Bound by Lust

Later That Night

Esme sat on her bed, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She didn't know what to make of Kael. One minute, he was cold and heartless, and the next, he was claiming her as his.

"Ugh, what does he even want from me?" she groaned, burying her face into the pillow.

A knock at the door made her jolt upright. "Come in," she called out.

Maria entered with a tray of warm tea. "I thought you might need this, Miss Esme," she said gently, setting the tray on the bedside table.

Esme smiled at the kind gesture. "Thank you, Maria."

Maria hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Miss… is everything alright? You seem troubled."

Esme sighed, debating whether to confide in Maria. The maid had been nothing but kind to her, and she felt a sense of trust toward her.

"It's just… Kael," Esme admitted. "He's so confusing. One second, he's treating me like I'm a burden, and the next, he's acting possessive, telling me to stay away from Lucan."

Maria's expression darkened slightly, as if she knew something Esme didn't. "Master Kael is… complicated. But one thing is certain—he doesn't like competition."

Esme's brows furrowed. "Competition?"

Maria hesitated but then gave her a knowing look. "Be careful, Miss Esme. Things are never simple in this household."

Esme swallowed hard. She could sense that there was a deeper meaning behind Maria's words, but before she could ask more, Maria bowed and left the room.

Esme sat there, staring at the door long after Maria had gone. A feeling of unease settled in her chest.

She was beginning to realize that she had stepped into a world far more dangerous than she had anticipated.

And Kael… Kael was at the center of it all

The mansion was eerily silent that night, but Esme found herself restless. She tossed and turned in bed, her mind replaying Kael's words over and over.

"You belong to me now."

She scoffed, hugging her pillow tighter. The possessiveness in his voice had sent a shiver down her spine, but she refused to let it affect her.

"Stay away from Lucan."

Why did it even matter to him? Was Kael the type of man who only wanted control over things, or was there something deeper behind his words? She didn't know what to think.

A sigh escaped her lips as she sat up, rubbing her temples. Maybe some fresh air would help clear her mind.

Sliding out of bed, she wrapped herself in a soft robe and tiptoed toward the balcony. The night breeze was cool against her skin as she stepped outside, inhaling deeply.

The moon hung high in the sky, illuminating the vast estate below. From where she stood, she could see the sprawling garden, the fountain in the center, and—

A shadow moved.

Esme's body tensed as her eyes locked onto a figure standing near the garden's entrance. The person was tall, broad-shouldered, and unmistakably male. Even in the dim light, she recognized him.

Kael.

He was dressed in a loose black shirt and slacks, standing with his hands in his pockets, his gaze directed toward the night sky.

Something about the way he stood, so still yet so tense, made Esme pause. He looked… troubled.

She hesitated. Should she go down? Should she even care?

Before she could decide, Kael turned his head slightly, as if sensing her presence. His sharp eyes met hers, even from a distance.

Esme sucked in a breath, caught in the intensity of his gaze. For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, without warning, Kael turned on his heel and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the estate.

Esme exhaled shakily. "What is he hiding?"

The Next Morning

Esme awoke to the sound of light knocking on her door.

"Miss Esme, breakfast is ready," Maria's voice came from the other side.

Esme sat up, stretching. "I'll be down soon," she replied.

After freshening up, she made her way to the dining hall. The long table was set elegantly, as always, but today, there were fewer people present.

Lucan was already seated, reading a newspaper, while Kael sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee.

Maria served Esme a plate of warm pancakes with honey, and she smiled in gratitude. But as she picked up her fork, she felt Kael's gaze on her.

She looked up, only to find him watching her with an unreadable expression.

Lucan, unaware of the tension, set down his newspaper and turned to Esme. "Did you sleep well?"

Esme nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yes, I did."

Kael's grip on his cup tightened, but he said nothing.

Lucan, oblivious to Kael's mood, continued. "I was thinking of taking Esme on a tour of the estate today. She hasn't really explored much since she arrived."

Esme's eyes lit up. "That sounds great!"

Kael, however, placed his cup down with a soft clink and leaned back in his chair. "That won't be necessary."

Lucan raised a brow. "And why not?"

Kael's gaze never left Esme. "Because she'll be with me today."

Esme blinked in surprise. "With you? For what?"

Kael's lips curled into a smirk. "You'll see."

Lucan frowned, but he didn't argue with him. Esme, on the other hand, wasn't sure how to feel about this sudden change of plans.

She had a feeling today was going to be anything but ordinary.

To Be Continued…

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