Bound by Lust

The drive from the airport to Kael's private estate in Italy was nothing short of breathtaking. Rolling vineyards stretched across the hills, the golden hue of the setting sun casting long shadows over the countryside. The car cruised through winding roads, eventually pulling up to a gated entrance where towering iron gates parted to reveal a grand mansion nestled within acres of secluded land.

Esme's breath caught as she stepped out of the car, her heels clicking against the stone driveway. The mansion was a masterpiece of European architecture—ornate balconies, towering windows, and carved pillars that spoke of quiet wealth and untouchable power.

It wasn't just a house.

It was a fortress.

A world of its own, isolated and untouchable.

"Come inside," Kael said coolly, walking ahead without waiting for her.

Esme hesitated before following him through the massive wooden doors, stepping into an interior that was just as lavish as the exterior. High ceilings, marble floors, and chandeliers dripping with crystal reflected the dim evening light. The air smelled of expensive cologne and polished wood, untouched by warmth or comfort.

A maid greeted them in rapid Italian before leading Esme to a suite on the second floor.

The room was breathtaking—spacious and luxurious, decorated in soft golds and creams. A large four-poster bed dominated the space, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the sprawling estate. Esme dropped her bag onto the bed, exhaling as she ran a hand through her hair.

She was exhausted from the flight.

But there was no time to rest.

A sharp knock on the door made her turn just as Maria, who had accompanied them, stepped inside with a garment bag draped over her arm. "Miss Esme, it's time to get ready. The party starts in an hour."

Esme sighed, rubbing her temple. "Of course it does."

The Ballroom—Where It All Began

An hour later, they were in a sleek black car, gliding through the streets of Milan toward the grand ballroom where the event was being held. Esme sat beside Kael, the distance between them cold and unspoken.

He hadn't said much since they arrived in Italy.

Hadn't acknowledged her beyond what was necessary.

And somehow, that irritated her more than anything.

She stole a glance at him. He was the picture of effortless dominance—clad in a sharp black suit, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the collar just enough to reveal a hint of skin. His dark hair was neatly styled, his face carved from stone, unreadable as he stared out the window.

He looked untouchable.

Unreachable.

Esme clenched her hands in her lap, forcing her gaze forward as the car slowed to a stop in front of a grand building. The moment they stepped out, flashing lights greeted them—paparazzi, journalists, and high-profile guests all converging at the entrance.

Kael barely spared them a glance as he walked ahead, forcing Esme to catch up, his long strides unfazed by the chaos around them.

The ballroom was a dream of gold and glass, chandeliers hanging high above as the elite of the business world mingled, exchanging quiet conversations filled with power and ambition.

Esme barely had time to absorb the atmosphere before she heard a voice—smooth and laced with something dangerously familiar.

"Kael."

And just like that, the night took a turn for the worse.

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