Chapter 1

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.

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