, commanding, dark, suffocating. He didn't say anything at first, just leaned against the doorframe, watching her with those unreadable black eyes.

"You've been quiet," he finally said.

Esme turned her gaze back to the window. "Just tired."

Kael scoffed. "Lying doesn't suit you, Esme." He walked closer, his steps slow and deliberate. "Lucan spoke to you, didn't he?"

Her body stiffened, but she kept her expression neutral. "He was just concerned."

Kael smirked, stopping just beside her. "And what did you tell him?"

Esme turned her head slightly to look up at him. "That I love you."

Kael chuckled lowly, amusement flashing in his dark gaze. "Did you?" He reached down, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "And did he believe you?"

Esme swallowed hard. "He doesn't have to."

Kael hummed, his fingers lingering near her jaw. "You're an interesting woman, Esme." His voice was quiet, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "But you should be careful. Lucan is loyal, but even loyalty has its limits."

She frowned, pulling back slightly. "Are you saying he's a threat?"

Kael smirked. "I'm saying that the more questions he asks, the more difficult things will become for him. And for you."

A lump formed in Esme's throat. "Lucan has nothing to do with this."

"Then keep it that way." Kael's fingers trailed down her arm before he stepped back. "You and I have an agreement, Esme. You wouldn't want anything—or anyone—getting in the way of that."

Esme clenched her hands into fists beneath the table. "I understand."

"Good." Kael turned toward the door but stopped before leaving. "The engagement party is in two days. Be ready."

And just like that, he was gone, leaving Esme alone with the suffocating weight of his warning.

Lucan was right. She was walking straight into a trap.

And there was no way out.

She just hoped that all these would be something she can handle. In a blink if an eye from running away to ending up in a stranger's house to marriage?? Marriage with a man she barely knew, a man who made everyone fear.....Just who is this man? She asked herself with squinted eyes.

She slapped her forehead with her palm "just don't think about it too much Esme, you can do this"...

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