"Elena, get your ass home right now," my mom's voice shrieked through the speaker. "Today is Taylor's wedding. She needs her sister."

I wanted to hang up. After that night, I hadn't answered a single call from my family. I'd moved in with my friend Maribel instead.

A week had passed. But they hadn't forgotten me. In their eyes, my teenage drama wasn't worth more than the family's reputation. They didn't want to explain my absence in front of heavyweight guests.

But Maribel snatched the phone from my trembling hand, pressed the button, and held it up like she was brandishing a weapon.

She stood in the middle of the bedroom, cheeks flushed, her messy hair framing her face. "Hi, Mrs. Hale, this is Maribel. Elena won't be coming home tonight."

Silence on the other end. Then my father's heavy, unyielding voice cut through: "She must. She's a bridesmaid."

Maribel's brown eyes sparkled. "But sir, my parents just flew back from Switzerland today. They want me and Lina to help them prepare for tomorrow's charity gala. You know what charity galas mean, right? That's right-plenty of rich people."

The line went dead quiet.

Too quiet.

I slowly lifted my gaze to Maribel's face. She didn't even blink.

When Mom finally spoke again, her tone was buttery soft, like toast slathered in butter. "Oh. Well. You've got a point. We can't let Elena miss out on meeting rich men. She's useless-she needs to snag one to secure her future."

Dad cleared his throat and agreed, "If she's helping the Mayfields, that's fine. But she'll still come to the reception, right?"

"She'll try," Maribel said sweetly. Her thumb hovered over the end-call button. "Unless, of course, a billionaire proposes to Elena on the spot and whisks her away on a surprise honeymoon."

"Absolutely not," Mom snapped. "So, we'll see her at the chapel."

Click.

Maribel tossed my phone onto the bed. I lunged at her instantly. "Maribel, you're fucking insane! If my parents find out you lied, they'll kill me."

"Relax." She flashed a sly smile. "As long as you don't show up to that bitch's wedding, we win."

A shaky laugh slipped out of me. "You're scary sometimes."

She plopped down cross-legged beside me, her perfume warm and sweet in the air. "Scary but effective. Now quit looking like somebody ran over your cat. You're staying here. We're salvaging the last scraps of your dignity."

"I can't-" I started to protest automatically. I didn't believe there was anything we could do.

"You can. You will. I know just the place." She grinned, finalizing the matter.

The club pulsed with heavy bass. Red and gold lights strobed over the crowd as it swayed like liquid.

I sat at a corner table, stirring the untouched drink in front of me, misery written all over me, while Maribel swayed to the music.

"Come on, Elena! Loosen up!" she shouted over the beat. "You need this."

But my body felt heavy. Something was off. I turned, eyes scanning-until I saw him.

God. I had never seen a man so devastatingly handsome. His features were sharp and perfect, like a marble statue carved by some divine hand. He leaned against the bar, tall and broad-shouldered, his chest straining against a fitted black T-shirt. When he lifted his drink, the muscles in his arms flexed, and I imagined those big hands on my skin, sending shivers through me.

He noticed me. And when his eyes locked with mine, I felt like my soul had been seized in his grasp.

The music vanished. The air disappeared from my lungs. A prickle ran up my neck, static sparking down my spine-like I belonged to him.

It was insane. Why would I even think that? Ash, my boyfriend, had never once made me feel like I was his.

I couldn't look away. Worse, I couldn't breathe.

"Elena!"

Maribel's voice pierced the haze. She grabbed my arm, shaking me. "Hello? Earth to Elena. What the hell was that?"

I tore my gaze away, but I still felt his stare burning against my skin.

"Who is that?" Maribel whispered, following my eyes. Then her lips curled into a wicked grin. "Oh my God. He's hot. And the way you two just eye-fucked? I'm shocked this place isn't already on fire."

"I-I wasn't-"

"You were. I know that look. You need to go talk to him." She smirked, winking.

"No way," I said with a nervous laugh. "Absolutely not."

"Absolutely yes." Before I could stop her, she shoved me forward.

I stumbled right into a wall of muscle.

Strong, warm hands steadied me at the waist. I looked up-and froze, my lips just inches from his. His head dipped, eyes dark and burning.

"Mine," he murmured, voice low and rough.

My breath hitched, heat flooding my cheeks. "Yours?"

"That's right." His thumb brushed over my lips, slow and deliberate. "You belong to me."

My heart pounded. My voice shook. "We just met. Why would you say that? I don't even know your name."

"Dax," he said, his gaze softening for only a second. "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me." I snapped, kicking back against his arrogance. I was done with cocky men.

"It's. complicated."

"Make it simple!" I demanded, fists clenched at my sides.

He exhaled hard, leaning back with a growl. "You're human."

Was he some kind of sexy lunatic? That face could claim to be a clown, and women would still drop their panties.

"Oh my God, genius. You figured out I'm human," I laughed. "So what now-you gonna bite me like some wild beast?"

His irises flared red. He leaned in, teeth grazing my neck. "Do you want me to bite you, baby?" he rasped.

Heat from his lips seared my skin. A soft moan escaped me, pain forgotten-my parents, Ash, all of it vanished. Was I really about to have a one-night stand? My parents would lose their minds. They'd always wanted me to trade my virginity for a better future.

I gripped his thick arm tightly. "Why not?" I moaned.

His eyes blazed crimson. I could feel them stripping me bare. I swallowed hard. His big hands seized my arms, scooping me up effortlessly.

"My suite," he growled, as the crowd parted like the Red Sea.

He ran faster than any athlete I'd ever seen, but all I could think about was the way his hands would mark me.

The second we reached his luxury suite, he slammed me onto the bed without hesitation. His mouth crashed against mine with feral hunger, his scorching tongue dominating mine, devouring every inch of me. Still unsatisfied, he shredded my clothes with his teeth until I was completely bare-

His red eyes roamed over me: lips, throat, breasts-down to my core.

"Sunshine, you're beautiful. I bet you're soaking wet already," he rasped.

My eyes widened, heart racing. "Want a taste?" I teased.

"Spread your legs," he commanded.

I sucked in a shaky breath, then opened myself to him. His growl rumbled deep-

"Good girl." A dangerous smile flickered before he dove between my thighs, tongue hot and greedy as he licked and swallowed every drop.

"Oh God!" My head fell back, body arching closer to him, unable to stop.

That night, he was inhumanly strong. Again and again, we drowned in endless passion and need. When I was nearly delirious, his sharp teeth sank into my neck once more as he growled, raw and possessive: "Mine."

And in that moment, I felt something I'd never known before-satisfaction, wholeness, like he truly had claimed my soul.

Elena's POV

"What's that on your neck?" Taylor's sharp voice froze me mid-motion. I had been in the kitchen pouring coffee, trying to shake off the lingering haze of last night's hangover, but her words cut through the morning quiet like a blade.

I thought with Taylor married, I'd finally have peace in this house. Besides, I couldn't keep living at Belle's place forever-I hadn't officially graduated yet, and I still needed Dad's financial support to finish school.

I glanced at her, my fingers brushing instinctively over the mark on my neck. "It's nothing," I said dismissively.

Taylor stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Don't lie. I saw something. Is that. an initial?"

I turned back to the coffeemaker, forcing my voice steady. "It's none of your business."

"Oh, yeah?" Taylor shot back, hands on her hips. "You'd rather screw around with men than show up at my wedding? That's how you treat family?"

My eyes narrowed. How could she be so cruel? When my boyfriend's dick had been inside her, she still had the gall to blame me for skipping her wedding?

"What do you want, Taylor?" I said coldly. I knew she wouldn't walk away.

"I already know the answer." She shrugged.

"A hickey," I shot back. They always mocked me, always said no one wanted me. But just picturing her face when she realized the man I'd slept with was drop-dead gorgeous-I wasn't going to hide it. I'd prove them wrong. Except, God, all I knew was his name. Dax.

Taylor suddenly burst out laughing, like I was some pathetic joke. I couldn't stand being alone with her for more than five minutes, or I'd lose control and throw my latte in her perfect face.

Then she grabbed my collar. With a ripping sound, my shirt tore open.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?" I shouted.

Taylor held onto my collar, her eyes glued to the mark on my neck.

"Oh my God," she whispered, voice dripping with mockery. "Did some beast bite you, and now you're pretending you actually got laid? What is this, Vampire Diaries?"

I shoved her back, but she sneered and leaned in again.

"Let me get a closer look. Did you give yourself that mark with a straw? Jesus, Elena, are you faking it all? Still a virgin, but bragging about hooking up with men? You're pathetic."

"I don't owe you an explanation." I rolled my eyes. She always had to be dramatic.

She folded her arms and blocked my way. "Then tell me his name. Who is he? What does he do?"

"I." I faltered. I only knew his name. "Dax. His name's Dax. Can I go now?" I glared at her.

"So you really spread your legs like a slut." Taylor's grin was vicious. I knew that look-she was about to use this to humiliate me.

Blood pounded hot and dangerous in the side of my head.

"This is hilarious," I scoffed. "Did you forget where I found you? Acting like a whore with my boyfriend?"

Taylor's face flushed scarlet. Her fists clenched at her sides, knuckles taut with veins.

"And you think you can lecture me? Please. Take a good look in the mirror before you try, sweetheart."

Her mouth twitched, but I didn't stop. My tone sharpened, dripping with acid as I lifted my hand and pretended to inspect my nails.

"Why are you even here, Taylor? The night after your wedding, hanging around Dad and Mom's living room? Shouldn't you be busy playing perfect wife? Or has the marriage already started to crack?"

Taylor snorted, arms folded. "Whatever. I'm telling Dad."

My gaze darkened. I lowered my voice, every word laced with threat. "If you dare, I'll tell them about the gardener. You know, the one who mysteriously shows up in your room after work."

Her smug smile vanished. Panic flickered across her eyes, then sharpened into a deadly glare.

"You wouldn't."

"Try me," I said, stepping closer, voice low and dangerous.

The slap came out of nowhere.

My head whipped to the side, a sting flaring across my cheek. Blood pooled in my mouth where my teeth had cut my lip. For a moment, all I could hear was the thunder of my own heartbeat.

"You ungrateful little brat!" Taylor's voice cracked-not with rage, but with fake sobs. She staggered back, clutching her face as if I had hit her.

"Dad!" she screamed louder. "Mom! She-she attacked me! She's out of control!"

Her shrieks echoed through the house. Heavy footsteps thundered down the stairs.

"Elena!" My father's voice boomed like thunder. Moments later, he stood in the doorway, face red, eyes wild. Mom followed in her robe, lips pressed into a thin line.

Taylor dove into Dad's arms, trembling like a wounded bird.

"She hit me, Daddy. Just because I told her I was going to tell you. she." Her voice broke, then she burst into tears. "She lied to you. She didn't go to a charity gala-she's been sleeping with vagrants on the street."

Mom's gaze fixed on me, unreadable. Dad's face twisted in fury, ready to explode.

"Is that true?" he barked, jabbing a finger at me.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. My throat felt shredded, like glass lodged inside.

Taylor lifted her head, lips trembling. "I didn't want to say anything. but I saw the bruises on her neck. She's letting some man use her like an animal."

"Dad, that's not true." My voice shook. My hands trembled harder, so I pressed them flat against my thighs.

"Isn't it?" she asked softly, with fake pity. "You admitted it yourself-his name's Dax. Do you know any rich man named that, Daddy?"

"You venomous snake!" I spat. "And you dare talk about morals? How long did you screw around with Ash before you married him?"

The words slipped out before I could stop them. The room went deathly silent.

Taylor's fake tears dried instantly. Her face hardened, then she buried herself back in Dad's chest.

Mom gasped. "See? I told you this would happen. She's shameless. No self-respect. I warned you."

"Enough!" Dad roared. His glare seared into me. "You think after what you've done, you still have the right to talk back?"

"What did I do?" My voice cracked, hoarse and raw. "You don't even know the truth! You only ever believe her-because she's your perfect little daughter, isn't she?"

Dad's face darkened. "Shut your filthy mouth!"

"I won't!" I screamed. "You want to call me a whore? Fine. But at least I didn't ruin my own sister's life for fun."

Silence fell over the kitchen, broken only by the ticking clock on the wall.

Then Dad stepped forward, eyes blazing. "If you're going to sell yourself, at least do it for money. Find a rich man. Not some homeless bastard off the street."

My heart plummeted.

"We're done," he said coldly. "You're no daughter of mine. Get out of my house."

My breath caught, chest caving under the weight. "Dad."

"Get out!"

[Five years later]

Elena's P.O.V

"This can't go on."

I sat up in Maribelle's guest bed, running a hand through my tangled hair. Beside me, a small boy curled under the blankets, his lashes feather-light against his cheeks. My chest tightened. My baby.

Maribelle's voice floated from the kitchen. "You know you two can stay here forever, right?"

"I can't mooch off you forever, Belle," I said, padding across the icy tiles. She stood at the stove, stirring something, her hair piled into a messy bun.

"You've already done too much. Watching Jack, helping me finish school. You've carried me long enough." I slumped into a chair.

She waved a wooden spoon dismissively. "Please. You say that like I'm some saint. We're friends-this is what friends do."

I forced a smile, but the weight of the past five years pressed down. Kicked out by my parents. Homeless with a newborn. Maribelle had been my lifeline. But now? Now I needed to stand on my own.

"They rejected you again?"

"Yeah. No reason, like always." I rubbed my temples. "Six months of this, Belle. I apply, they love me, then-poof!-suddenly the position 'isn't a fit.' It's fucking suspicious."

"Breathe, darling. It'll work out."

"I applied somewhere new last night," I admitted. "Valiente Industries."

Her eyebrows shot up. "The Valiente? The 'mystery billionaire' company?"

"The one and only. I know it's a long shot, but the salary could change everything."

Maribelle snorted. "Mom says no one's ever seen the owner's face. He's like a ghost-or a cat-hoarding recluse with a face like a deflated soufflé."

A laugh escaped me. "Don't care if he's got three heads. If he signs my paycheck, I'm sold."

Silence settled, broken only by Jack's sleepy murmurs from the bedroom. My heart ached. This tiny, borrowed life-was it all we'd ever have?

"Have they. reached out?" Maribelle asked softly.

I shook my head. "Not once. Five years, Belle. They never even looked back."

Sometimes it still didn't feel real. The memory haunted me: standing on their porch in the pouring rain, clutching a newborn, wondering how the hell I'd survive.

Jack barreled into the kitchen, his little feet slapping the tiles. "Mama!"

I scooped him up, burying my nose in his hair. He smelled of sleep and syrup. When he pulled back, his eyes-sharp, honey-brown-pierced me.

Just like his father's.

Dax.

I hadn't seen him since that night. No matter how many hours I spent scouring the internet, he'd vanished like smoke.

Maribelle slid a plate of eggs and toast toward me. "So. Have you heard the gist about Asher?"

I blinked. "What about him?"

"Cheated on Taylor. Got some girl pregnant."

My fork froze halfway to my mouth. "What?"

She smirked, stirring her coffee. "Karma's a bitch."

I set the fork down, unsure how to feel. Tyler had stolen what she thought was a prize-only for Ash to prove, yet again, that he was trash. I should've been glad I dodged that bullet. Glad my sister got what she deserved.

But I felt. nothing.

Five years changed everything. The girl who'd once thought heartbreak was the end of the world was gone. In her place? A single mom who knew love was a luxury, and survival was the only game that mattered.

My phone buzzed on the table. Unknown Caller.

"Hello?" I answered cautiously.

"Miss Elena Rivers?" A crisp, professional voice.

"Yes?"

"This is Valiente Industries. Can you come in for an interview?"

I straightened in the chair. "Sure. When?"

"In thirty minutes. Our CEO requested it personally."

I nearly dropped the phone. "Wait-thirty minutes?"

"Yes, ma'am. We'll see you shortly."

The line went dead.

"Thirty minutes?" Maribelle echoed. "That's insane. And the CEO? Do you know him?"

Of course I didn't. But I didn't have time to debate. Valiente offering me an interview was a miracle-one I couldn't waste.

I shoveled down two bites of eggs, threw on the least wrinkled blazer I owned, and kissed Jack's forehead. "Wish Mama luck, baby!"

He giggled, sticky fingers patting my cheek.

My pulse hammered as I raced out the door.

This might be my last chance. And I'd be damned if I let it slip away.

-----

Thirty-two minutes later, I stood in the glittering atrium of Valiente Industries.

My reflection fractured across a thousand polished surfaces. The air smelled like money and ambition-crisp linen, espresso, the faintest whiff of imported marble.

The receptionist smiled. "Ms. Rivers? Right this way."

She led me down a corridor lined with glass, my heels clicking too loudly against the floor. My palms were slick with sweat.

I stole glances at passing employees-all razor-sharp suits and focused stares. Obviously, this was a company that demanded perfection.

My degree was decent, but was it enough? It had to be. For Jack. For us. I had to seize the chance.

We stopped at an oak door. "He's waiting for you."

He.

For a heartbeat, I didn't understand.

Then I stepped inside.

The office was bathed in muted gold light, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the skyline. The scent-cedar and something darker-hit me like a fist. Familiar.

A man stood by the window, his back to me.

Just a silhouette, but it sent a spark down my spine. Heat flared at the base of my throat. Why did I-

He turned.

The world stopped.

My breath vanished.

"Dax."

He leaned against the desk, hands in his pockets, that same damn smirk tilting his lips.

"Hello, Elena." A pause, deliberate. "Missed me?"