Emily

The sunlight hit my eyes first. Then, slowly, the reality of the night before came into focus.

I was naked. Not under a blanket, not half-covered. Naked. On my side of the bed. With Adrian Carter's arm draped across me.

I froze for a moment, holding my breath, expecting panic or shame to hit. It didn't. Not exactly. Not like I thought it would.

Instead, a surprising calm spread through me, like the kind you feel after surviving a storm.

I hadn't regretted it.

Not a single bit.

My mind had finally caught up to my body, the alcohol having worn off enough for clarity. I could remember everything-his hands, his voice, the way he moved over me-and even now, thinking about it made my pulse flutter and my stomach ache with a kind of familiar longing.

But calm came next, along with worry.

Consequences.

Not because I was ashamed-though I wasn't proud, either-but because we lived in a world where everything had repercussions. The Browns, the Carters, Nathan... the mess we could create if anyone found out.

I rolled carefully, careful not to wake him, and studied him. Adrian slept like he owned the world. Broad shoulders, the faint rise and fall of muscle beneath smooth skin. Dark hair falling across his forehead. Even in sleep, he radiated control. Command. Power.

And yet... last night he had been gentle. Careful.

I swallowed, sitting up slowly and wrapping the sheet around me, covering the barest hint of skin.

"Adrian," I said quietly, testing my voice.

He stirred, eyes half-lidded, just enough for me to see that sharp intelligence.

"Morning," he murmured, voice low, smooth, and... commanding, even now.

I didn't respond immediately. I couldn't. The way he looked at me-like he already owned this moment, like he had claimed me and didn't even need to touch me to prove it-made heat pool low in my stomach.

Focus, Emily. Focus.

"Last night..." I started. My voice steadied. "We need to talk."

He opened his eyes fully, sitting up slowly, revealing the hard definition of his chest and shoulders. I tried not to stare, tried to remind myself that we had to be rational now, that this was a mistake with consequences. But his gaze... it pinned me in place. Dark, intense, unwavering.

"What about it?" he asked, voice calm but heavy with intent.

I took a deep breath. "We need... rules. Boundaries. What happens in here stays in here."

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "You mean... you don't want the world to know are mine?"

"I mean," I clarified, cheeks warming, "I don't want anyone else involved. I want you to be considerate. And... I'm not... yours. I'm engaged to your nephew!"

He tilted his head, watching me like I was entertaining him. "Not mine?" His voice dropped lower, thick with amusement and something else-something possessive. "Emily..."

"Yes," I said quickly, trying to maintain my composure. "I'm level-headed now. I know what we did. But if anyone finds out, there will be consequences for both of us."

Adrian leaned back, stretching, the muscles in his arms and chest flexing with the movement. He looked at me with a slow, deliberate gaze, like he was deciding how much of me he could take right now and how much he wanted to wait for.

"Consequences?" he repeated softly, and the edge in his voice made me shiver. "I don't care about consequences."

I blinked. "What?"

"I said," he leaned forward, resting one hand on the bed near me, keeping me pinned by the weight of his presence, "you're mine now. My woman. And I don't intend to let you go."

I froze. Not with fear. Not with shame. But with shock.

"Yours? Adrian, we-" My voice caught. "We can't-"

"I said, you're mine," he repeated, flatly, almost casually, like he was stating the weather. "And if anyone-anyone-tries to take you away or interfere, I will make sure they regret it."

My stomach dropped.

He's crazy. How can he say that so easily when I just had my engagement party with his nephew?

Well, I'm also in bed with him so maybe I'm also crazy. But I can sort this out. I always did.

"So...wait-wait a second," I said, trying to gather my thoughts. "You want me to-what? Be... with you?"

He leaned back slightly, eyes dark, commanding. "I'll marry you."

The words hit me like a slap.

It's confirmed.

He's crazy.

I almost laughed, almost cried, almost shouted. "Excuse me? Adrian... I'm engaged. To Nathan. Your nephew!"

He smirked, unbothered, almost amused by my objection. "And?"

"And... and that matters. It's... I mean..." I stammered, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "I can't. We... you can't just-"

"I just did," he interrupted. His voice was calm, even teasing, but carrying that weight-that command. "You're mine. I will marry you. And if you refuse, Emily..." His eyes glinted, sharp, almost predatory. "...I will tell everyone everything that happened last night."

My stomach lurched. My pulse raced. The consequences I had tried so hard to avoid were suddenly all too real.

Was he being serious right now?

He's also involved, isn't he worried about his reputation?

"Wait," I said, my voice firmer now, trying to regain control, "we can't...get married."

"Why?" His tone was harsh "You'll risk ruining your reputation for Nathan?"

I sighed. "It's not that. It's just... I'm not ready to get married. But, I can be... with you. If you promise to keep it secret."

He leaned closer, and I could feel the heat radiating off him. He studied me, not like someone making a deal, but like someone who had already won.

"And why," he asked softly, dangerously, "would I ever want to keep it a secret?"

I swallowed hard, trying to maintain control. "Because... because I don't want anyone else involved. I don't want to complicate things. I want you to... be considerate."

He smiled slowly, predatory but amused, and leaned back. "Considerate. That's... cute. Fine. We keep it secret. For now."

"For now," I repeated, feeling the word like a shield. I swallowed the lump of desire and fear in my throat and tried to draw a line.

He'd probably get bored of me in a few days and I have my peace again.

I sighed in relief, it was a win-win.

He chuckled softly, a sound that made my pulse spike. "You really think this will last as just a relationship?"

"I... I hope you get over me soon," I admitted, trying to sound casual.

He tilted his head, eyes glinting with something like amusement mixed with obsession. "Oh, Emily," he said softly, almost reverently, "you think I could get over you?"

I looked away, gripping the sheet around me. I was still level-headed. I had to be. I had to keep some control.

But deep down, I already knew the truth: Adrian Carter didn't do compromise. He didn't do letting go. And I had already lost - terrifyingly, myself-to him.

He leaned forward, resting his forehead lightly against mine. His hand slid to the back of my neck, holding me in place with gentle yet unyielding strength.

"Ok, let's keep it between us. For now," he murmured, lips brushing against mine in a whisper. "But don't fool yourself. You'll never be just temporary to me."

I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his body and the weight of his gaze wash over me. I didn't regret last night. I didn't regret him.

But now I had to survive this. Navigate it. Control it-or try to.

"And if you break this," I said softly, opening my eyes, meeting his, "I'll... I'll make sure there are consequences."

His laugh was low and throaty. "I doubt you will. Because you're mine, Emily. And now, everyone else can just deal with it."

I pressed my lips together, swallowing the surge of desire and fear. I nodded once.

Fine, I thought. A secret relationship. For now.

But even as I said it, part of me knew the line I thought I was drawing between us didn't exist anymore. Adrian Carter didn't do compromise.

He didn't do letting go.

And I had already surrendered.

Emily

Assured that what happened remains between us, I slid out of the bed carefully, every movement deliberate. My legs felt heavy and my mind buzzed with the combination of adrenaline, exhaustion, and the residual heat from Adrian.

I had to move. Now.

One wrong step, one accidental glance at a mirror, and my composure would shatter entirely.

I got dressed as quickly as I could. Suddenly conscious of myself as Adrian's eyes followed my every moment.

His eyes remained on me as I crept toward the door, letting it click softly behind me as I left the room. I didn't glance back. I didn't want to. I only wanted a neutral space-somewhere I could gather myself without fear of him or of being seen.

I walked as fast as I could down the long corridor, my eyes scanning for any movement.

All the rooms had the same doors, no wonder I went into the wrong room.

I tried to remember which room the the maid had taken my luggage to.

I couldn't

I could only guess.

The only main room on this floor other than Adrian's was Nathan's.

Others were guest rooms

Trying my luck, I open the first guest room beside Nathan's slightly, peeking inside.

It was empty.

I sighed in relief and slipped into the room, closing the door behind me.

At a corner of the room was my luggage.

Perfect, I'm in the right room.

It made sense though, placing my luggage in the room beside my fiancé's.

I looked around the room.

A modest bed, neutral walls, a single window letting in soft morning light.

Nice for a guest room.

The bathroom was small but functional. I turned on the shower and let the warm water hit my skin, letting the liquid run over me as though it could wash away my mistakes.

Then I noticed the marks.

I froze, gripping the edge of the tub. The evidence was everywhere: the faint, angry blush on my neck, the lingering traces on my shoulders, and the subtle hints along my chest.

How am I going to hide these?

I closed my eyes. I could think of scarves, high collars, turtlenecks-but this was summer, and the house was hot with sunlight pouring in. I could feel my pulse spike with panic.

I scrubbed at the marks under the hot water, but I knew it was pointless. They were still there, and worse, they were visible. The thought of the marks being seen, made my stomach knot.

I finished the shower quickly, letting the towel wrap around me tightly, pressing it to my body as though that could erase my worry.

The first thing I did after drying off was press the call button on the nightstand. My voice, when I asked for help, had to sound casual, distant-innocent.

"I'm feeling a bit chilly," I told the maid when she answered.

"Could you bring me some clothes? Something long-sleeved... and perhaps a scarf or something to cover my neck?"

"Of course, Miss Emily. I'll bring them immediately."

I waited, pretending to read a book that wasn't open, my mind racing. I didn't want Adrian-or anyone else-to see me like this, vulnerable, exposed.

Moments later, a soft knock echoed at the door. I peeked out just enough to see the maid place a folded set of clothes on the floor. My hands itched to snatch them immediately, but I stayed still until she left.

Once the door clicked shut, I moved fast, grabbing the clothes and scanning for the scarf-or high-necked blouse-that could hide the marks on my skin. I clutched it to my chest and let out a quiet, relieved sigh.

Safe. For now.

I dressed quickly, slipping into the long sleeves, letting the soft fabric shield my neck, chest, and shoulders. I checked myself in the mirror and tried not to panic at the subtle shadows of the hickeys. They were faint, but they were there.

I need to figure out a plan.

I made sure the room looked a little disorganized, as if I had just woken up normally. I wanted no trace, no evidence that Adrian and I had crossed lines last night-lines that, for some reason, had felt dangerously right.

The bell rang a short while later, and a second maid knocked politely.

"Miss Emily, breakfast is ready downstairs," she said, her voice neutral. "The family would like you to join them."

I nodded, keeping my composure. "Thank you. I'll be down shortly."

She left, and I closed my eyes, letting myself sink into the bed for a moment. My pulse was still racing, and the events of last night felt surreal in the bright morning light.

As I made my way downstairs, each step felt heavier than the last. Every corner, every doorway seemed alive with possibility. What if someone noticed my neck? What if Nathan-God forbid-looked too closely?

I tried to calm myself with shallow breaths, keeping my hands lightly crossed over my chest. The scarf was a good cover. Long sleeves hid my shoulders. No one could see the evidence, but the knowledge of it pressed on me like a weight.

The mansion was already buzzing quietly with the start of the day. Breakfast was laid out in the dining room-a long table with perfectly arranged silverware, steaming plates of eggs, pastries, fresh fruit. The Carters moved gracefully, their ease making me feel like a clumsy outsider.

Nathan was already seated, looking annoyingly composed. I wanted to tell him nothing, to hide everything, but part of me couldn't stop the occasional flicker of guilt-or thrill-at last night.

I slid into my chair, keeping my scarf tight, my posture deliberate. Adrian was nowhere to be seen yet, and a tiny part of me was grateful. I needed a few moments to be fully present without his gaze pressing into me, even from across the room.

Breakfast passed in a flurry of polite conversation. The Carters were warm but distant, like people who treated interactions as carefully choreographed dances. I kept my eyes mostly on my plate, speaking only when addressed.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a subtle shift in the room. Adrian had arrived, moving slowly, purposefully, like he owned every step he took. He didn't speak, didn't smile. He simply looked at me.

The look made my stomach tighten, and I had to remind myself to breathe. I had survived the morning so far. I could survive this, too.

He didn't say a word, and I didn't. But that silent exchange carried everything between us-the night, the claim, the threat, the understanding.

I sipped my coffee, keeping my scarf tight and my hands folded neatly on my lap. Everything will be fine if I stay careful.

And yet, every time his dark eyes found mine, I felt the pull. The same pull from last night. The same pull that reminded me how easily I could lose control.

For now, I thought, gripping the fabric around my neck. Everything is still a secret.​

Emily

Adrian sat the head of the table, dressed in a tailored suit that somehow made him look even more dangerous than usual. The kind of man who could command a room before saying a single word.

His eyes bore into mine as he took his seat and I stiffened instinctively, clutching the fabric of my blouse, and tried to remind myself: Focus. Be normal. Act like nothing happened.

Nathan's father cleared his throat, studying Adrian with an amused expression. "Breakfast with us, Adrian? Well, I suppose the sun does rise in the east after all," he joked lightly, the corners of his mouth twitching.

I forced a polite smile. Adrian, of course, didn't flinch. He simply leaned back slightly in his chair, one hand resting on the polished wood, the other clasped loosely in front of him. His dark eyes landed on me for a brief second, making the air between us suddenly heavier.

I had to look away. Fast.

"Time's on my side today," he said casually, voice calm but deliberate. His gaze lingered long enough to make me swallow hard and avert my eyes completely to my plate.

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, and I tried not to tremble, tried not to think about last night. Every instinct in me screamed to run, to hide. Instead, I forced my posture straight, my expression composed, my movements careful.

Nathan's mother, on the other hand, had the uncanny ability to notice everything. "And how was your night, Emily?" she asked sweetly, though there was a faint teasing in her tone.

I tensed immediately, aware of Adrian's subtle smirk as he shifted slightly in his seat. God, I thought. Does he always have to make me feel exposed?

"It... was fine," I replied carefully, keeping my voice steady, giving no hint of the storm beneath my calm exterior.

Her gaze softened, an amused glint in her eyes, but she wasn't done. She reached into a small velvet pouch and drew out a delicate jade bracelet, holding it out to me.

"It's customary," she said gently. "A gift from the family."

I froze. My hand hovered over the bracelet, but I couldn't take it. The guilt of last night weighed heavily, coiling in my stomach like a living thing. My fingers trembled, and I shook my head faintly.

"I... I can't," I said quietly.

Her brow furrowed, but her voice remained calm. "Emily, it's just a token. Please."

I shook my head again, refusing. The weight of Adrian's presence was a magnet; I felt his eyes on me, watching, judging, waiting. I couldn't let myself be manipulated-or worse, made to feel complicit.

Nathan's mother tried again, gently sliding the bracelet toward my wrists. "Don't be stubborn, dear. You'll wear it for a reason soon."

I hesitated. My throat felt tight.

Then Adrian spoke, the sound of his voice silenced the room. "She shouldn't be forced. There's no rush. It's not too late to give her this after the wedding."

My chest heaved with a quiet sigh of relief. The tension that had been wrapping itself around my nerves began to ease, just slightly. Nathan's mother looked like she wanted to protest, but finally, she nodded, conceding with a faint smile.

I exhaled, letting the tension in my shoulders go, thankful for Adrian's intervention. I know it wasn't out of good will, but I was thankful nonetheless.

Adrian remained at the head of the table for a few more moments, calm, composed, eyes occasionally flicking to me, ensuring I understood the unspoken message: You are mine. And I decide when you are ready.

Finally, he stood, the sound of his movements drawing every eye to him. He adjusted his suit with a precision that reminded me, again, just how effortlessly commanding he was. Every motion was deliberate, purposeful, like the room itself bent to his presence.

"I have to leave for work," he said simply, his voice low but carrying that weight that made it impossible to ignore. He didn't look at me any longer than necessary, but I felt the tension linger in the air even after he excused himself.

Breakfast continued, but Adrian's absence left an odd void. The energy of the room shifted-slightly lighter, yet still charged, like a storm that had passed but left static in the air.

Nathan's mother, never one to let silence go unfilled, leaned forward with a gentle smile. "Emily, once you've finished breakfast, I'd love for you to come down to the garden with me. The morning light is perfect, and it's a good chance to relax before the day begins."

I nodded politely, careful not to reveal how much my pulse still raced. The scarf around my neck and the long sleeves of my blouse kept the marks from last night hidden, but I couldn't shake the lingering awareness of him-his presence, his gaze, the faint smirk that still haunted the corners of my mind.

Nathan's father chuckled softly, reaching for his coffee. "A good idea. The garden could use some company, and the day will only get busier."

I followed Nathan's mother through the polished hallways, my steps light but measured. Each moment away from the table gave me a little more control over myself, a chance to steady my racing heart.

The garden was just as exquisite as I imagined it would be: neatly manicured paths, flowerbeds bursting with blooms, and sunlight streaming over the morning dew. I breathed in the scent of jasmine and rose, letting it calm me slightly.

Nathan's mother gestured toward a shaded bench near a small fountain. "Sit, dear. It's beautiful out here, isn't it?"

I lowered myself onto the bench, keeping my posture straight, hands folded in my lap. I tried to focus on the delicate trickle of water from the fountain, on the warmth of the sun against my skin, and not on the faint, undeniable pull I still felt from Adrian's absence.

"Breakfast was lovely," she said gently, placing a cup of tea in front of me. Her tone was soft, but there was a subtle curiosity in her eyes. "Did you sleep well?"

I tensed, she seemed oddly interested in how I spent my night.

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "Yes, thank you. The house is very... comfortable."

She smiled, seemingly satisfied, and we settled into quiet conversation about lighter topics-the garden, plans for the day, distant family events. But beneath it all, I could feel the remnants of last night pressing at the edges of my mind.

I have to be careful, I reminded myself. Every word, every movement... it matters.

The garden was serene, but I couldn't relax. I sipped my tea, pretending to listen to Nathan's mother while mentally rehearsing ways to maintain control over my emotions, over my body, over what little autonomy I still possessed.

For a moment, I let myself breathe. Let myself pretend that things were normal. The sun was warm. The garden smelled sweet. And for just a heartbeat, I allowed myself to imagine a world where nothing had changed, where Adrian's gaze didn't linger in my mind, where I could just be Emily-polite, composed, and in control.

But even as the thought passed, I knew it was fleeting. Adrian had already claimed a part of me, one I didn't even know I could surrender. And no garden, no polite conversation, no morning sunlight could erase that.

I took another sip of tea, letting the liquid steady me. I would survive this morning. I would navigate this family. I would play my part. But deep down, I knew... everything had changed, and there was no going back.