The last time I looked at the clock it was nearing three in the morning. When I woke, groggy, it was after eight. Five full hours of sleep. I looked around the spacious room, and everything rushed back at me. I instantly bolt up into a sitting position. I was no longer in the floor like I had expected when I fell asleep last night. My eyes landed on my left and saw the tangled sheets and my nose instantly smelled his familiar scent. I don't know how to feel knowing he slept next to me all night.

The things he said about my family began swirling in my head, and I clutch my chest as I feel the pain gripping me from the inside. I can't stop the tears I feel welling up in my eyes. My mother. The person I thought was my father...the reason why I was treated like an outcast throughout my entire life. But above it all, I can't help but feel pity about what happened to Kade's family. I knew I shouldn't be blamed for it, but there's that guilt I feel knowing the people whom you shared blood with had cause so much devastation to someone's life.

"Oh, you're awake."

My body instantly jumps at the sudden realization I am not alone. A girl, probably mid-twenties, with chestnut hair plaited in a tidy knot, smiled. She was coming out of the walk in closet, her arms holding clothes and a pair of sandals.

"I didn't mean to startle you." Her accent was soft and feminine; hazel eyes warm and unguarded.

I wipe the tears from my face and look at her curiously. "Who are you?"

"I'm Gemma. Please change into this." She motioned at the clothes in her hands and into the bathroom behind her. "I already prepared your breakfast. You must be starving."

My stomach growled, taking control out of my hands.

The girl giggled. "Guess that answers the question. Come, Mr. Sinclair is waiting for you."

Of course. He summons. I go. The realization that I was completely trapped, like a caged bird with clipped wings are finally sinking in. Fucking bastard.

My lips curled, thinking how quickly I'd gone from a girl who never cursed, to a gutter mouth. In a way, it gave me strength, being crude and crass. I took the clothes from her and walk toward the bathroom and pause at the door, turning back to her. She smiles when she meets my eyes.

"Where is this place?"

I saw her hesitation but she reply after a moment. "New York. We're in one of Sinclair's estate." She looks at her watch. "We'd better hurry."

He brought me to New York? My mind is reeling as I padded towards the bathroom to change. After a few minutes I stepped out wearing a light blue cami dress and a pair of wedges. In silence, we stepped out of the room and walked down the longest corridor I'd seen in my life and descended another twirling staircase and my eyes took in the surroundings. The halls are lit with warm crystal chandeliers and the air smells like fresh pine. I don't know where to look first. Everywhere I gaze I see a statue or a painting I'd like to peruse closely.

I followed a long, Persian carpeted room with glass windows that gives me a glimpse of the greenfield. I couldn't help but stare at massive canvases of painting spread across the walls and how expensive it looks. Everything about the house spoke old money and charm. Scents of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and my mouth watered for caffeine. Rounding the corner, I halted as the massive dining room came into view.

Kade sat at the head of dining table and any warmth I feel earlier vanishes the instant his eyes fall on me. My devil looks at me, eyes unreadable, mouth unsmiling and seeing him sent barbwire tangling around my stomach. "Sit."

I stiffen at the sound of his voice. Taking a deep breath, I straighten my back and kept my chin high, refusing to cower under his gaze. I'd purposely took the chair two seats away from him and the rebellion at such a simple thing kept my fire smouldering deep inside. I can feel the weight of his glare beside my face but I didn't pay him attention as Gemma stepped in to pour me a coffee.

"Thank you." I said and my eyes devour the variety of food spread in front of me. Taking a piece of french toast to my plate, I eat quietly, ignoring the deafening silence that descended. If I wanted to escape, I had to bide my time and that includes keeping my strength until the opportunity arrives.

"You've met Gemma. She'll accompany you for the meantime." He finally spoke and from the corner of my eye, I saw him cut a delicate mouthful, chewing carefully. I couldn't help myself. "You're leaving?"

Kade put his knife and fork down, placing hands in his lap. I made the mistake of looking at him, and we engaged in staring competition. I hope I don't look as nervous as I feel inside. I yelled and screamed silently while his mouth settles into a hard line and his eyes narrow, their laser-like glare on me.

But I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit unnerved by the intensity of his stormy eyes. He has the look of a predator. A wolf.

"Ayla," he warned. "Don't get any ideas into that pretty head of yours. I told you how things will play out." I feel my eyes fill up as my hope of running dwindled and I hate myself a little for my weakness.

"Failure is inevitable," he continued in a flat tone that didn't hold much emotion or hope.

"I want my phone and my own room." I tell him, furiously angry that he can dismiss me so easily. But he gives me an imperious look, like my comment is meaningless. His icy glare peeled my walls of defense, exposing me for what I really was—a sweltering ball of nerves.

"You seem comfortable in my bed last night." he says and I blink away, embarrassed. But it's what he wants. My shame. More ways to humiliate me.

"You're allow to contact your friend. But you will be in my bed every night."

My head snap to him, and I can feel the anger rushing through my veins. "I hate you."

He shrugs a shoulder. "I can't wait to prove just how much you don't, Butterfly. I bet my mark is still on your skin."

Deliberately, he ran a finger along his

bottom lip, glaring coldly. His face shadowed with authority, and to my utter shame, my nipples hardened. My body recalled the way he touched me—responding to every part I dare not acknowledge, parts I now wished didn't exist. It made me feel as if

I led him on—invited all of this to happen with my twisted desires.

"Are you imagining it?" he taunts.

"Stop it." I fumble with my hands as my skin heated. I'm angry that I am so turned on by him even after everything.

"Let me remind you then. Come here." At his command, my body reacted. Starved of something it needed for so long, coupled with the act of control, despite my terror and repulsion. What the hell is wrong with me?

Kade interrupted my confusion and hatred. "I'm waiting, Ayla."

I met his eyes and saw how his pupil dilated as he pinned me with his gaze. I swallowed hard. "You said I have one week."

He raise an eyebrow. "And I plan to keep that." He pushed his chair back, and gestures at his lap and I feel a shiver run down my spine. "But if you don't move your ass, I will—"

I stood. Feeling my legs shaking. I thought fast, thankful when the threads of lust blazed to hate. Yes, hate. That emotion would be my salvation whenever Kade managed to turn my body against me. But it was fast disappearing as soon as I stood at his side, the combination of his heat and delicious scent envelopes me once again.

"Sit." he says with all the authority in the world, without any doubt that I'll do what I am supposed to do.

With my heart in my throat, I slowly sank down on his lap and I let out a yelp when his arms immediately locked around me. He pressed me against him, my chest was crushed against his and my lips fell open. The throbbing was so insistent now. Desperate... wanting...falling in lust with this twisted man.

It's insane how he still towers over me for a few inches even though I'm sitting and I have to crane my neck to look up at him. He takes hold of my hands, shifts them in front of me and holds both in one of his. His grip isn't tight, but I know it can be. His gaze moves over my face, hovering at my lips, then lower to the exposed skin of my chest before returning to my eyes.

"Do I really scare you so badly?" he whispers with a smile on his lips.

"You could kill me whenever you want. It's hard to forget that fact."

He chuckle. "That's true, in fact," He reached up and run his index finger down my neck, caressing it. "I thought I could snap your neck like a twig."

A chill gripped my body, legs clenched together in fear. He was corrupted. A monster.

He grasp my chin and tip it towards him. I force myself to look at him. To glare.

"But you already know I want you. I need you, Ayla, my beautiful Butterfly."

There goes my heart again. Why does he have to say something so damn perfect? I look away from him, knowing my eyes are about to well up with tears from the emotion I feel from his words. From the absurd feeling of happiness they give me. His hand brushed more of my hair away and skimmed down my back. He cupped the side of my thigh and pulled me closer to him. I couldn't get any closer. I was plastered to him. And yes, yes, that's definitely his very hard, very large cock pressing against my side.

He leaned down and his lips fluttered between my shoulder blades, and he planted a kiss between my neck and shoulder, his tongue darting out briefly to remind me of what was to come.

"Oh how I love to spread you over this table and eat you."

I try to keep my breathing steady but I'm already buzzing with wild and reckless lust. Without warning, his mouth claimed mine in a bruising kiss filled with dark promise. I don't kiss back. But the tips of his fingers dug into my jaw till my mouth opened for his assault. When his tongue swept in, I nearly moan. I definitely whimper. It's not my finest moment and I am absolutely, insanely mortified about that crazy noise I just made. A warm, dizzying sensation crept over me to settle between my legs as a soft mew escaped my lips.

All too soon, he stopped. My breathing came in ragged bursts as I unsuccessfully tried to calm my racing heart. His smile was confident as he stare at me, as if he'd expected my reaction. I look down at my lap. I can't meet his gaze. It's too intense and my shame burns so bright and hot in my cheeks.

"The sooner you accept your fate, the better." he whispered before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.