Chapter 14
Killian’s study smelled like fresh pine and musk with hints of smoke
all an act and I should play my part yet his eyes
After the dinner he brought me here in his arms whispering to me that it was all this was no act and he was not at all merely playing his part
eyes said it all……
Killian sat behind his massive desk, collar loose and the shirt unbuttoned a little with a glass of expensive whiskey in his hand. His eyes though relaxed, watched me with the alertness of a man always on the edge of war
Silence stretched, simmering like desire and the air was thick with something unspoken.!!
He was the first to break it.
“You didn’t flinch once tonight.” Killian said, tilting his glass. “Not even when Julia screamed like a dying animal.”
“She tried to humiliate me.” I replied coolly. “Now she is fertilizer. I don’t plan to show mercy to those who bear their fangs at me.”!!
He chuckled, low and amused, but I saw the flicker of something darker in his eyes. Approval or rather it was hunger.
I took a breath. “Killian. what do you want from this marriage?”
He didn’t answer immediately. Just leaned back, swirling his drink like it held the answers.
I continued, steady but not cold. “I know my position well. This marriage is for the press, the investors, the family name but behind closed doors. I am just the woman expected to carry your heir.
Quiet, obedient and decorative.”
That made him laugh.
He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, voice lazy and laced with amusement.”
“That was the plan, wasn’t it Athena?
A pretty, silent woman who wouldn’t let my uncles whisper poison into her ear or interfere with what I am building. One who wouldn’t ask questions or make demands or burn my enemies alive with the fire in her eyes.“}
His gaze flicked to mine..heated and sharp.
“But you sabotaged the entire plan darling..for you…” he said, lowering his voice. “…are none of those things. I
He set the glass down with a soft clink and stood, walking around the desk towards me.!!
“So tell me Mrs. Arrows.” he murmured, every step like a slow countdown making my face flush. “What can you give me?“:
I met his stare evenly and yet my heart was pounding.
“I can manage your empire….handle the investors and the mafia familles beneath Arrows empire.
Deal with your snakes in tailored suits and diamond cufflinks. I know how to handle men like your uncles so they would never be a worry for you. And I will never interfere with your life.!
Not with your business and neither with your women.
Kilian rose from his seat walking around his desk before stopped in front of me, close. Too close.
His smile didn’t reach his eyes this time. It was… colder. Sharper
“Wrong answer” he said softly.
I froze as his hand came up.. not roughly but rather too gently and cupped my face. His thumb brushed my lower lip and my breath. laboured.&
“I didn’t ask what you can give the empire darling.” he said, voice dangerously soft Tasked… what can you give me?“8:
His eyes burned into me not just with lust, but something for more unsettling. Possession. Hunger. Something feral beneath the silk of his words.
Like he was going to devour me whole.l
All my life I learned that it was easy to manage men. With cruel and heartless men like Xander Thome it was best when you cut all ties, weak men like my father can be easily seduced and manipulated while those who have a good character responded to kindness and yet there was this person defying all those rules.
He was cold and ruthless but then he was also very kind and gentle to me but instead of mere naive innocence his eyes looked ready to gobble me up.
“I told you, I–8
“I heard you Athena” he interrupted. “But I don’t share. Not power. Not loyalty. And certainly not what’s mine.”
He turned his head slightly.
“Enter.
The heavy doors creaked open, and three men entered. The air chilled as I recognized one.!!
James Carson
Italian. Wealthy. Ruthless and Julia Sanders‘ uncle as introduced by the butler previously
He looked like e a man used to being feared with his eyes cold, expression unreadable. But even he hesitated when Killian’s gaze turned
toward him.
You wanted influence right?” Killian said dryly, his palm still caressing my face. “She is the woman standing in your way or rather… she is the one who can give it to you.”
Then he leaned toward me, his breath warm in my ear.”
“Show me Athena” he whispered “how you will deal with the uncle of the woman I killed for you.”
10.02 AM c c
