Bound by Lust

The tension between Esme and Kael had only grown stronger since the night in the dining room. She could still feel the weight of his gaze on her every time they crossed paths, as if he were trying to read her every thought. He had been colder than usual, barely speaking to her unless necessary, yet his presence lingered like a shadow she couldn't escape.

That morning, Esme woke up to find a note placed neatly on the bedside table. The handwriting was sharp, precise—Kael's.

"Be ready by noon. Wear something appropriate."

She frowned at the note. Appropriate for what? she wondered. Since their forced engagement, Kael hadn't mentioned anything about it again, and Esme wasn't sure if he was planning to ignore it altogether. But this note—this command—was a sign that something was about to change.

Maria entered moments later, carrying a selection of dresses. "Good morning, Miss Esme. Master Kael asked me to prepare these for you."

Esme sighed. "Do you know what this is about?"

Maria hesitated. "I believe he's taking you out, Miss."

Esme's heart skipped a beat. "Out?" That was unexpected.

"Yes. He personally selected these dresses for you."

That surprised her even more. Kael didn't strike her as the type to care about what she wore, let alone pick out dresses for her. She ran her fingers over the fabrics, admiring their elegance. Finally, she chose a deep emerald-green dress that hugged her figure perfectly. She wasn't doing it for Kael—no, this was for herself. If she was going to be dragged into whatever this was, she would do it with grace.

By noon, Esme descended the grand staircase, where Kael was already waiting. He was dressed in a black suit, effortlessly handsome, his expression unreadable. His eyes flickered over her, scanning her from head to toe before he turned away as if unaffected.

"Let's go," he said flatly, leading her outside without another word.

The drive was silent, the air thick with unspoken tension. Esme stole glances at him, trying to gauge his mood. He looked calm, but she could sense something simmering beneath the surface.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked.

Kael's fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel. "You'll see."

That was all she got.

The car eventually stopped in front of an upscale boutique. Confused, Esme turned to him. "Shopping?"

Kael didn't answer, simply stepping out of the car and opening the door for her. "Move."

She huffed in annoyance but complied, stepping into the boutique. The employees greeted Kael with deep respect, their eyes widening when they saw Esme beside him.

"Pick what you like," he said, his voice impassive.

Esme crossed her arms. "I have clothes."

Kael stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "You're my fiancée now," he reminded her in a low, dangerous voice. "That means you need to look the part."

Esme swallowed hard. "You mean I need to look like I belong to you."

His lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Exactly."

She glared at him, but there was no use arguing. The staff quickly ushered her toward the racks of luxurious dresses, urging her to try them on.

But as Esme was about to enter the fitting room, she felt Kael's hand wrap around her wrist, stopping her. His touch was warm, firm, sending an unexpected shiver through her.

"Don't take too long," he murmured, his voice dangerously close to her ear.

Esme's breath hitched, her pulse racing. She yanked her hand away, stepping into the fitting room, trying to shake off the effect he had on her.

What the hell was he doing to her?

****. ****. ****.