Chloe looked down not wanting to look into Aydens eyes. She did not want to fall in love with him. Chloe needed to get out of there in the seven days but it seemed like fate had other plans.

"Ayden " Chloe said, breaking the silence. Her voice was weak. "Let me go."

Aydens gaze lifted slowly his ice blue eyes locking onto Chloes eyes with a look that Chloe could not read. He sat across from Chloe with an easy manner like he owned all the time in the world.

"Why would I do that Chloe?" Ayden said, his voice calm and smooth. "You ran away five years ago. You disappeared like smoke.. Now you are here in my city and in my reach."

Chloe looked up meeting Aydens ice eyes. "You have moved on " Chloe said. "You're getting married. Or did your fiancée not make you happy night?"

Ayden smirked. "You are still sharp-tongued I see " Ayden said, leaning in closer to Chloe. ". You have always misunderstood one thing about me."

Chloes throat felt tight. Her breathing became heavy. "I do not just get what I want Chloe " Ayden whispered, his eyes filled with danger. "I take it."

Before Chloe could say anything Aydens hand moved to Chloes jaw, firm tilting her face towards him. Chloes heart pounded in her chest.

"Ayden do not " Chloe started to say. It was too late. Aydens lips crashed into Chloes, hard and fierce. It was not a kiss it was punishment. A claim. Years of anger, obsession and desire all poured into that moment.

Chloes body froze. Every part of Chloe screamed to fight to resist. Ayden had the upper hand. His hand traced into Chloes shirt quietly undoing her bra. When Chloe bit down on Aydens lips he let go.

"You do not get to come " Ayden said, his voice dark. ". Pretend like the past does not exist."

Chloe swallowed hard. "You do not get to pretend you were not in bed with my sister a day before our engagement " Chloe said.

Aydens jaw tightened, his smirk fading. ". Yet " Ayden said, rising to his feet "you came back. Why, Chloe? Regret? Or are you here to destroy me?"

Chloe did not answer. Instead Chloe looked away her lips trembling, still recovering from the shock.

Ayden turned his back to Chloe. Walked towards the tall windows overlooking the city of Ravenshore. He slipped his hands into his pockets calm again but dangerous. "I should have locked you up the day you left " Ayden said. ". This time you are not going anywhere."

Chloe looked at Ayden hate and heartbreak showing in her eyes. "You are a monster " Chloe said.

". You " Ayden said, turning to face Chloe again his gaze piercing. "You are still mine."

Aydens phone buzzed. He did not look at Chloe still tied to the chair her lips swollen from his punishing kiss.. His posture shifted subtly. He picked up the device looked at the message and the sharp glint in his eyes dimmed into something calculating.

Without a word Ayden turned away. Turned to a guard. "Take her back to the penthouse " Ayden ordered. "No one talks to her. No one touches her. I will deal with her later."

"Yes sir " the guard replied.

Chloe barely had time to protest before two suited men approached. Ayden did not glance back. He was already gone.

*****************************************************

The Hunter Mansion was an estate, full of history. It might well have been carved into the hills of Ravenshore centuries ago. The black iron gates swung open at Aydens approach. Several luxury cars lined the driveway and uniformed staff stood at attention tense.

Inside the chaos had already begun. "He left her?" boomed a furious voice. Lord Conrad Hunter, Aydens grandfather stood with his cane raised and a face red with rage.

Ayla stood beside him trying to calm the storm. "Grandfather please " Ayla said sweetly. "Ayden must have had business. I told you not to get upset please be careful you need your medicine."

"Important?" Conrad said. "You are his bride to be, Ayla. The future Mrs. Hunter. What is more important than keeping his promises to you?"

"I am not upset " Ayla replied gently. "I trust him."

It was all a lie. Aylas smile was fake her hands trembling behind her flowing dress. It all hurt it really did.

The doors swung open. Ayden walked in. The air shifted instantly. He did not speak he did not need to. He just stood there tall and commanding in his black tailored suit.

The faintest wind followed him in ruffling his jet- hair and his icy gaze swept across the room landing on Ayla, which sent shivers down her spine. Even Conrad, who had ruled this family for decades paused.

The room fell into a silence. Ayla turned instantly her delicate features lit up with a smile one that she had carefully practiced. "Ayden " she called, relief and yearning in her voice.

Ayden did not look at her. He did not even bother to. Instead his unreadable eyes locked with his grandfathers ignoring everyone in the room as though they never existed.

"You wanted to see me?" Ayden said, his voice smooth but flat. Controlled.

Conrad narrowed his eyes. "You left your fiancée sitting at a five-star restaurant for the third time.. You think this is the tone to use with me?"

Aydens hands slid casually into his pockets one brow arching in faint amusement. "I told you before do not schedule my time without asking."

". What was so important this time hmm?" Conrad pressed. "More boardroom games? Or were you in bed with another woman?"

Ayden did not answer. Ayla stepped closer the silence stretching like glass about to shatter. "It is okay " Ayla said softly placing a hand gently on Conrads arm. "I am sure Ayden had something. He does not need to explain."

Her voice wavered slightly. Ayden still did not spare her a glance. He walked to the center of the room poured himself a drink from the crystal decanter and took a sip. The silence stretched longer more painful.

"Ayden " Ayla said again this time quieter, more hopeful. "We could maybe talk?"

He looked past her like she did not exist or it was a burden to look at her. "If this is all I will take my leave " Ayden said, the dismissal in his voice brutal.

Conrad bristled. "You think this is about dinner and appearances? You think your actions do not reflect on this family?"

"They reflect fine " Ayden said, ice in his tone. "I lead they follow. That is how it works."

"And what about Ayla?" the old man snapped. "She is your fiancée."

Aydens eyes finally flicked toward her for a second. Not with warmth not even interest. Just. A slight hint of irritation. "We will talk later " Ayden said, cold and distant. Did not even bother to say goodbye.

Then without a glance Ayden turned and walked out of the room sipping his drink like none of this mattered.. Maybe to him it did not.. Only one thing mattered.

Behind him Ayla stood frozen. Her hand clenched slowly at her side nails digging into her palm as her painted smile trembled. Conrad sat down heavily in his chair his anger momentarily stunned into silence.

Aylas eyes followed Aydens retreating back and for the time her smile fell completely. She felt defenseless, for the time.

Chloe stood still staring into the garden. Her mind was somewhere else. Her fingers were wrapped tightly around the glass of the window frame like it was the only thing that was holding her together. The city skyline, where she used to live was right in front of her. It looked cold and uncaring like it did not even notice that she was gone.

She did not hear him come into the room. She only felt his body against her back smelled his scent and then his hands were on her. His hands were not soft they were not gentle. They were like he owned her.

One arm went around her waist pulling her back against his chest. The other arm settled above her ribs his fingers spread out like he was claiming her. "Five years " his voice was rough against her neck, his breath hot on her skin. "And you did not even say goodbye, Chloe?"

She froze. "Ayden " she whispered, her voice shaking. "Let me go."

He did not move. He leaned in closer his lips brushing against her ear. "No you do not get to disappear. Then come back into my life like nothing is wrong."

Her jaw was clenched tight. "I had to leave " she said.

"Really?" he cut her off spinning her around to face him. His face was in front of hers his eyes dark and hard to read. They were burning with emotions that he did not want to talk about. His grip on her did not loosen.

"You did not have to leave " he said, looking into her eyes. "You chose to leave. You chose to run from what we had."

Her eyes were welling up with tears. She blinked them away. ". What did we have, Ayden? A perfect lie wrapped up in memories? We were never meant to be and we both know why."

His eyebrows came together. He did not say anything.

Chloe took a breath trying to calm her voice. "I left because I saw the truth."

At that Ayden stopped moving. She watched as the emotions in his eyes shifted, got darker and then disappeared behind a mask of silence.

"The letter said it all " Chloe whispered, stepping back from him. "It said you needed someone stronger someone who would not hold you back. Someone like Ayla."

Aydens jaw got tight. Chloes voice cracked. "Ayla said she wanted you to build your empire not be weighed down by a woman like me.. I believed her."

He stepped back his eyes locked on hers. His chest was. Falling with short controlled breaths.

Chloe looked away her heart pounding. "I was hurt, torn apart. I had no one to care for me or love me."

He stayed quiet like a storm was brewing inside him. Then his voice got lower harsher. "You really thought I would not find you?"

She did not respond.

Ayden stared at her for a time. Then, without saying a word he. Walked out of the room.

Chloe stood frozen in place until she heard the heavy door shut behind him. It was like something inside her had broken.

Then slowly her knees gave out. She fell to the marble floor her sobs echoing through the empty penthouse. Her tears were falling fast and hard each one carrying the weight of five years of pain, regret and longing.

The feeling of being alone was overwhelming her. She was hugging herself her heart breaking over again.

The man she loved was not listening to her anymore.. She was not sure if he ever would.

*****************************************************

The rooftop lounge of Noir, a bar was wrapped in soft golden light and jazz music. It was like a world. Outside the floor-to-ceiling glass the city was alive and pulsing.. Inside the room the air was thick with something heavier.

Ayden Hunter sat on the leather couch looking like a man made of stone. His frame was relaxed his posture effortless,. His presence was chilling. His black dress shirt was perfectly pressed his silver cufflinks catching the light and not a hair was out of place.

He was holding a glass of whiskey between his fingers, untouched, like the rest of the world was not worth his time.

Calvin, leaning on the arm of the chair across from him was the one brave enough to speak. "She's back " Calvin said, swirling his drink. ". That's not good."

Ayden did not look up stared into his drink like there were answers there.

"I'm serious " Calvin continued, his eyes narrowing. "Chloe coming back it changes everything. You can't marry Ayla now and your moms wish..."

Ayden raised his glass took a sip and then put it down.

Calvin scoffed, irritated by Aydens behavior. "She abandoned you when things got tough ran away when you needed her the most. She caused you much pain but Ayla was there for you through everything. She never left your side. And now Chloe is back you want to hurt Aylas feelings?"

Still Ayden did not react.

"She's not the girl you left behind Ayden. Whatever you think you feel it's not real."

"I do not feel anything " Ayden said finally his voice quiet but firm.

Calvin exhaled. "You really want me to believe that?"

Aydens gaze shifted to him cold and hard to read. "You do not have to believe anything."

Calvin stood up pacing. "I know the way you looked at her. That was not nothing.. Do not act like you did not plan her return. Your men picked her up the second she crossed the city limits. How sure are you that she did not plan it? I'm pretty sure she's back because she heard about you."

"I let her walk in " Ayden said. "Not because I wanted her. Because I needed to know why she came back."

". Now that you know?" Calvin asked.

Aydens fingers tightened slightly on the edge of the glass. "I do not know anything yet. I will."

Calvin frowned, concern taking over his tone. "This is not some girl, Ayden. This is Chloe, the one who ran away without saying goodbye.. Now she shows up five years later? She wants to use you and you are too in love to see it."

Ayden stood up. Walked to the glass wall his hands in his pockets watching the city.

"Something brought her back " he said coolly. "I intend to find out what."

Calvin walked up beside him lowering his voice. ". What if its you?"

Aydens jaw flexed but his tone did not change. "Then I'll make sure she regrets it."

Calvin was quiet for a moment. Then he asked, ". Ayla?"

"I will know when it's the right time " Ayden replied.

"Your grandfather wants the engagement sealed before the end of the month."

Ayden did not flinch. "Then he can marry her."

Calvin blinked. "Ayden..."

"I do not want Ayla. I never did."

"Yeah? Well Ayla wants you. She's the choice for marriage she truly loves you."

Ayden turned away from the window. "Then she'll have to learn to be disappointed."

The silence returned, heavy with everything that was not said.

Then Ayden added, more to himself than anyone "If Chloe thinks she can come back, into this city without consequences she's mistaken."

Calvin watched him for a moment.

". If you really did not care you would not be saying that."

Aydens expression did not change. His eyes remained cold composed. He left, leaving Calvin alone in the room. Calvin stood up poured himself a glass and looked down at the city. He drank his drink. "He is not going to mess up my plans...."

Chloe’s eyes slowly opened to the dim morning light peeking through the curtains. She tried to open them. The air felt thick and heavy. Her heart started beating as she saw the figure lying beside her. Ayden.

His body looked perfect like a sculpture. His sharp jawline reminded her of how he hated beards. The sunlight on his face made her feel a mix of admiration and jealousy.

FLASHBACK

"Babe" he whispered softly trying to wake her up. He gently pinched her cheeks. Blew air on her face.

“Ten more minutes" Chloe said, pushing against his chest.

“You really know how to get me excited" he whispered, which made Chloe jump up.

“No" she said sharply. Ayden rolled off her laughing. "It's not funny!”

“. It was worth it" he said, sitting up and looking at Chloe. "I love you”

“How times will you say that" Chloe asked, ducking under the bedsheet.

“Because it sounds sweeter when it comes from you" he said, opening the sheets and hugging her.

END OF FLASHBACK

Chloe slowly reached out her fingers shaking as they touched his chest.. Before she could go further his hand gripped her wrist strongly.

“Don’t " Ayden’s voice was low and commanding. His eyes locked onto hers making her breath catch.

Chloe swallowed hard. Didn’t pull away. She needed to escape from him; he had. She didn't want to be a part of it.

He leaned down his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "You’re mine. No questions, no doubts.

Her heart beat fast caught between fear and a strange desire. Some part of her liked his possessiveness. She tried to speak. He silenced her with a finger on her lips.

“Not yet " he said softly. Then without warning he pulled her closer.

In that moment Chloe realized that this wasn’t the Ayden she remembered. This was a changed man. She doubted if she could ever see Ayden again. She was caught in his grasp helpless and wanting to break free.

Ayden pulled back slightly his intense gaze locking onto hers. He traced a finger along her jawline before releasing her.

“You have 36 hours " he said, his voice cold but controlled. "Get what you want. Then leave forever. Face the consequences ”

Chloe’s breath caught and she felt a mix of disbelief and relief. "You’re serious?”

He nodded, eyes hardening. "Like I said, 36hrs”

Her heart pounded in confusion. Was this a test? A cruel game?. Maybe an opening.

Swallowing her fear she met his stare. "Fine. I’ll be gone before you even notice.”

A small smile appeared on his lips. "Good. Now get out.”

He turned away pulling the blanket over himself and left Chloe alone with her racing thoughts and the ticking clock.

She stood up slowly every muscle tense, her heart in shock. No hands stopped her; the guards only looked. The hallway was heavy with silence as she walked to the door her mind racing.

“36 hours " Ayden’s voice echoed behind her, cold and final.

She didn’t look back. With every step the weight of those words sank deeper igniting a fire she couldn’t ignore. She felt like it was happening over again like five years ago when she ran away from her problems. She smiled bitterly looking back and saw Ayden watching her. She thought she saw a glint of disappointment. She needed to be strong.

*****************************************************

The car stopped smoothly outside a quiet corner of the city. The door unlocked with a click.

Chloe stepped out. Her bare feet hit the pavement as the cool night air kissed her skin. She pulled Ayden’s coat tighter over her thin nightdress her eyes darting up to the traffic light on the opposite street corner.

She pulled her coat tighter around her. Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

She ignored it.

The cars pulled away in silence Ayden’s insignia barely visible on the back windshield taunting her. He sent his vehicle; he wasn’t just giving her freedom he was escorting her to her doom.

She moved quickly ducking into an alley that led to the city square. There beneath an awning she stopped.

She took out her phone, which she had grabbed on her way out. Her fingers hovered over the screen. One name burned at the top of her call list.

Jayson

She bit her lip her thumb shaking slightly over the contact. Her son. Her baby. His voice was all she wanted to hear now.

But she didn’t press it. Instead she turned her head slightly looking up at the streetlight across from her.

A tiny red blink.

Camera... She sighed.

“ course you’re watching " she murmured, lips barely moving. She looked directly into the lens. Gave a faint tired smile. Nothing sweet just a quiet mocking tilt of her lips.

Then she lowered her phone slowly sighed and leaned against the wall. Her fingers trembled as she slipped the device back into her coat.

*****************************************************

In Ayden’s suite

The massive screen showed her grainy figure, barefoot and regal even in disarray walking away with stubborn grace.

Ayden leaned back on the leather couch one leg crossed over the other swirling the contents of his glass lazily. His lips curled into a smirk.

“Interesting " he murmured. "She’s grown.”

Behind him the door burst open.

“Have you lost your mind?" Calvin stormed in irritation radiating from every step. "A whole surveillance team? Just to babysit Chloe?”

Ayden didn’t even flinch his eyes never leaving the screen replaying her mocking smile that somewhat amused him.

“I’m your friend " Calvin said sharply. ". Friends don’t let friends throw away everything, for a girl who walked away five years ago.”

“Since when did my love life become your assignment?”

Calvin stiffened. "Look I’m here because Ayla called, saying you have been ignoring her and you've refused to take her calls.”

“You’re just delivering Aylas concern." Ayden said, looking at Calvin "since when did the two of you become this close?”

Calvin’s jaw ticked. "She’s worried because she loves you nothing like that.”

“She shouldn’t be" Ayden said, standing. He turned toward Jake, his assistant, who’d been trying hard to disappear into the corner escaping his boss. "Call Ayla.”

Julie visibly swallowed. " Now sir?”

Ayden’s eyes cut to him sending shivers down his body. Jake scrambled for the phone dialing quickly. The call rang once before Ayla picked up.