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"“Your ex. Your sister. Say the word, and I’ll destroy them for you.” That’s what he whispered the night I lost everything—my boyfriend, my sister, my sanity. And I was drunk enough to whisper back, Yes. Now I’m staring at a diamond ring on my finger… and a half-naked billionaire standing in front of me. My ex’s boss. The man who swore he doesn’t feel anything—except when I touch him. “Alaric, this can’t be real,” I breathe. He tilts his head, that cold, unreadable smirk curving his lips. “It’s very real, Mrs. Ashford.” My heart stutters. “You said— you’d help me get revenge, not—” “Marriage is just paperwork,” he cuts in smoothly, stepping closer until my back hits the wall. “But you were already mine before I put that ring on you.” I should scream. Run. Do something sane. Instead, I whisper, “Why me?” His eyes darken, the air between us charged. “Because you touched me like you wanted me to own you.” Every nerve in my body burns as his fingers brush my jaw. He leans in, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You don’t remember last night, Meadow. But I do.” I swallow hard. “What did I say?” A ghost of a smile plays on his lips. “You asked me to take your virginity.” And before I can breathe—he says, “Now, Mrs. Ashford, it’s time you act like my wife.”" Meadow’s POV “Hi. I have a reservation. Meadow Russell.” The receptionist raised her gaze to look at me, and then she jrked back slightly, eyes raking over me from top to bottom. Her deep red-colored lips were pulled down in a sneer. “You’re kidding, right?” she scoffed, turning to the lady beside her who had a similar expression on her face. I blinked, frowning. “Excuse me?” The receptionists exchanged another look that made my skin crawl. What the hll was wrong with them? All I wanted to do was get the keys to my room and wait for my fiance, Tyler. We were getting married in a few hours. It was going to be a private ceremony, just me and him. And I wasn’t going to let anyone shhht on my plans—much less a couple of rude receptionists. The red-lipped receptionist tilted her head at me. “You already checked in two hours ago. If this is some kind of prank, I’d suggest you quit it now before I call security.” My brows furrowed. “What? I haven’t checked in.” A nervous laugh escaped my mouth. The second receptionist glanced at me as if she was considering something, and then she turned to red lip. “Show her.” Red lip scowled at me, but she did as she was told. She turned her laptop to face me, clicking on a button. And then she pointed at something. The check-in list. And sure enough, my name was there. Meadow Russell. “Oh,” I let out a laugh. “It’s probably my fiance. He must have checked in with my name. I was supposed to get here before him though, that’s why I’m so surprised.” The receptionists exchanged another look. They seemed confused. “That’s not a funny joke, miss,” the second receptionist said. “You checked in with a man two hours ago. I know that because I complimented that cute top you’re wearing.” I glanced down at the white crop top with the word, “BRIDE” written across it. Tyler had gotten me this top a few days ago. He said he saw it and thought it would look really good for the wedding. “And then you said you’re getting married real soon,” Red lip finished for her. Something heavy—along with my heart—dropped into my stomach. Something was wrong. “This has to be a misunderstanding…” I trailed off. Because there was no way… No fking way. “That wasn’t me,” I said firmly this time. They exchanged another glance, and when they both looked at me, I could see something resembling pity in their expression. I didn't like that look. At all. Finally, Red lip sighed. “I don’t know why, but I believe you.” Then she leaned backward to search for something. She emerged with a key card. “I hope you get things sorted out,” she muttered, forcing a smile on her face. I couldn’t breathe the entire way up the elevator. This wasn’t possible. She wouldn’t… No. Not after everything. But even as I swiped the key card to unlock the door to our room, my heart raced, and bile rose up my throat. Opening the door only confirmed my fears. My twin sister, Juniper, was straddling my fiance, moaning out loud as he ra'mned upwards into her. For a full minute, all I could do was stare. I stood there, my bag dropping onto the floor with a soft thud. The insides of my cheek hurt because of how hard I was biting them. Tears had long blurred my vision. And they hadn't even noticed me. Maybe he didn’t know, I said to myself. Maybe he thought Juni was me. But even without saying those words out loud, I realized how awfully stubid they sounded. Tyler and I had never hаd s'ex. “Mmhm, yes. That’s it, baby,” Juniper moaned. “You f'k me so good, babe.” Something inside of me broke, screaming at me to turn around, leave quietly and never show my face again. But something stronger dared me to stay. So that’s what I did. “Juniper…?” My voice cracked. “Tyler?” They both turned to look at me at the same time. Surprise and something else flared in Tyler’s expression, but it was gone before I could blink. He pushed her off him, and Juniper had the nerve to moan. “Seriously, Ty? I was close.” Ty? “Meadow,” Tyler heaved as he jumped out of the bed, not even bothering to cover his junk. “I swear, I thought she was you. I didn’t—” He started to reach for my arm but I j3rked back, my eyes focused on one person and one person alone. Juniper. She had a smug grin on her face as she arranged her disheveled hair. “Oh, please, baby,” she said airily. “It’s time we cut the act, don’t you think? It’s getting too pathetic.” Tyler turned to face her. “Come on. It’s fun.” “What is… what are you…?” I was speechless. Stunned. It didn’t look like this was some kind of first time mistake. It looked like they knew each other really well. And there’s no way that was even possible. Because I’d never introduced Juniper to Tyler. I hadn’t even seen Juniper in two years. “How—” Juniper let out a sharp laugh as she stood up. She also didn’t bother to cover up, so both of them were stark n8ked in front of me. “She’s going into shock, baby. We should put her out of her misery right away, shouldn’t we?” She mused, walking over to where Tyler stood. And then she pulled him toward her and kissed him right in front of me, letting out a soft moan and a giggle. I wanted to leave so badly, but my feet wouldn’t move. For some reason, they were glued to the floor. And for an even more fked up reason, I couldn’t look away. I watched Juniper grab Tyler’s still-hard member in her hand and j'erked it back and forth while her eyes remained on mine. “Y–you said…” I struggled to form words. I couldn’t even recognize my own voice. “You said you weren’t ready to hаve s'ex yet, Tyler,” I said shakily. “You said you’d wait till we were married.” Tyler threw his head back and laughed, biting his lip due to the pleasure he was receiving. My knees buckled from under me and I had to hold on to the wall to steady myself. “I thought you loved me!” I said louder now, feeling the tears begin to run down my face. Juniper let go of Tyler and he took a few steps closer to me. And when he took a hold of my jaw, I couldn’t move. “You thought I loved you, Meadow? No. Juni’s the love of my life.” Meadow’s POV ‘Juni’s the love of my life.’ Juni. Is. The. Love. Of. My. Life. ‘You thought I loved you?’ I couldn’t breathe. My mouth opened but no sound came out. My brain was unable to wrap itself around what I’d just heard. My chest ached as Tyler forcefully let go of my jaw. “Why?” My voice was so small, I sounded like a child. “Why would you do this to me?” Juniper let out a little delighted laugh as she walked toward me, completely n8ked and unbothered. “Oh, sis, you still don’t get it?” She tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with malice. “You were just a piece on the board. Long time no see, by the way.” My nostrils flared. “You were supposed to stay out of my life.” “And I did. For the most part.” She clicked her tongue. “But then I realized that you don’t deserve to be happy. And that’s where my precious boyfriend came into play.” She cupped Tyler’s cheek, smirking. “That’s not true!” I gritted out, turning to Tyler, my tone pleading. “Please tell me it’s not true, Tyler. Tell me you haven’t been playing me.” I heaved a breath. Tyler’s jaw was clenched, but then he smirked at me, a dark look in his eyes. “It’s true, Meadow. Why do you think I never wanted to f'k you? You don’t think it’s because you wanted to wait till marriage, do you?” “You think Tyler just found you?” Juniper asked mockingly. “That he just happened to fall in love with your boring, virgin a'ss?” Tyler stood by the bed now, his arms crossed, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “Juni told me everything about you even before I ever met you. Your habits, your insecurities, your taste in men. Fking hll, I got so tired of pretending to be a good guy for you. Made it pretty easy though.” I staggered backward. Everything ached. My head. My chest. My heart. “You…planned this? From the beginning?” Juniper’s smile widened. “Of course, I did.” “Why?” I choked out. “Why would you do this to me?” Her voice turned venomous. “Because watching you break is the only thing that makes me feel whole.” I fell to my knees this time, not holding onto anything as I sobbed uncontrollably. “I loved you… I loved him.” Juniper crouched beside me, brushing my hair back with fake tenderness. It was so heartbreaking that someone who looked exactly like me could do this to me. But Juniper had only ever been a b1tch to me since the day we were born. “I know,” she said softly, leaning close enough for me to smell the mix of sx and sweat on her skin. “That’s what makes this so deliciously satisfying.” Then she pulled back and let out another sharp laugh. “Honestly? I’m kinda disappointed he didn’t f'k you. It would’ve been so much more satisfying knowing you gave him everything, and it still wasn’t enough.” I stood up, moving towards Tyler. “Tyler? Tyler, please… please tell me that everything we had wasn’t fake. Tell Juniper that she doesn’t know what she’s saying.” But even as I looked at Tyler with tears in my eyes, I knew he was a lost cause. He cringed, turning to look at Juniper. “This is fkn weird. Having you two here. It’s like looking at the same person. Only…” he reached for her. “I’m in love with just one of you.” They kissed again and I started to retreat backward. Juniper turned to face me one last time. “Do you mind? We kinda need to finish what we started. I’m excitemed as f'k.” She tilted her head. “You’re welcome to watch, though.” I stood there, watching them kiss, wishing that there was more I could do. That there was some action that I could take against them. But there was nothing. The only thing I could do was wipe the angry tears from my eyes even as I felt pathetic. And then, I stormed out of the room. •••••*•••••*••••• “Again.” The bartender didn’t hesitate to pour me another round of shots which I downed immediately, feeling the liquor burn my throat for the umpteenth time and enjoying it. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been here. After I left the hotel—without my belongings, by the way—I’d walked aimlessly along the streets and walked into the first club I found. I scoffed. I should’ve been drinking and dancing with my new husband. Not drinking to forget the sound of my sister moaning his name. Definitely not drinking to forget the fact that I had been played for a fool. That I had been so dumb and let my feelings for Tyler distract me from who he really was. I downed another shot, welcoming the burn. Welcoming the loud music blasting into my ears and causing my entire body to shiver. Wait… No. The music wasn’t the reason a shiver had racked through me. I was being watched. I could feel someone’s stare burning into me from behind, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand at attention. I didn’t turn. “Wonder what you did to deserve that,” the bartender said absentmindedly as he wiped a glass with a napkin. “What was that?” I tilted my head, wondering if his words were directed at me. The bartender smirked at me, his head jrking towards something behind me. “You have the country’s most inaccessible, most unapproachable bachelor staring at you right now.” His voice was louder now. “I’m just wondering what he sees in you.” Despite the loudness of the music, I could still hear my own heartbeat pounding hard in my ears. I held my breath, hesitating for a moment. And then I turned, and I looked up to the direction the bartender had gestured to. The first thing I noticed was the watch. I couldn’t tell what brand it was from where I sat, but I knew it was made of black diamonds—if the strobe lights reflecting on them were any indication. The watch was attached to a large hand, and with how sharp my vision was, I could see a tattoo that disappeared under the sleeves of a black suit. And that was all I could see. The rest of him was a shadow, leaning against the railing like he ruled the world. And even though I couldn't see his face, I could very well tell that his eyes were on me. Not in passing. In curiosity? No—this was more than curiosity. I felt a magnetic pull to go to him. To confront him and ask him why he was looking at me. But I couldn’t move. My pulse stuttered. I turned to the bartender again. “Who is that?” I breathed, the alcohol already making me feel woozy. The bartender’s smile tightened. “That is Alaric Ashford.” Something tightened at the pit of my stomach. I knew that name. The bartender coked his head. “And it looks like he’s found his new target.” Meadow’s POV A nervous laugh escaped my throat even as I felt sweat start to break out on my neck. “What do you mean by that?” I was trying to distract myself from thinking about the name. His name. Alaric Ashford. Although I had no idea what he looked like, I’d heard stories about him back in Seattle. Tyler had told me multiple stories about how much of a cold guy he was, and how every single employee feared him like he could squeeze the last breath out of them. But… there was no way that this was happening. No way that I happened to be in the same club as my ex-fiance’s boss. And no fcking way that his gaze was completely focused on me. I turned to look upstairs again, and he was still there. Looking at me as if he was a predator. And I was his prey. My skin prickled with sweat. I picked up the shot glass and downed its contents, slamming it hard onto the bar as I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. “Again,” I demanded. But the bartender firmly shook his head. “No can do, pretty girl. I’ve been warned. I think you’ve had enough for one night.” My brows furrowed. “What do you mean you’ve been warned? I didn’t warn you.” His smile was tight. “You didn’t.” He subtly nodded towards the stairs. “He did.” Without turning around, I knew he was referring to Alaric. But he hadn’t even come down or spoken to him. “Bull,” I scoffed. My voice was slurring now. “I didn’t see him talk to you.” “He didn’t have to.” “Well, what is he? Your boss?” I scoffed, my head jrking back exaggeratedly because of how drunk I was. “And who on eаrth do you two think you are to tell me that I’ve consumed enough alcohol?” “He owns this place, pretty girl. He is my boss.” My eyes widened. I turned around to look up at the balcony, but there was no trace of him. He was gone. Too bad. I was prepared to march up those stairs and give him a piece of my mind. I turned back to face the bartender, but before I could say anything, a man in all black appeared at my side, sliding a cold bottle of water in front of me. “Mr. Ashford would like a word.” My gaze dropped to the water, and then to the stranger who had dark shades on. What the hll was wrong with these people? “Who the hll are you?” I slurred. “I’m part of his security detail,” he said plainly. “It’ll serve you well to have some of this water and come with me upstairs. Mr. Ashford doesn’t like to be delayed.” “Of course, he doesn’t.” I let out a laugh, rolling my eyes. I jumped down from the stool, deciding to leave, but the security detail’s firm hand on my arm stopped me. “What the hll?” I exclaimed. “Let me go!” Efforts to move my arm away from his hand proved fruitless, but after I stopped fighting, he let me go. “Drink,” he muttered, having fun with the cap of the water bottle open and dropping it in front of me. I considered my options. If I decided to run, I wasn’t going to get anywhere. Not in this drunk state. And who knew what would happen to me after he caught me? What Alaric Ashford would do. Maybe it would be better to just go see what he wanted. Shooting a glare at the man in black, I picked up the bottle, raised it to my lips, and drank the water until it was nearly half-empty. Or was it… half-full? F'k, I was drunk. “What now?” I asked with a eyeroll. “You follow me,” he replied, and then he led me toward the stairs. We climbed up, went through a couple of hallways—this was a big-a'ss club—and then, we stopped in front of a door that was labeled, ‘VIP LOUNGE.’ “Of course, it’s VIP,” I muttered under my breath. The security detail pushed the door in for me, gesturing for me to go inside. “He’s waiting.” My heart pounding furiously against my ribcage, I walked through the door, stepping into the lounge. The cold air was the first thing that hit me. Although the club was cold as well, it was nothing compared to what I felt in this dimly lit room. It was freezing in here. And my nuts hurt. I could feel them straining against the croptop I was wearing. Another sign that I should’ve taken this off ages ago. I didn’t even have the time to look around before I felt it again. Eyes. Completely focused on me. The bass from downstairs couldn’t outshine the erratic beating of my heart. I turned to the right—and there he was. Alaric sat like a king in the corner of the lounge, legs apart. His posture commanding. And not only that. A girl knelt between his legs, her head bobbing up and down in a motion I knew was consistent with giving a bl'ow job. But he wasn’t even looking at her. He was watching me, still in the shadows, his hands fisting her hair as she gulped him down. I was ashamed of how it made me feel. Ashamed that I was rubbing my legs together, wishing… No. I couldn’t wish that. Alaric’s voice was smooth and deep as he spoke. “Leave.” I nearly jumped out of my skin because I thought he was talking to me. But he wasn’t. The girl rose to her feet, brushing past me as she scurried out the door. I stood frozen, my eyes glued to this man’s form as he tucked himself back into his pants. I couldn’t see it, but under the dim lights, I could see some sort of reflection lined up on the underside of his stick. Were those… piercings? I looked away quickly, my gaze moving to his face as he rose to his feet, his form tall and broad. He took a few steps toward me, and with every step he took, I took one backwards. On and on until I was backed up against the wall. My chest heaved from how hard I was breathing. And then—he came into view. Alaric Ashford had a dark, empty look in his eyes as he regarded me, his gaze sweeping over my form slowly. Agonizingly slow. His gaze lingered on my chest for longer than it should’ve, and my breath caught. And then he smirked. “I thought I’d need a little more studying to confirm who you were, but it appears I have everything I need,” he said curtly, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. “Hello, Meadow Russell.” Meadow’s POV Alaric Ashford was handsome in a way that made me nervous. I’d seen a lot of good looking men in my lifetime, but Alaric? His beauty knocked the breath out of me completely. Long thick hair that was slightly messy as though he’d been running his hand through it, which was a huge contrast to his dangerously calm demeanor. I couldn’t tell the exact color of his eyes underneath the dim lights, but they appeared dark, gazing at me like he was trying to penetrate my soul. A sharp jawline, slightly crooked nose, five o’clock shadow… Okay, I was focusing on the wrong things. This man had just said my name—and my last name—like he knew me. And I had never met him or heard anything but stories about him. I pressed myself harder against the wall, trying to breathe normally. “Do I know you?” I asked. He tilted his head slowly, his smile cool as he leaned in just a bit closer, but not close enough to touch me. “Not yet.” “H-how do you know my name?” I tried to keep my voice steady, but there was still a bit of a slur in my tone. “I make it a point to know what interests me.” I hated the way my stomach flipped at that. Why was I even here? And why didn’t I feel disgusted that I’d walked into something that I shouldn’t have? Even worse? Why did I feel like Alaric had wanted me to see that? “What do you want from me?” A shiver racked through my bones. Alaric didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he narrowed his eyes on me. “You’re shivering.” His eyes dropped to my chest again and he smirked. I had no idea whether it was because of my protruding niples, or the words that were displayed on my top, mocking me. The bride that couldn’t be. I shot him a glare. “My eyes are up here, perv,” I snapped. Alaric didn’t flinch. Instead, he looked me dead in the eyes and said, “I’ve already seen your eyes, Meadow.” His voice was low, dark, causing warmth to pool at the bottom of my stomach. Why was I so turned on by the sight of this stranger? Why wasn’t I running away from someone that everyone considered dangerous? He continued. “They’re guarded. Full of hurt. I wanted to see the rest of you.” My mouth parted, but no sound came out. He took another step forward and I leaned further back into the wall. “I’ve heard about you.” My voice was shaky, barely above a whisper. “From Tyler Cross, I presume? Your… fiance?” My heart sank, then picked up again. “Ex-fiance,” I bit out. “And how do you know that much about him?” He stepped away from me, and I let out a sigh of relief. Alaric began to pull off his suit jacket, and my eyes followed every single movement. His muscles flexed underneath his black button-down shirt as he took it off, the top three buttons of his shirt undone, drawing my eyes to it like it was a magnet, and I was a helpless piece of metal. And then he tossed it to me. “I know everything about my employees,” he said casually, as if that explained anything. He looked at me expectantly, like he was waiting for me to put on his jacket. And I wanted to. God, I wanted to envelop myself in his scent, but I wasn’t going to make this easy for him. “What do you want from me?” “Right now?” He arched his brow. “I want you to put on that jacket, Meadow. You’re shivering.” “Yeah, because you’re scaring me,” I lied. “What the hll do you want from me?” “Put on the jacket, and then we can continue this lovely conversation.” His voice was low. Deep. Dark. “Now.” Shooting him another glare, I did as he said, shoving my arms angrily through the jacket that this stranger just had on. “Happy?” I spat, looking back into his eyes. What I saw in them made my breath cut. I let out a gasp, my back hitting the wall again as I stumbled backward. Alaric Ashford was looking at me like I was the last meal on earth. His eyes had darkened, his expression raw as they dropped to my mouth. “There’s nothing to be scared of, Meadow. I’m not your enemy.” He smirked. “You sure about that?” I whispered. “Why am I here with you then? And why are you looking at me like… like you want to ruin me?” He took a step forward, hands in his pockets. “If I wanted to hurt you, I would’ve already.” That should’ve made me feel safer. And it did. But even worse, his words caused heat to pool between my thighs. I rubbed them together. Something was definitely in the drinks the bartender gave me tonight. Either that, or something was in the water I was given to drink. Alaric turned away from me, heading to one of the tables to grab a bottle of bourbon. And then he poured it into his glass. I decided to take that as my cue to run. However, before I could reach for the handle, his voice rang out. “You walk out that door, and you’d have ruined the best chance you have at getting back at your unpleasant fiance.” I froze. “Ex-fiance,” I snapped again, without turning to look at him. Alaric hummed. “And what about your sister?” he asked smoothly. “Is she your ex-sister now?” That had me whipping my head around to look at him. He stood by the table, glass in his hand, which he raised to his lips to sip his drink. “How do you…” My voice cracked. “How do you know that? Have you been following me?” “Like I said, I know everything about my employees.” I scoffed, walking away from the door and toward him. “What is this? You staring at me like I’m some kind of prize? Sending your creepy bodyguard to come fetch me? Calling me by my full name and giving me some bull excuse about knowing everything about your employees?” I was seething, shaking my head. “And what do you mean by getting back at Tyler? I don’t need saving, if that’s what you—” “You looked like you were drowning, Meadow,” he cut me off. “And I don’t like watching people drown.” This man was insane. Completely, utterly insane. I swallowed hard. “That’s rich. Coming from the guy who was getting head when I walked in.” I was standing right in front of him now. “That was… unfortunate timing.” His voice didn’t waver. “You weren't supposed to see that.” My lips curled in disgust. “Bull.” My words slurred. “You wanted me to walk in here and see it.” I glanced briefly at his mouth. “See you,” I whispered. Okay, now it was definitely the alcohol talking. Because why the hll did it sound like I was flirting with him? And why was I looking at his lips? I had to get out of here. I started to turn away again but my knees wobbled, so I held onto the nearest hard surface to steady myself. Problem was… that hard surface was Alaric’s exposed chest. My hands landed flat against his bare chest, and the second it did, something changed. His entire body tensed beneath my palm. The glass in his hand froze halfway to his mouth. Alaric’s eyes snapped down to where we were connected, and then, slowly rose to meet mine. And what I saw in his eyes this time was… unguarded. Unhinged. His jaw clenched, his breath hitched enough to make mine catch in response. Slowly, I pulled my hand back. But something about the expression on his face made me want to touch him again. Forever. Alaric reached for my wrist, placing it back on his chest as his eyes searched mine. And when he spoke, his voice was low and hoarse. Tortured. Straight from the bottom of his heart. “You were right, Meadow,” he said. “I do want to ruin you.” Meadow’s POV: My breath stuttered. “What?” I started pulling my hand away again but he had a firm grip on my wrist, so I couldn’t move. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to. “Don’t.” His voice was low. “I want to feel you.” I swallowed, eyes dropping to where my palm rested against his chest. He felt warm, his muscles tensing under my touch as he let out a sharp breath. He let go of my wrist. And any normal person would immediately snatch their hand away and run for their lives. But I never said I was normal. My mind was hazy, and it kept screaming at me, telling me that this man was dangerous, but I didn’t listen. Because right now, at this point—I liked the thought of danger. “Why are you doing this?” I found myself asking, my voice barely above a whisper. “You say you know everything about your employees, but no boss would be that crazy to memorize every single face their employees have come in contact with.” When he didn’t respond, I continued. “Somehow, you know that I have a sister, and you know that Tyler was with her. How?” He didn’t speak. Didn’t even move. So I kept going. My fingers moved slowly, tracing small, unsure circles on his chest. I was pushing my luck, but I didn’t care. The alcohol in my system softened everything. My fear, my self-control, my restraint. I caught the edge of a tattoo peeking out from under the left collar of his shirt. Black ink, sharp lines that were connected—maybe—to the tattoo on his wrist that I’d caught a glimpse of earlier. I wanted to see it. God, I wanted to know it. Every brush of my fingers over Alaric’s chest made his eyes darken, his muscles tense. Like he was trying so hard not to touch me back. He wanted me. No, not just that—he looked at me like he wanted to own me. “Is that really what you want to know, Meadow?” My eyes fluttered at the way he said my name. Soft, but with an edge. Commanding, sort of. I had a feeling that if he told me to sit my a'ss down, I would without hesitation. My mouth went dry and I swallowed, deciding to answer honestly. “No,” I whispered, shaking my head. Because truly, I didn’t want to know. I had no idea why, but somewhere in the middle of all this chaos, I’d realized something. I wanted him too. Not because he was beautiful. Not because he was rich. Not even because he was Tyler’s boss. But because for the first time in my life, someone was paying attention. Not to Juniper. To me. Pathetic. I know. I pulled my hand away, heaving a sigh. “I don’t know why I’m being like this. I don’t even know you.” His gaze locked on mine. “But you want to.” I hated how right he was. I shrugged. “I’m not in the right state of mind right now, Alaric.” I let out a bitter laugh, feeling my emotions overwhelm me as my eyes welled up with tears. “I was played.” I didn’t know why I was telling him, but I couldn’t stop talking. “Tyler, my sister… they played me for years and I hadn’t even realized it. I was so stubid. I thought…I thought he loved me.” It took everything in me not to cry in front of this stranger, but the moment he pulled me into his chest, I froze. “Don’t hold back,” his voice was deep and raspy as he spoke into my hair. “Let it out.” I didn’t mean too. Sure as hll didn’t want to. But I broke. One second, I was blinking back the tears, and the next, I was crying into his chest, fists clutching the fabric of his shirt, body trembling like I’d finally been given permission to fall apart. Alaric’s hand slid up and down my spine in slow circles. Comforting me. “Just say the word,” he suddenly said. I pulled back, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. “What?” His hand reached for my hair, and I felt my heart pound hard against my ribcage as he pushed a few strays behind my ears. It was a gentle gesture, but the look in his eyes? Downright murderous. “Say the word and I’ll help you get the revenge you want.” I blinked, brows pulling together as I gazed at him in confusion. “Who says I want revenge?” A nervous laugh escaped my mouth. Alaric exhaled slowly, a smirk pulling at his lips as he said, “You can’t deny it, Meadow. You want revenge. Against Tyler. Against your sister. You want them to pay for everything they did to you.” He took a step forward and I took one backward. Not because I didn’t want him near me. But because I wanted him to chase me. Pretty soon, my back was against the wall and Alaric was leaning into me, his hand resting against the wall, trapping me. Everything about this man was undeniably s'xy. And every single word that he’d just said sounded dangerous. More than dangerous. But he wasn’t wrong. I did want payback. Juniper had ruined my life way before tonight, and now, she had taken the one thing I thought I had left. “Why would you want to help me?” His eyes dropped to my mouth, and his tongue darted out to wet his. I wanted it to wet mine instead. “Because you looked at me like I could break you,” he said. “And you touched me like you wanted me to own you.” He leaned in closer, his mouth just inches from mine and I couldn’t breathe. “I don’t feel, Meadow,” his warm breath fanned my face. “I can’t feel anyone’s touch. But I felt yours.” His lips grazed mine slightly and I let out a gasp. But he didn’t wait for me to respond. To ask any questions. Even though I had millions of them. “I can give you what you want,” he murmured. “All of it. Revenge. Power. A new name. One that they can’t touch. One they’ll choke on once they realize who you belong to.” I tried to back up, but there was nowhere to go. No escape. ‘Yes,’ I wanted to say. ‘I want it. All of it.’ Alaric’s next words were slow. Intentionally slow, and they knocked the breath out of me completely. “Marry me.” I blinked as my brain scrambled for a response. “You’re joking.” He shook his head once. “No.” He stepped away from me, and I could finally breathe. “How can you… h-how… you don’t know me. We don’t even like each o—” “I don’t need to like you, Meadow,” he said, his jaw ticking. “I just need to have you.” The air left my lungs once again. “Alaric—” I breathed. He didn’t take his eyes off me. “I can make them pay,” he said. “All of them. Anyone who’s ever made you feel small.” “And in return?” I asked again, even though I already knew the answer. “You’ll be mine.” His voice was so low, so deep. Almost a growl on the word ‘mine.’ A shiver ran down my spine, and warmth pooled at the bottom of my stomach again. Not that the warmth ever left. I swallowed thickly, my brain spiraling, my heart hammering as the weight of everything came down on me. I didn’t even realize I was moving until I was only centimeters away from him. “I have one last request,” I muttered, raising my hand to his chest again, but this time, only focusing on the buttons of his shirt. “Whatever you want,” he whispered hoarsely, his nostrils flaring at my touch. I tried to talk myself out of this. I really did. But in my drunk state, there was only one thing on my mind. The need to feel what Juniper felt with Tyler when I walked in on them. And so, heart in my mouth, eyes firmly on Alaric’s, I made my request. “I want you to take my virginity.” Meadow’s POV: “Oh my God,” I moaned, my back arching as Alaric drove into me, deep and unrelenting. His hands gripped my thighs, spreading me wide as he fked me into the mattress like he owned me. Like he always had. I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t even think. I could only feel his thick length stretching me, his name falling from my lips like a desperate prayer, the sound of skin slapping skin and the way I clenched around him like I wanted more. Because I did. “Alaric,” I whimpered, chasing something that I’d never felt before. Was this what it felt like? What it meant to be taken? Owned? Ruined? But then, his eyes met mine, and that’s when everything shifted. Because I expected to see heat in his eyes. Desire. Something. Anything. But all I saw was a void. Darkness. Complete emptiness as he thrvst into me. His voice was flat. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it?” My breath caught. “Wait—” But his thrvsts didn’t slow. They only got harder. “This is what you begged for.” “No,” I whispered, panic gripping my chest. Then—there was a flash of pain. A gasp escaped my mouth and my eyes flew open. Reality slammed into me like a bucket of ice. I was in a room I didn’t recognize, laying on sheets that felt soft and expensive. And I was alone. A dream. It was a freaking dream. But the wetness I felt between my legs and the way my core pulsed with need made it feel dangerously real. I sat up too fast, regretting it instantly. I slapped my left hand onto my forehead as pain exploded in my skull— And I froze. My eyes dropped to the hand covering my face. To the finger. To the diamond ring sitting on my ring finger like it belonged there. I blinked once. Twice. No. No, no, no. “What the fck…” I whispered, trailing off as I yanked my hand back to stare at it. It sparkled under the morning light, glaring at me. Confirming that it was real. Not some hallucination or side effect from the hangover. And it was. But not only that—this ring had to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. My heart pounded hard against my ribcage as I scrambled out of bed, looking around the room with wide, frantic eyes. The room was modern, sleek with floor to ceiling windows on one side, the curtains slightly open, allowing the morning light to filter through. But there was nothing personal about this space. It was a suite. Had to be. I let out a groan as I tried to remember what the hll had happened last night. Alaric… He’d brought me to his penthouse suite when I was drunk and delirious with heartbreak and need. I’d asked him to— Oh God. I’d asked him to take my virginity. And that dream… It was so vivid. Had he— I let out a shocked gasp, my stomach dropping as the door to what I was certain was the bathroom creaked open. And out he came. Alaric Ashford. A towel hung low on his hips, his dark hair fairly wet, dripping water down the carved lines of his chest. His tan chest. And down the tattoos… He looked like he belonged in a freaking magazine. Or maybe a godаm nightmare. He paused for a second when he saw me, not looking particularly surprised that I was awake. His gaze skimmed over my form once, and they lingered on my upper body, a slow smirk curling at the corner of his mouth. Feeling overly conscious, I looked down at my body, realizing for the first time what I was actually wearing. A bra. And panties. My face flashed hot as I scrambled for the heavy duvet, holding it in front of me to cover myself. I didn’t know what made me more flustered. The fact that I hadn’t realized that I was practically half naked—or the fact that I’d dreamt of Alaric thrvsting into me. If that really was a dream. “Sleep okay?” he asked, his rough, deep voice sending shivers down my spine as he reached for a black t-shirt that was hanging on the dresser. He tossed it to me and I caught it, dropping the duvet aside and quickly throwing on the shirt. It smelled exactly like I remembered when he’d covered me with his suit jacket last night, and it took everything in me not to inhale. “I–I…” I stuttered. “D-did we—” Alaric arched a brow, walking toward the bed as he ran a towel over his hair with his beautifully tattooed hand, his muscles rippling at the motion. God, this man was a work of art. A god. “No.” His voice was flat as he spoke. “You were drunk.” I swallowed. “I—” “Your brain must be fuzzy,” Alaric stated as he pulled on another black t-shirt over his body, his broad chest stretching the fabric. “Room service should be here any second. You’ll eat something, take some aspirin, and only then will we discuss the next step we’re going to take.” His hand reached for the towel around his waist, and he arched his brow at me, silently letting me know that he was about to take it off and he didn’t care whether I was watching. I looked away just as he ripped it away from his waist, and he let out a dark chuckle. “Next… what do you mean next step?” “I don’t know if you’ve noticed the ring, but we’re married, Meadow.” My heart froze in my chest and my body went still. And by the time I turned to look at him again, he had on a pair of grey pants that did nothing to conceal how endowed he was. My breath was knocked out of my lungs as the ring on my finger finally made a bit of sense to me. Alaric took a few steps toward me and I gasped, taking a few steps of my own backward. His lips twitched, like he was amused at my fear and confusion. “Stay away from me,” I breathed as my panic rose, gripping my chest. Alaric’s jaw ticked as he regarded me. “I’m afraid I can’t, Meadow,” he said, coming closer. “You’re my wife now.” Meadow’s POV: Alaric’s words hit harder than any hangover ever could. I blinked up at him, the panic in my chest escalating. “No, no. That’s not—We didn’t…” I started to stutter, but the soft ding of the doorbell stopped me short. “That must be room service,” he muttered, throwing me one last smirk before he strode toward the door, shutting it behind him. Leaving me all alone in the room with the billion questions and wheels that were turning in my head. I raised my left hand up, unable to control the tremors as I stared at the diamond ring so hard, like I could make it disappear with my gaze. “That’s not possible…” I whispered to myself. There was no way I was married. No way I had agreed to a marriage with this man, but as I shut my eyes tight, the memories from last night played repeatedly in my head. They were only fragments, but were present nonetheless. Marry me. I groaned. I can make them pay, he’d said. Just say the word. “Oh no,” I whimpered, clutching the collar of Alaric’s shirt. I said yes. I’d really said yes. But that… that had to be illegal, right? I was inebriated. Not in the right state of mind. Before I could get lost in my thoughts, the door opened and I raised my head to find Alaric leaning against the door post, his arms crossed in front of his chest. Those were some strong looking arms. Even I had to admit it. Memories of those hands lifting me up, carrying me as I buried my head into his chest… Oh my God. I felt my cheeks start to heat up—if they weren’t already freaking hot before. “Come, Meadow.” His voice was cold, deep. Something in his tone had me moving even before my brain could catch up. I got to the door, holding my breath as I walked past him in his t-shirt. It stopped halfway down to my knees, so I was covered, but the fire in his eyes had me fisting the edges of the shirt, like I was pinning it to my body. I walked to the dining table, my eyes widening at the richest breakfast tray I had ever seen. Avocado toast, golden scrambled eggs, fluffy pancakes that had been stacked high with whipped cream and berries, smoked salmon, tiny glass jars of honey and jam, and a pitcher of what seemed like freshly squeezed orange juice. And beside the tray was a glass of water and a tiny plate containing two painkiller pills. I spun around, letting out a gasp when I realized that Alaric had been right behind me. He towered over me, and his eyes… Oh God, his eyes. I wasn’t able to see them clearly last night but now I could. They were ink-blue. The kind of blue you would mistake for black under the wrong lighting. And right now, they were narrowed at me. “I can’t eat this,” I said, catching myself before I did something crazy. “Why not?” he asked, head tilted in curiosity. It took a good ten seconds before I was able to work up a reply. “Well, first of all,” my voice trembled. “I’m not hungry.” The lie tasted like bile on my tongue. “And second,” I said airily. “I may have your expensive-a'ss ring on my finger, but I don’t remember saying yes to you. I was drunk, and I… What are you doing?” Alaric had sidestepped me, pulling out a chair directly in front of the food. He tapped his hand twice on the seat. “Sit,” he said “You can’t be serious,” I scoffed. “I’m dead serious, Meadow,” he stated plainly. “And like I said, you must eat something first before we have anything resembling a conversation.” I swallowed, preparing a retort in my head, but when nothing came up, I just did as he said, sliding into the chair, while he walked over to the coffeemaker, his back to me as he poured some already brewed coffee into а cup. I picked up a fork and stabbed a piece of egg. Anything to distract me from staring blatantly at the tattoos that swirled up his arms, or the casual way he walked up to the table, pulling out the seat across from me. He sat down, placing the mug on the table with a gentleness that made my eyelids flutter, and then his eyes met mine again. I quickly looked away, clearing my throat as I took a bite of the eggs. He didn’t say much. He didn’t say anything at all. Just sipped his black coffee slowly, watching me eat, like I was his responsibility. Or property. “So,” I muttered, not quite meeting his eyes. “Do you just… keep spare diamond rings on you in case you randomly get married?” His mouth twitched. “No. That one was custom-made.” I paused. “What?” He raised his mug to his lips again, ignoring my question. I narrowed my eyes but shoved a forkful of pancake into my mouth anyway, chewing slowly. I hated how good it tasted, but I couldn’t help but close my eyes in delight, an unintentional moan dropping from my lips. I caught myself instantly, opening my eyes to look at Alaric. But he was already looking at me with an expression I couldn’t decipher. And then, his eyes dropped to my mouth. And I graciously proceeded to choke. A few coughs burst from my throat as I fisted my chest. Alaric was by my side in seconds. He grabbed the pitcher, pouring me a glass of orange juice. “Here,” he murmured, holding it out to me. Our hands grazed each other during the motion, and I felt him tense beside me. I gulped down some of the orange juice, freezing when another memory flashed through my mind. I can’t feel anyone’s touch, Meadow. But I felt yours. Alaric had said those words to me last night, and I didn’t quite grasp what he’d meant. And now, as I watched his jaw clench and his shoulder tense, I couldn’t help my curiosity. “What did you mean when you said that?” I asked. “Said what?” he muttered as he returned to his seat. I shook my head, wondering if I sounded crazy. “That you can’t feel touch.” “I’m surprised you remember that,” he said coolly, leaning back into his seat. “You don’t seem to remember much else from last night.” My heart jumped. “I remember asking you to take my virginity.” I slapped my palm against my forehead. Why on earth did I say that? Alaric’s expression didn’t change. “You did.” “And… you didn’t.” “You were drunk,” he said, voice rougher now. “I won’t take what isn’t given sober.” I tilted my head. “I was also drunk when I accepted to marry you.” His mouth twitched. “That’s different.” “How so?” Alaric raised his eyes to meet mine. “Marriage is just paperwork, Meadow.” His gaze dropped to my mouth, darkening as his grip tightened around the mug. “But you were already mine before I slipped the ring onto your finger.” Meadow’s POV: This man was delusional. Straight up delusional. And insane. Maybe, along with spreading rumors about how cold and brutal he was, people also needed to add the fact that there was a loose nut in his brain. I shook my head, dropping the fork onto the plate. “And how long have you been stalking me, exactly?” I expected him to deny it. Say that he hadn’t been stalking me, but the more he remained silent, the more chill that ran down my spine. Because he didn’t deny it. Instead, he said, “That’s not a matter of immediate importance, Meadow.” I scoffed. “If that isn’t important, what is, then?” Alaric leaned forward, keeping his hooded eyes on me as he linked his hands together and rested them on the table. Panic coursed through my veins as I wondered what next he would say. But it wasn’t the kind of panic that was associated with fear, it was the kind that made my legs press together under the table. Which was exactly the problem. I shouldn’t be feeling this way. Not when I was sitting across from a lunatic who’d claimed we’d gotten married. Not when I was trying to piece my life back together from the wreckage Juniper and Tyler left behind. Not when I knew nothing about this man except that he was terrifying, powerful, and had no business knowing my name—let alone slipping a ring on my finger. And yet, here I was, legs crossed tightly, my thoughts all over the place because he was staring at me like I was the most interesting thing he’d ever seen. But if I had to admit it, I liked that. “Like I said,” he stated, his voice deep and low. “You’re my wife now, and we need to discuss the next steps to take.” “Alaric, I have no recollection of last night,” I said, throwing my hands up exasperatedly. “I woke up with a giant rock on my finger, and as far as I know, you forced it on me. So, no, I’m not your wife, and there is absolutely nothing to discuss.” I jumped down from the chair, fed up with his evasiveness, and, frankly? His entire bull. Right now, all I wanted to do was grab my phone and text my best friend, Nova. And then hop on the next flight back to Seattle, away from all this toxicity. So much for a get-away weekend. I was relieved when Alaric didn’t follow me into the bedroom, but that relief was cut short when I couldn’t find my phone anywhere. Not in my purse, not on the bed, not anywhere in the room. And even worse, I had no idea whether I even had it on me last night. “Looking for this?” I whipped around, my breath stuttering as I came face to face with Alaric. He towered over me, and my eyes widened as they landed on my phone. Clutched in his hand. Relief washed over me for a single, stubid second. “Thank—” A gasp escaped my mouth when Alaric tossed the phone behind me without a single hesitation. I spun around to see it land on the bed. “Are you kidding me?” I shot him a glare. But before I could take a step toward the bed, his hand clamped around my waist and pulled me into his body. “Alaric,” I warned, trying to ignore the warm feeling that had pooled at the bottom of my stomach. “Let me g—” “You don’t remember what happened last night, yeah?” he said, voice dark. “Then allow me to refresh your memory.” And before I could utter a word. Before I could even blink, he picked me up and tossed me onto the bed. A shocked gasp tore from my throat as my back hit the soft mattress. And I stopped breathing, because within seconds, Alaric was on me. One of his hands pinned both of mine above my head with minimal effort, the other supporting his form as he slid between my legs, his body hovering but not touching. “This counts as assault,” I hissed, even though my traitorous thighs had locked around his hips without thinking. “I really hope you know that.” His mouth twitched and I glared at him, hating how my body responded to his touch. “Add to that your stalking habit and we’ve got ourselves a criminal.” “Meadow—” “Get off me.” “You don’t really want that.” His voice was a whisper, and it pulled at my chest. “Oh really?” I scoffed, wiggling harder against him. “And who the hll are you to think that?” Alaric’s eyes darkened, his lips curling sinisterly. “I’m your husband, Meadow.” I froze. My heart pounded hard against my ribcage, but what I felt wasn’t fear. Not entirely. His breathing was heavier now. Ragged, but controlled. It was like he was on the edge of something and was barely hanging on. He leaned in slowly, his face only centimeters away from mine. “You want me, Meadow.” His minty breath fanned my face as he spoke and my mouth parted in return. “You’ve wanted me since the second you saw me looking at you from upstairs.” “I haven’t—” “Don’t deny it, baby girl.” His thumb brushed the side of my neck and I trembled. “I feel like your memories are coming back now,” he muttered, mouth dropping to my mouth. “Are they?” I reluctantly shut my eyes as memories began to assault me. My legs thrown wide, his mouth on me. The feeling on being deliciously and completely wrecked. But that was just a dream, wasn’t it? Or was it— “We didn’t do anything,” I said, swallowing hard. “You said so yourself. Or did you lie?” Alaric hummed as his mouth grazed my jaw, and then he chuckled. “I’m a lot of things, Meadow, but I’m not a liar.” His lips brushed the shell of my ear. “And you’d remember if I fckd you.” I couldn’t help the whimper that escaped my lips. Oh God. I was totally done for. I tried to wiggle out of his grip, but all my efforts proved fruitless. “Let’s not waste anymore time with this,” his voice went deeper as he raised his head to glance at me. “I can give you what you want. Just say the word.” His mouth twitched. “Surely, you remember me saying that?” I did. I definitely did. I tried to gather the last of my rational thought. “Revenge. You mentioned that, right? Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but I wouldn’t waste your time trying to get revenge on someone who always wins.” Something thick clogged my throat and I swallowed hard. I didn't lie. Juniper always won. Always. “I’m not talking about revenge, Meadow Russell. That’s not what you really want.” I opened my mouth to snap at him but stopped short when his fingers began to trail slowly down my side. “I’m talking about this.” My breath hitched as I felt the hem of his t-shirt lift upward, his hand brushing over my thigh, edging toward my panties. I squirmed under his touch. It didn’t feel like a question. It felt like a promise. “Alaric…” My chest heaved up and down, my mouth parting as I tried to take deep breaths. He was touching me, hooking his fingers slightly into the waistband of my underwear. Teasing. My core throbbed nonstop. “You want me to take your virginity, yeah?” I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t. Fcking. Breathe. “I will,” he said softly. “And I’ll even give you the revenge you’re pretending not to want. All you have to do is keep my ring on your finger.” His other hand finally released mine, but he paused, raising my left hand between us and linking our fingers together. “Be my wife, Meadow.” Meadow’s POV: My heart was beating so loud, I could barely hear myself think. His thumb brushed lightly over my knuckles, grazing the rock that sat pretty on my ring finger. I squirmed under him again, hating the way my heart responded to his touch. Hating how badly I wanted to close the distance between us and say yes, like some desperate, touch-starved idiot. Not that I was that far off. “I…can’t,” I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper. Be his wife? Alaric made it sound like a simple choice. Like all I had to do was say yes and he’d give me the world. But I didn’t want the world. I just wanted to feel normal again. To not be someone whose entire life had just blown up in her face. “Why do you even want me?” I pushed at his chest. “You say you want me to be yours, but what do you really stand to gain from this?” His eyes didn’t flinch. “Nothing.” My breath caught for the umpteenth time today. That was all it kept doing. This man was making it difficult for me to breathe. Alaric leaned down, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. “Just you, Meadow.” Just. You. Meadow. Just me. I hated how those three words made something inside me unravel. “Why?” I asked, desperate to ground myself. “Why me? Why not anyone else?” Alaric’s jaw tensed. And for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t answer. And then he muttered, “Like I said last night, you touched me.” I blinked, scoffing when I caught myself. “Yeah, you said that. Along with some other bull that you never bothered to explain or found some way to take my mind off it.” He pushed off the bed, running his ink-covered hand through his thick hair. I wanted to do that. Run my hand through his hair. Badly. His back was to me when he exhaled roughly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t feel people’s touch. I never have. I was diagnosed with a neurological condition years ago.” His voice was flat as he spoke, as if he was talking about the most casual thing known to man. “Think of it as an intense insensitivity to touch. Physical contact doesn’t register. Not pain. And most times, not pleasure.” His tone had changed at the last word. Lower. Deeper. And his back was still turned to me. My chest tightened. “That’s… real?” He nodded. “It’s rare, and complicated. But yes. I’ve lived my entire life in a body that doesn’t respond the way it should.” My brain tried to make sense of that. Of the fact that he could touch people and never feel them. That no matter how many women tried, none of them ever— “And you can feel me?” I whispered. “Yes.” I didn’t know where the sudden boost of courage came from, but before I could talk myself out of it, I rose to my knees, crawling toward the edge of the bed where he sat. And then, kneeling behind him, I lifted my hand, hovering for only a few seconds before I placed it on his lower back. “You can feel this?” I asked, my voice shaking with anxiety. “No,” his reply was soft. “I can’t. I can only feel you when you touch my bare skin.” My heart broke for this man. I wondered all the things he must have gone through all because of his inability to feel. But my heartbeat picked up again when he asked me a question. “Do you want to take it off?” I hesitated. I could’ve touched his hand if I wanted to confirm his condition, but something about taking his shirt off seemed much more appealing to me. So I did. I reached for the hem of his shirt, and as I pulled it over his head, Alaric’s entire body tensed from the light graze of my knuckles. His breath hitched. A sharp, subtle sound that sent a shot of electricity down my spine. I froze, the black fabric of his shirt still clutched in my fingers. “You felt that,” I whispered. He didn’t turn around. Didn’t answer. But he didn’t need to. Because I could see it—his skin shifting beneath my touch, his back muscles taut, shoulders pulled tight like he was physically restraining himself from reacting. I let the shirt fall from my hand and brushed my fingers lightly across the muscles of his back. Down his spine and back up. Across the dark ink sprawled over his left shoulder blade, leading down to his arm. He shuddered. I pulled my hand away, realizing that I may have gotten carried away. But I was stunned. Completely stunned. “You really can feel me,” I said softly, in awe of the beautiful man sitting in front of me. Alaric finally turned to face me, his eyes dark and unreadable. “I don’t know why.” His voice was rough. “I don't care why.” He rose to his feet, pulling me out of the bed and close to him so I was against his chest. “All I care about is that I can,” he said, running his hand through my hair, causing me to lean into his touch. “That when you touch me, I feel it. And it doesn’t fade, Meadow. It stays.” I was trembling. Not out of fear. But because no one had ever said something like that to me. No one had ever looked at me the way he was now—like I was something powerful. Something rare. “I’m not special,” I said, voice shaking. “I’m just—” “You’re mine,” he interrupted—quite smugly, might I add. “That makes you special enough.” I blinked rapidly, trying to get my head on straight, but it was impossible with the way he was looking at me. Like I was the only thing in the room worth seeing. “So that’s why you want to marry me?” I murmured. “Just so you can feel me?” “It’s the same thing you want from me, isn’t it?” Alaric smirked, his hand tightening around my waist. “Let’s think of it as a mutual need.” My heart stuttered. There was no sarcasm in his tone. No ulterior motive in his words. He genuinely just wanted me to touch him. And in return… he’d take my virginity. This… burden, away from me. Funny how I’d been keeping it for one person but decided to give it up to the next handsome man who came by. Alaric stepped away from me, walking toward the closet and pulling out a dark button-down shirt. “Now, I’d love to stay here and keep chatting with you, but I have a board meeting in Seattle. In a few hours.” He moved with the kind of precision that came from years of control. Years of not letting himself feel or break. Or want. “Oh?” I managed, still at a loss for words. “Get dressed, Meadow.” He turned to me, fixing his cuffs. “We leave in twenty-five minutes. My jet’s on standby.” I didn’t even know what to react to first. The fact that he had a private jet, or the fact that he’d used the word “we” in his sentence. I chose the latter. “I’m sorry, we?” Alaric tilted his head at me. “I’m not leaving without my wife, Meadow.” “But I—” “Get dressed,” he repeated, walking toward me again. “If you don’t want to stay married, we’ll annul it. If you want revenge, I’ll help you get it. If you want to disappear, I can make it happen. And if you want me…” His eyes dropped briefly to my mouth. “You already have me. But this meeting is of utmost importance. And we need to leave soon.” And then, without waiting for my reply, he walked out. Leaving me standing in the middle of the room. Breathless. Speechless, with a lot of questions churning in my mind. Meadow’s POV: If anyone had told me last week that I would be getting in a private jet with my billionaire husband instead of getting married to the man I thought was the love of my life, I would’ve had them committed. But… this was real. This was really happening. Maybe later, I would sit myself down and drown in my thoughts and ponder on my stupidity, but right now? Right now I was in the back of a black SUV that smelled like leather and money, staring out the tinted windows as the driver drove toward the airport. My fingers kept twitching in my lap, and every now and then, they brushed against the ring. His ring. It was hard to ignore it. The ring was beautiful, heavy, definitely not something I could ever forget was there.

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