Bound by Lust

The sound of heels clicking against polished marble echoed through the vast estate as Esme descended the stairs. She had just finished packing for the unexpected trip Kael had announced that morning—an overseas business deal that required his presence in Italy. And, to her surprise, he had made it clear she was coming with him.

"Be ready by noon." That was all he had said, his voice impassive as he sipped his morning coffee, barely sparing her a glance.

Now, as she made her way toward the sleek black car waiting in the driveway, she stole a glance at Kael. He was already seated inside, dressed in a dark, tailored suit, his posture relaxed yet exuding an air of silent authority. He hadn't spoken much to her lately, his focus solely on work, as if she didn't exist beyond the role she was meant to play in his life.

Yet, despite his emotional distance, his presence always carried an undeniable weight.

The flight was private, of course. Kael never traveled any other way. As soon as Esme stepped into the jet, she felt the suffocating luxury—cream-colored leather seats, soft golden lighting, and a fully stocked bar. It was just the two of them, aside from the flight crew.

Esme settled into her seat across from Kael, determined to ignore the way his mere presence made her pulse unsteady. She wasn't going to fall into whatever twisted game he was playing—if he was even playing one.

The plane took off smoothly, and silence stretched between them. Kael had a glass of whiskey in hand, flipping through documents as if she weren't there at all. Esme turned to stare out the window, her thoughts drifting—until his deep voice interrupted them.

"You've been spending a lot of time with Lucan."

Her head snapped toward him. His eyes were still on his papers, but she knew he wasn't as indifferent as he seemed.

"He's my friend," she said carefully.

Kael finally looked up, his dark gaze locking onto hers. "Is that what you tell yourself?"

A chill ran down her spine. There was something in his voice—something unreadable, yet cutting.

She forced herself to hold his gaze. "It's the truth."

Kael tilted his head slightly, as if considering her words. Then, without another word, he unfastened his seatbelt and stood. He made his way to the private cabin at the back of the jet, leaving Esme with an uneasy feeling.

Minutes passed. Maybe an hour. The air was cold, thick with an unspoken tension. And then—

"Come here."

His voice was low, commanding, yet smooth like silk. Esme turned her head toward the cabin door, which was slightly ajar. She hesitated, every instinct screaming at her not to move.

But she did.

Her footsteps were slow, deliberate, as she walked toward the dimly lit space. Kael stood near the bed, his tie loosened, the top buttons of his shirt undone. The sight of him like that—relaxed yet dangerous—made her throat dry.

"Close the door," he instructed.

Esme hesitated before obeying. The moment the latch clicked into place, she felt a shift in the air—charged, suffocating.

Kael took a step forward, closing the space between them. His fingers reached out, brushing against her wrist before trailing up her arm, slow and deliberate. Esme shivered at the contact.

"You look nervous," he murmured.

"I'm not," she lied, her voice barely above a whisper.

His hand moved to her waist, his grip firm but not forceful. "Liar."

She knew this was dangerous—whatever was happening between them. Kael was unreadable, ruthless, a man who took what he wanted without hesitation. And right now, the way his dark eyes burned into hers told her exactly what he wanted.

Her.

Esme swallowed hard, forcing herself to stand her ground. "What are you doing?"

Kael leaned in, his lips just inches from her ear. "Making sure you remember who you belong to."

A shiver ran through her, betrayal and something far more dangerous twisting inside her.

"I don't belong to anyone," she whispered back.

Kael's fingers tightened against her waist for a brief moment, then he chuckled—low, amused. He pulled back slightly, his lips curling in a smirk.

"Keep telling yourself that, Esme."

With that, he released her and stepped away as if nothing had happened.

Esme exhaled sharply, realizing she had been holding her breath. Her heart was hammering in her chest, her body betraying her in ways she refused to acknowledge.

She needed to be careful.

Kael was dangerous—not just in the ways she had always known, but in ways that made her wonder if she could truly resist him.

And worse… if she even wanted to.

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