Bound by Lust

Esme followed Kael reluctantly as he led her outside the mansion after breakfast , his strides confident and unwavering. The morning air was crisp, and the sun cast a golden glow over the estate, but the tension between them dulled any sense of peace.

She had so many questions—why did he insist on keeping her close? Why did he suddenly want to spend the day with her? And more importantly, why did he look so irritated when Lucan suggested showing her around?

"Where exactly are we going?" she finally asked, breaking the silence.

Kael didn't look at her as he walked ahead. "You'll find out soon enough."

Esme clenched her fists. "You can't just drag me around without an explanation."

Kael stopped so suddenly that she almost bumped into him. He turned to her, eyes dark with something she couldn't quite place—anger? Possessiveness? Amusement?

"I can," he said simply. "And I will."

Esme opened her mouth to argue, but the look in his eyes made her hesitate. There was something almost…dangerous about him in that moment.

Instead of speaking, she exhaled sharply and crossed her arms. "Fine."

Kael smirked. "Good girl."

She rolled her eyes, biting back a retort as they continued walking.

At the Stables

To Esme's surprise, Kael led her to a large, beautifully maintained stable at the edge of the estate. The scent of hay and the soft sounds of horses filled the air.

"You're going to learn how to ride," Kael said, stepping inside.

Esme frowned. "I know how to ride."

Kael raised a brow. "Oh? Then prove it."

A stable worker led out a stunning black stallion, its coat sleek and its muscles powerful. Esme hesitated—she had ridden before, but nothing this massive or intimidating.

She didn't want to show weakness in front of Kael, so she straightened her back and approached the horse.

Kael watched her with narrowed eyes, his arms crossed. "Go on, then."

Esme took a deep breath, grabbing the reins. But the moment she tried to mount, the stallion huffed, shifting restlessly beneath her touch.

Kael's smirk widened. "Scared?"

She glared at him. "No."

The horse shifted again, and this time, Kael stepped forward, his hand closing over hers.

A jolt of something hot shot through her at the sudden contact. His grip was firm, his palm warm against her skin.

"You're too tense," he murmured, his voice low. "Horses can sense fear."

Esme swallowed, her body hyper-aware of his proximity. His scent—woodsy, with a hint of something darker—was intoxicating.

"I'm not afraid," she whispered.

Kael leaned in slightly, his lips almost grazing her ear. "Then why is your heart racing?"

Esme inhaled sharply. She hated how easily he could fluster her.

Before she could respond, he pulled back, his smirk still in place. "Try again."

Determined not to let him get under her skin, Esme forced herself to focus. With a steady breath, she adjusted her grip and swung herself onto the horse. This time, the stallion remained still.

Kael tilted his head, impressed. "Not bad."

Esme shot him a smug look. "Told you."

Kael chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Without warning, he mounted his own horse—an equally majestic beast—and took off across the field.

Esme cursed under her breath before nudging her horse forward, chasing after him.

She had no idea what game Kael was playing, but she wasn't about to lose.

To be continued…

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