Bound by Lust

Kael scoffed, exhaling smoke as he leaned against the doorframe. She actually jumped out the window.

A useless stripper, he thought. He had no time to waste on her. With an amused yet indifferent expression, he simply continued smoking, his sharp eyes flickering toward the open window before turning away.

Outside, Esme hit the ground hard. A sharp pain shot through her ankle, and she immediately collapsed onto the wet pavement.

"Shit!" she cursed, gripping her ankle as a wave of pain surged through her. "Just had to happen now."

She tried to move, but each step sent unbearable pain through her leg.

Then—her heart nearly stopped. Not far away, she saw them. The same men from before.

Esme squinted through the rain, trying to confirm what she was seeing. As soon as she recognized their figures, a mixture of fear and fury filled her chest.

"Those bastards," she hissed under her breath.

Ignoring the pain, she turned and limped in the opposite direction, forcing herself to move as fast as she could.

She reached the roadside, her mind in complete chaos. She wasn't even paying attention anymore—

Until it was too late. A bright light flashed in her vision.

A car horn blared. BAM!

Esme felt herself collide with something hard before everything went black.

A Mysterious Stranger

Lucan stepped out of the sleek black car, his polished shoes making a sharp sound against the wet pavement.

He was tall, strikingly handsome, with beautiful brown hair that looked healthy even under the dim streetlights. His physique was nothing short of perfect, a man who carried himself with effortless confidence.

His sharp eyes flickered to the unconscious girl lying on the road.

"Is she alive?" he asked, his voice calm and composed.

His driver bent down, quickly checking her pulse before nodding. "Yes, sir. Just unconscious."

Lucan's gaze lingered on her delicate face. Her skin was so pale, yet undeniably stunning. Even in the dim light, he could see her naturally pink lips—chapped but still inviting. Her jet-black hair was wet, strands clinging to her face, giving her an almost ethereal look.

A small, amused smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"You don't look injured," he murmured to himself before turning to his driver.

"Bring her with us."

The driver nodded, carefully lifting Esme and placing her in the backseat—right beside Lucan.

Lucan leaned back, studying her face as the car drove through the rain.

"Call Doctor Phil. Tell him to meet us at the house."

The Mansion

The car pulled up before a massive black gate, surrounded by an impossibly tall fence. At Lucan's command, the gate opened, revealing a breathtaking estate.

Golden lights illuminated the towering mansion ahead. The compound was a masterpiece— lined with perfectly trimmed hedges, expensive cars neatly parked, and guards stationed everywhere. Lucan's car came to a stop.

A group of guards immediately approached, bowing slightly as they awaited orders.

Lucan stepped out. "Carry the girl."

One of the guards obeyed, carefully lifting Esme into his arms and following Lucan inside the grand estate.

The Awakening

Esme was placed on a large bed, the mattress so soft it felt like she was floating.

Doctor Phil, an older man with a professional air, had already arrived and was now examining her.

After a few moments, he straightened and turned to Lucan.

"It's nothing serious, sir. She'll wake up soon. However, her ankle was swollen, so I treated it accordingly. Other than that, she's perfectly fine."

Lucan nodded, his gaze unreadable. "You may leave."

Doctor Phil bowed slightly before exiting the room, leaving Lucan and the unconscious girl alone.

Lucan sighed, loosening his tie. He pulled the first few buttons of his shirt open, revealing the hint of his toned chest. He was just about to undress fully when—

A small sound broke the silence.

"Ahh…"

Lucan turned. She was awake.

A Stranger in an Unknown Place

Esme's eyes fluttered open. Her head ached. She groaned, placing a hand to her forehead.

As her vision cleared, her gaze settled on the broad, sculpted back of a man standing before her.

He had just unbuttoned his shirt, his golden skin illuminated under the warm light.

Esme's lips parted slightly.

"Goodness…"

Lucan turned at the sound of her voice. Her breath hitched.

She blinked rapidly. Was she dreaming?

'I must really be dead now. Why do I keep seeing Angels?'

Lucan's deep, smooth voice pulled her out of her daze.

"You're finally awake." Esme jumped, startled.

And then—she panicked.

Without thinking, she leaped off the bed and landed right on her butt.

"Ouch!" she yelped, pain shooting up her injured leg.

Lucan's eyes widened slightly before he hurried over, squatting beside her.

"Are you okay?" His voice held a slight frown, his expression unreadable.

Esme stared at him, completely disoriented. 'Where am I? And who is this man?!'

"Wh… who are you?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion and slight fear.

Lucan stood up, adjusting his cuff. "Oh." He met her eyes with calm amusement.

"I'm Lucan. My car hit you earlier. I apologize for that."

At those words, the memory of the accident flashed in Esme's mind.

Lucan extended a hand toward her. Hesitantly, she took it.

As she settled back onto the bed, she could feel the nervousness creeping up her spine.

Lucan's expression softened slightly. "You can stay here until your leg is completely healed. The maids will assist you with whatever you need."

Esme's lips parted in shock.

"Th…thank you."

Lucan gave her a brief nod before turning and walking out.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Esme let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"Whatever this place is, it's definitely better than being with those monsters," she muttered. "But I can't trust this man completely. I have to be careful."

Her gaze wandered around the enormous room.

"Wow… this place is huge."

Preparing for Dinner

It wasn't long before two maids entered.

One of them, a woman with a gentle smile, bowed slightly. "Good evening, Miss. I'm Maria, and I will assist you with whatever you need."

Esme blinked. 'Woah. They're so formal.'

Maria continued, "You need to get ready for dinner with the family."

Esme's eyes widened. "Wait—WHAT?!"

Maria simply smiled as another maid rolled out a rack of dresses.

"First, you need to freshen up."

Meeting the Family

Esme was seated in a wheelchair, her stomach twisting in knots.

The dining room was grand, intimidating, and filled with people. The moment she entered, the entire room fell silent.

'Lord, just take me now.'

She swallowed. "G…good evening."

No one responded. They simply returned to their food.

Maria pushed her wheelchair next to Lucan and bowed before leaving.

Lucan smiled at her. "You good?"

Esme nodded nervously as the maids placed food in front of her.

She lifted her spoon—

Then froze.

A familiar figure had just entered the room.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Kael.

TO BE CONTINUED …

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