INTRO

"Take off your dress, Meadow."

"Why?"

"Because your ex is watching," he said, leaning back into his seat. "And I want him to see what he lost."

••••

Meadow Russell was supposed to get married to the love of her life in Vegas. Instead, she walked in on her twin sister riding her fiance.

One drink at the bar turned to ten. One drunken mistake turned into reality. And one stranger's offer turned into a contract that she signed with shaking hands and a diamond ring.

Alaric Ashford is the devil in a tailored Tom Ford suit. Billionaire CEO, brutal, possessive. A man born into an empire of blood and steel. He also suffers from a neurological condition—he can't feel. Not objects, not pain, not even human touch.

Until Meadow touches him, and he feels everything. And now he owns her. On paper and in his bed.

She wants him to ruin her. Take what no one else could have. He wants control, obedience… revenge.

But what starts as a transaction slowly turns into something Meadow never saw coming.

Obsession, secrets that were never meant to surface, and a pain from the past that threatens to break everything.

Alaric doesn't share what's his.

Not his company. Not his wife. And definitely not his vengeance.

---

## CHAPTER 0001

*Meadow's POV

"Hi. I have a reservation. Meadow Russell."

The receptionist raised her gaze to look at me, and then she jerked back slightly, eyes raking over me from top to bottom. Her deep red-colored lips were pulled down in a sneer.

"You're kidding, right?" she scoffed, turning to the lady beside her who had a similar expression on her face.

I blinked, frowning. "Excuse me?"

The receptionists exchanged another look that made my skin crawl. What the hell was wrong with them? All I wanted to do was get the keys to my room and wait for my fiance, Tyler.

We were getting married in a few hours. It was going to be a private ceremony, just me and him. And I wasn't going to let anyone shit on my plans—much less a couple of rude receptionists.

The red-lipped receptionist tilted her head at me. "You already checked in two hours ago. If this is some kind of prank, I'd suggest you quit it now before I call security."

My brows furrowed. "What? I haven't checked in." A nervous laugh escaped my mouth.

The second receptionist glanced at me as if she was considering something, and then she turned to red lip. "Show her."

Red lip scowled at me, but she did as she was told. She turned her laptop to face me, clicking on a button. And then she pointed at something.

The check-in list.

And sure enough, my name was there. Meadow Russell.

"Oh," I let out a laugh. "It's probably my fiance. He must have checked in with my name. I was supposed to get here before him though, that's why I'm so surprised."

The receptionists exchanged another look. They seemed confused.

"That's not a funny joke, miss," the second receptionist said. "You checked in with a man two hours ago. I know that because I complimented that cute top you're wearing."

I glanced down at the white crop top with the word, "BRIDE" written across it.

Tyler had gotten me this top a few days ago. He said he saw it and thought it would look really good for the wedding.

"And then you said you're getting married real soon," red lip finished for her.

Something heavy—along with my heart—dropped into my stomach. Something was wrong.

"This has to be a misunderstanding…" I trailed off.

Because there was no way… No fucking way.

"That wasn't me," I said firmly this time.

They exchanged another glance, and when they both looked at me, I could see something resembling pity in their expression.

I didn't like that look. At all.

Finally, Red lip sighed. "I don't know why, but I believe you. Then she leaned backward to search for something.

She emerged with a key card. "I hope you get things sorted out," she muttered, forcing a smile on her face.

I couldn't breathe the entire way up the elevator.

This wasn't possible. She wouldn't…

No. Not after everything.

But even as I swiped the key card to unlock the door to our room, my heart raced, and bile rose up my throat.

Opening the door only confirmed my fears.

My twin sister, Juniper, was straddling my fiance, moaning out loud as he rammed into her from under.

For a full minute, all I could do was stare. I stood there, my bag dropping onto the floor with a soft thud. The insides of my cheek hurt because of how hard I was biting them. Tears had long blurred my vision.

And they hadn't even noticed me.

'Maybe he didn't know,' I said to myself. 'Maybe he thought Juni was me.'

But even without saying those words out loud, I realized how awfully stupid they sounded.

Tyler and I had never had sex.

"Mmhm, yes. That's it, baby," Juniper moaned. "You fuck me so good, babe."

Something inside of me broke, screaming at me to turn around, leave quietly and never show my face again.

But something stronger dared me to stay.

So that's what I did.

"Juniper…?" My voice cracked. "Tyler?"

They both turned to look at me at the same time.

Surprise and something else flared in Tyler's expression, but it was gone before I could blink.

He pushed her off him, and Juniper had the nerve to moan. "Seriously, Ty? I was close."

Ty?

"Meadow," Tyler heaved as he jumped out of the bed, not even bothering to cover his junk. "I swear, I thought she was you. I didn't—"

He started to reach for my arm but I jerked back, my eyes focused on one person and one person alone.

Juniper.

She had a smug grin on her face as she arranged her disheveled hair. "Oh, please, baby," she said airily. "It's time we cut the act, don't you think? It's getting too pathetic."

Tyler turned to face her. "Come on. It's fun."

"What is… what are you…?" I was speechless. Stunned.

It didn't look like this was some kind of first time mistake. It looked like they knew each other really well.

And there's no way that was even possible. Because I'd never introduced Juniper to Tyler.

I hadn't even seen Juniper in two years.

"How—"

Juniper let out a sharp laugh as she stood up. She also didn't bother to cover up, so both of them were stark naked in front of me.

"She's going into shock, baby. We should put her out of her misery right away, shouldn't we?" She mused, walking over to where Tyler stood.

And then she pulled him toward her and kissed him right in front of me, letting out a soft moan and a giggle.

I wanted to leave so badly, but my feet wouldn't move.

For some reason, they were glued to the floor.

And for an even more fucked reason, I couldn't look away. I watched Juniper grab Tyler's still-hard dick in her hand and jerk it back and forth while her eyes remained on mine.

"Y–you said…" I struggled to form words. I couldn't even recognize my own voice. "You said you weren't ready to have sex yet, Tyler," I said shakily. "You said you'd wait till we were married."

Tyler threw his head back and laughed, biting his lip and groaning slightly due to the pleasure he was receiving. My knees buckled from under me and I had to hold on to the wall to steady myself. "I thought you loved me!" I said louder now, feeling the tears begin to run down my face.

Juniper let go of Tyler and he took a few steps closer to me.

And when he took a hold of my jaw, I couldn't move.

"You thought I loved you, Meadow? No. Juni's the love of my life."

---

## CHAPTER 0002

*Meadow's POV

'Juni's the love of my life.'

Juni. Is. The. Love. Of. My. Life.

'You thought I loved you?'

I couldn't breathe. My mouth opened but no sound came out. My brain was unable to wrap itself around what I'd just heard.

My chest ached as Tyler forcefully let go of my jaw.

"Why?" My voice was so small, I sounded like a child. "Why would you do this to me?"

Juniper let out a little delighted laugh as she walked toward me, completely naked and unbothered. "Oh, sis, you still don't get it?" She tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with malice. "You were just a piece on the board. Long time no see, by the way."

My nostrils flared. "You were supposed to stay out of my life."

"And I did. For the most part." She clicked her tongue. "But then I realized that you don't deserve to be happy. And that's where my precious boyfriend came into play."

She cupped Tyler's cheek, smirking.

"That's not true!" I gritted out, turning to Tyler, my tone pleading. "Please tell me it's not true, Tyler. Tell me you haven't been playing me." I heaved a breath.

Tyler's jaw was clenched, but then he smirked at me, a dark look in his eyes. "It's true, Meadow. Why do you think I never wanted to fuck you? You don't think it's because you wanted to wait till marriage, do you?"

"You think Tyler just found you?" Juniper asked mockingly. "That he just happened to fall in love with your boring, virgin ass?"

Tyler stood by the bed now, his arms crossed, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Juni told me everything about you even before I ever met you. Your habits, your insecurities, your taste in men. Fucking hell, I got so tired of pretending to be a good guy for you. Made it pretty easy though."

I staggered backward. Everything ached. My head. My chest.

My heart.

"You…planned this? From the beginning?"

Juniper's smile widened. "Of course, I did."

"Why?" I choked out. "Why would you do this to me?"

Her voice turned venomous. "Because watching you break is the only thing that makes me feel whole."

I fell to my knees this time, not holding onto anything as I sobbed uncontrollably. "I loved you… I loved him."

Juniper crouched beside me, brushing my hair back with fake tenderness. It was so heartbreaking that someone who looked exactly like me could do this to me.

But Juniper had only ever been a bitch to me since the day we were born.

"I know," she said softly, leaning close enough for me to smell the mix of sex and sweat on her skin. "That's what makes this so deliciously satisfying."

Then she pulled back and let out another sharp laugh. "Honestly? I'm kinda disappointed he didn't fuck you. It would've been so much more satisfying knowing you gave him everything, and it still wasn't enough."

I stood up, moving towards Tyler. "Tyler? Tyler, please… please tell me that everything we had wasn't fake. Tell Juniper that she doesn't know what she's saying."

But even as I looked at Tyler with tears in my eyes, I knew he was a lost cause.

He cringed, turning to look at Juniper. "This is fucking weird. Having you two here. It's like looking at the same person. Only…" he reached for her. "I'm in love with just one of you."

They kissed again and I started to retreat backward. Juniper turned to face me one last time. "Do you mind? We kinda need to finish what we started. I'm horny as fuck." She tilted her head. "You're welcome to watch, though."

I stood there, watching them kiss, wishing that there was more I could do. That there was some action that I could take against them.

But there was nothing.

The only thing I could do was wipe the angry tears from my eyes even as I felt pathetic. And then, I stormed out of the room.

••••• ••••• •••••

"Again."

The bartender didn't hesitate to pour me another round of shots which I downed immediately, feeling the liquor burn my throat for the umpteenth time and enjoying it.

I wasn't sure how long I'd been here. After I left the hotel—without my belongings, by the way—I'd walked aimlessly along the streets and walked into the first club I found.

I scoffed.

I should've been drinking and dancing with my new husband. Not drinking to forget the sound of my sister moaning his name.

Definitely not drinking to forget the fact that I had been played for a fool. That I had been so stupid and let my feelings for Tyler distract me from who he really was.

I downed another shot, welcoming the burn. Welcoming the loud music blasting into my ears and causing my entire body to shiver.

Wait…

No.

The music wasn't the reason a shiver had racked through me.

I was being watched. I could feel someone's stare burning into me from behind, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand at attention.

I didn't turn.

"Wonder what you did to deserve that," the bartender said absentmindedly as he wiped a glass with a napkin.

"What was that?" I tilted my head, wondering if his words were directed at me.

The bartender smirked at me, his head jerking towards something behind me. "You have the country's most inaccessible, most unapproachable bachelor staring at you right now." His voice was louder now. "I'm just wondering what he sees in you."

Despite the loudness of the music, I could still hear my own heartbeat pounding hard in my ears.

I held my breath, hesitating for a moment.

And then I turned, and I looked up to the direction the bartender had gestured to.

The first thing I noticed was the watch.

I couldn't tell what brand it was from where I sat, but I knew it was made of black diamonds—if the strobe lights reflecting on them were any indication.

The watch was attached to a large hand, and with how sharp my vision was, I could see a tattoo that disappeared under the sleeves of a black suit.

And that was all I could see.

The rest of him was a shadow, leaning against the railing like he ruled the world. And even though I couldn't see his face, I could very well tell that his eyes were on me.

Not in passing.

In curiosity? No—this was more than curiosity.

I felt a magnetic pull to go to him. To confront him and ask him why he was looking at me. But I couldn't move.

My pulse stuttered. I turned to the bartender again. "Who is that?" I breathed, the alcohol already making me feel woozy.

The bartender's smile tightened. "That is Alaric Ashford."

Something tightened at the pit of my stomach.

I knew that name.

The bartender cocked his head. "And it looks like he's found his new target."

---

## CHAPTER 0003

*Meadow's POV

A nervous laugh escaped my throat even as I felt sweat start to break out on my neck. "What do you mean by that?"

I was trying to distract myself from thinking about the name. His name.

Alaric Ashford.

Although I had no idea what he looked like, I'd heard stories about him back in Seattle. Tyler had told me multiple stories about how much of a cold bastard he was, and how every single employee feared him like he could squeeze the last breath out of them.

But… there was no way that this was happening.

No way that I happened to be in the same club as my ex-fiance's boss.

And no fucking way that his gaze was completely focused on me.

I turned to look upstairs again, and he was still there.

Looking at me as if he was a predator.

And I was his prey.

My skin prickled with sweat. I picked up the shot glass and downed its contents, slamming it hard onto the bar as I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.

"Again," I demanded.

But the bartender firmly shook his head. "No can do, pretty girl. I've been warned. I think you've had enough for one night."

My brows furrowed. "What do you mean you've been warned? I didn't warn you."

His smile was tight. "You didn't." He subtly nodded towards the stairs. "He did."

Without turning around, I knew he was referring to Alaric. But he hadn't even come down or spoken to him. "Bullshit," I scoffed.

My voice was slurring now. "I didn't see him talk to you."

"He didn't have to."

"Well, what is he? Your boss?" I scoffed, my head jerking back exaggeratedly because of how drunk I was. "And who the hell do you two think you are to tell me that I've consumed enough alcohol?"

"He owns this place, pretty girl. He is my boss. And I pretty much value my fucking legs, so no more drinks for you, girlie."

My eyes widened.

Owner of a multi-billion-dollar company and a luxury club? That was more interesting to me than I would ever care to admit.

I turned around to look up at the balcony, but there was no trace of him.

He was gone.

Too bad. I was prepared to march up those spiral stairs and give him a piece of my mind.

I turned back to face the bartender, but before I could say anything, a man in all black appeared at my side, sliding a cold bottle of water in front of me.

"Mr. Ashford would like a word."

My gaze dropped to the water, and then to the stranger who had a pair of dark shades on.

What the hell was wrong with these people?

"Who the hell are you?" I slurred. "And who wears sunglasses at night?"

"I'm part of his security detail," he said plainly. "It'll serve you well to have some of this water and come with me upstairs. Mr. Ashford doesn't like to be delayed."

"Of course, he doesn't." I let out a laugh, rolling my eyes. I jumped down from the stool, deciding to leave, but the security detail's firm hand on my arm stopped me.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed, struggling in his grip. "Let me go!"

Efforts to move my arm away from his hand proved fruitless, but after a full minute of nothingness, I stopped fighting. And he released my arm.

"Drink," he muttered, screwing the cap of the water bottle open and dropping it in front of me.

I considered my options.

If I decided to run, I wasn't going to get anywhere. Not in this drunk state.

And who knew what would happen to me after he caught me?

Who the hell knew what Alaric Ashford would do to me?

Cut MY legs off?

Maybe it would be better to just go see what he wanted.

Shooting a glare at the man in black, I picked up the bottle, raised it to my lips, and drank the water until it was nearly half-empty.

Or was it… half-full?

Fuck, I was drunk as hell.

"What now?" I asked with a eyeroll.

"You follow me," he replied, and then he led me toward the stairs. We climbed up, went through a couple of hallways—this was a big-ass club—and then, we stopped in front of a door that was labeled, 'VIP LOUNGE.'

"Of course, it's VIP," I muttered under my breath.

The security detail pushed the door in for me, gesturing for me to go inside. "He's waiting."

My heart pounding furiously against my ribcage, I walked through the door, stepping into the lounge.

The cold air was the first thing that hit me. Although the club was cold as well, it was nothing compared to what I felt in this dimly lit room.

It was freezing in here.

And my nipples hurt. I could feel them straining against the croptop I was wearing.

Another sign that I should've taken this off ages ago.

I didn't even have the time to look around before I felt it again.

Eyes. Completely focused on me.

The bass from downstairs couldn't outshine the erratic beating of my heart.

I turned to the right—and there he was.

Alaric sat like a king in the corner of the lounge, legs apart. His posture commanding. And not only that.

A girl knelt between his legs, her head bobbing up and down in a motion I knew was consistent with giving a blow job.

But he wasn't even looking at her.

He was watching me, still in the shadows, his hands fisting her hair as she gulped him down eagerly.

I was ashamed of how it made me feel. Ashamed that I was rubbing my legs together, wishing…

No. I couldn't wish that.

Alaric's voice was smooth and deep as he spoke.

"Leave."

I nearly jumped out of my skin because I thought he was talking to me.

But he wasn't. The girl rose to her feet, brushing past me as she scurried out the door.

I stood frozen, my eyes glued to this man's form as he tucked himself back into his pants.

I couldn't see it, but under the dim lights, I could see some sort of reflection lined up on the underside of his cock.

Were those… piercings?

I looked away quickly, my gaze moving to his face as he rose to his feet, his form tall and broad.

He took a few steps toward me, and with every step he took, I took one backwards. On and on until I was backed up against the wall. My chest heaved from how hard I was breathing.

And then—he came into view.

Alaric Ashford had a dark, empty look in his eyes as he regarded me, his gaze sweeping over my form slowly.

Agonizingly slow.

His gaze lingered on my chest for longer than it should've, and my breath caught.

And then he smirked.

"I thought I'd need a little more studying to confirm who you were, but it appears I have everything I need," he said curtly, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. "Hello, Meadow Russell."

---

## CHAPTER 0004

*Meadow's POV

Alaric Ashford was handsome in a way that made me nervous.

I'd seen a lot of good looking men in my lifetime, but Alaric?

His beauty knocked the breath out of me completely. Long thick hair that was slightly messy as though he'd been running his hand through it, which was a huge contrast to his dangerously calm demeanor.

I couldn't tell the exact color of his eyes inside the dimly-lit room, but they appeared dark, gazing at me like he was trying to penetrate my soul.

A sharp jawline, slightly crooked nose, five o'clock shadow…

Okay, I was focusing on the wrong things.

This man had just said my name—and my last name—like he knew me. And I had never met him or heard anything but stories about him.

I pressed myself harder against the wall, trying to breathe normally.

"Do I know you?" I asked.

He tilted his head slowly, his smile cool as he leaned in just a bit closer, but not close enough to touch me.

"Not yet."

"H-how do you know my name?" I tried to keep my voice steady, but there was still a bit of a slur in my tone.

"I make it a point to know what interests me."

I hated the way my stomach flipped at that. Why was I even here? And why didn't I feel disgusted that I'd walked into something that I shouldn't have?

Even worse? Why did I feel like Alaric had wanted me to see that?

"What do you want from me?" A shiver racked through my bones.

Alaric didn't answer immediately. Instead, he narrowed his eyes on me. "You're shivering."

His eyes dropped to my chest again and he smirked.

I had no idea whether it was because of my protruding nipples, or the words that were displayed on my top, mocking me.

The bride that couldn't be.

I shot him a glare. "My eyes are up here, pervert," I snapped.

Alaric didn't flinch. Instead, he looked me dead in the eyes and said, "I've already seen your eyes, Meadow." His voice was low, dark, causing warmth to pool at the bottom of my stomach.

Why was I so turned on by the sight of this stranger? Why wasn't I running away from someone that everyone considered dangerous?

He continued. "They're guarded. Full of hurt. I wanted to see the rest of you."

My mouth parted, but no sound came out.

He took another step forward and I leaned further back into the wall. "I've heard about you." My voice was shaky, barely above a whisper.

"From Tyler Cross, I presume? Your… fiance?"

My heart sank, then picked up again.

"Ex-fiance," I bit out. "And how do you know that much about him?"

He stepped away from me, and I let out a sigh of relief.

Alaric began to pull off his suit jacket, and my eyes followed every single movement.

His muscles flexed underneath his black button-down shirt as he took it off, the top three buttons of his shirt undone, drawing my eyes to it like it was a magnet, and I was a helpless piece of metal.

And then he tossed it to me. "I know everything about my employees," he said casually, as if that explained anything.

He looked at me expectantly, like he was waiting for me to put on his jacket. And I wanted to.

God, I wanted to envelop myself in his scent, but I wasn't going to make this easy for him.

"What do you want from me?"

"Right now?" He arched his brow. "I want you to put on that jacket, Meadow. You're shivering."

"Yeah, because you're scaring me," I lied. "What the hell do you want from me?"

"Put on the jacket, and then we can continue this lovely conversation." His voice was low. Deep. Dark. "Now."

Shooting him another glare, I did as he said, shoving my arms angrily through the jacket that this stranger just had on.

"Happy?" I spat, looking back into his eyes.

What I saw in them made my breath cut. I let out a gasp, my back hitting the wall again as I stumbled backward.

Alaric Ashford was looking at me like I was the last meal on earth. His eyes had darkened, his expression raw as they dropped to my mouth. "There's nothing to be scared of, Meadow. I'm not your enemy." He smirked.

"You sure about that?" I whispered. "Why am I here with you then? And why are you looking at me like… like you want to ruin me?"

He took a step forward, hands in his pockets. "If I wanted to hurt you, I would've already."

That should've made me feel safer. And it did.

But even worse, his words caused heat to pool between my thighs.

I rubbed them together.

Something was definitely in the drinks the bartender gave me tonight. Either that, or something was in the water I was given to drink.

Alaric turned away from me, heading to one of the tables to grab a bottle of bourbon. And then he poured it into his glass.

I decided to take that as my cue to run.

However, before I could reach for the handle, his voice rang out. "You walk out that door, and you'd have ruined the best chance you have at getting back at your unpleasant fiance."

I froze. "Ex-fiance," I snapped again, without turning to look at him.

Alaric hummed. "And what about your sister?" he asked smoothly. "Is she your ex-sister now?"

That had me whipping my head around to look at him. He stood by the table, glass in his hand, which he raised to his lips to sip his drink.

"How do you…" My voice cracked. "How do you know that? Have you been following me?"

"Like I said, I know everything about my employees."

I scoffed, walking away from the door and toward him. "What is this? You staring at me like I'm some kind of prize? Sending your creepy bodyguard to come fetch me? Calling me by my full name and giving me some bullshit excuse about knowing everything about your employees?"

I was seething, shaking my head. "And what do you mean by getting back at Tyler? I don't need saving, if that's what you—"

"You looked like you were drowning, Meadow," he cut me off. "And I don't like watching people drown."

This man was insane.

Completely, utterly insane.

I swallowed hard. "That's rich. Coming from the guy who was getting head when I walked in."

I was standing right in front of him now. "That was… unfortunate timing." His voice didn't waver. "You weren't supposed to see that."

My lips curled in disgust. "Bullshit." My words slurred. "You wanted me to walk in here and see it." I glanced briefly at his mouth. "See you," I whispered.

Okay, now it was definitely the alcohol talking.

Because why the hell did it sound like I was flirting with him?

And why was I looking at his lips?

I had to get out of here.

I started to turn away again but my knees wobbled, so I held onto the nearest hard surface to steady myself.

Problem was… that hard surface was Alaric's exposed chest.

My hands landed flat against his bare chest, and the second it did, something changed.

His entire body tensed beneath my palm.

The glass in his hand froze halfway to his mouth.

Alaric's eyes snapped down to where we were connected, and then, slowly rose to meet mine. And what I saw in his eyes this time was… unguarded. Unhinged.

His jaw clenched, his breath hitched enough to make mine catch in response.

Slowly, I pulled my hand back.

But something about the expression on his face made me want to touch him again. Forever.

Alaric reached for my wrist, placing it back on his chest as his eyes searched mine.

And when he spoke, his voice was low and hoarse.

Tortured.

Straight from the bottom of his heart.

"You were right, Meadow," he said. "I do want to ruin you."

---

## CHAPTER 0005

*Meadow's POV

My breath stuttered. "What?" I started pulling my hand away again but he had a firm grip on my wrist, so I couldn't move.

I wasn't even sure I wanted to.

"Don't." His voice was low. "I want to feel you."

I swallowed, eyes dropping to where my palm rested against his chest. He felt warm, his muscles tensing under my touch as he let out a sharp breath.

He let go of my wrist. And any normal person would immediately snatch their hand away and run for their lives.

But I never said I was normal. My mind was hazy, and it kept screaming at me, telling me that this man was dangerous, but I didn't listen.

Because right now, at this point—I liked the thought of danger.

"Why are you doing this?" I found myself asking, my voice barely above a whisper. "You say you know everything about your employees, but no boss would be that crazy to memorize every single face their employees have come in contact with."

When he didn't respond, I continued. "Somehow, you know that I have a sister, and you know that Tyler was with her. How?"

He didn't speak. Didn't even move.

So I kept going.

My fingers moved slowly, tracing small, unsure circles on his chest. I was pushing my luck, but I didn't care.

The alcohol in my system softened everything. My fear, my self-control, my restraint.

I caught the edge of a tattoo peeking out from under the left collar of his shirt. Black ink, sharp lines that were connected—maybe—to the tattoo on his wrist that I'd caught a glimpse of earlier.

I wanted to see it.

God, I wanted to know it.

Every brush of my fingers over Alaric's chest made his eyes darken, his muscles tense. Like he was trying so hard not to touch me back.

He wanted me.

No, not just that—he looked at me like he wanted to own me.

"Is that really what you want to know, Meadow?"

My eyes fluttered at the way he said my name. Soft, but with an edge. Commanding, sort of. I had a feeling that if he told me to sit my ass down, I would without hesitation.

My mouth went dry and I swallowed, deciding to answer honestly. "No," I whispered, shaking my head.

Because truly, I didn't want to know. I had no idea why, but somewhere in the middle of all this chaos, I'd realized something.

I wanted him too.

Not because he was beautiful. Not because he was rich. Not even because he was Tyler's boss.

But because for the first time in my life, someone was paying attention.

Not to Juniper.

To me.

Pathetic. I know.

I pulled my hand away, heaving a sigh. "I don't know why I'm being like this. I don't even know you."

His gaze locked on mine. "But you want to."

I hated how right he was.

I shrugged. "I'm not in the right state of mind right now, Alaric." I let out a bitter laugh, feeling my emotions overwhelm me as my eyes welled up with tears. "I was played."

I didn't know why I was telling him, but I couldn't stop talking.

"Tyler, my sister… they played me for years and I hadn't even realized it. I was so stupid. I thought…I thought he loved me."

It took everything in me not to cry in front of this stranger, but the moment he pulled me into his chest, I froze.

"Don't hold back," his voice was deep and raspy as he spoke into my hair. "Let it out."

I didn't mean too. Sure as hell didn't want to.

But I broke.

One second, I was blinking back the tears, and the next, I was crying into his chest, fists clutching the fabric of his shirt, body trembling like I'd finally been given permission to fall apart.

Alaric's hand slid up and down my spine in slow circles. Comforting me.

"Just say the word," he suddenly said.

I pulled back, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. "What?"

His hand reached for my hair, and I felt my heart pound hard against my ribcage as he pushed a few strays behind my ears. It was a gentle gesture, but the look in his eyes?

Downright murderous.

"Say the word and I'll help you get the revenge you want."

I blinked, brows pulling together as I gazed at him in confusion. "Who says I want revenge?" A nervous laugh escaped my mouth.

Alaric exhaled slowly, a smirk pulling at his lips as he said, "You can't deny it, Meadow. You want revenge. Against Tyler. Against your sister. You want them to pay for everything they did to you."

He took a step forward and I took one backward. Not because I didn't want him near me. But because I wanted him to chase me.

Pretty soon, my back was against the wall and Alaric was leaning into me, his hand resting against the wall, trapping me.

Everything about this man was undeniably sexy. And every single word that he'd just said sounded dangerous.

More than dangerous.

But he wasn't wrong. I did want payback. Juniper had ruined my life way before tonight, and now, she had taken the one thing I thought I had left.

"Why would you want to help me?"

His eyes dropped to my mouth, and his tongue darted out to wet his. I wanted it to wet mine instead.

"Because you looked at me like I could break you," he said. "And you touched me like you wanted me to own you."

He leaned in closer, his mouth just inches from mine and I couldn't breathe. "I don't feel, Meadow," his warm breath fanned my face. "I can't feel anyone's touch. But I felt yours."

His lips grazed mine slightly and I let out a gasp. But he didn't wait for me to respond.

To ask any questions. Even though I had millions of them.

"I can give you what you want," he murmured. "All of it. Revenge. Power. A new name. One that they can't touch. One they'll choke on once they realize who you belong to."

I tried to back up, but there was nowhere to go. No escape. 'Yes,' I wanted to say. 'I want it. All of it.'

Alaric's next words were slow. Intentionally slow, and they knocked the breath out of me completely.

"Marry me."

I blinked as my brain scrambled for a response. "You're joking."

He shook his head once. "No."

He stepped away from me, and I could finally breathe.

"How can you… h-how… you don't know me. We don't even like each o—"

"I don't need to like you, Meadow," he said, his jaw ticking. "I just need to have you."

The air left my lungs once again. "Alaric—" I breathed.

He didn't take his eyes off me. "I can make them pay," he said. "All of them. Anyone who's ever made you feel small."

"And in return?" I asked again, even though I already knew the answer.

"You'll be mine." His voice was so low, so deep. Almost a growl on the word 'mine.'

A shiver ran down my spine, and warmth pooled at the bottom of my stomach again.

Not that the warmth ever left.

I swallowed thickly, my brain spiraling, my heart hammering as the weight of everything came down on me. I didn't even realize I was moving until I was only centimeters away from him.

"I have one last request," I muttered, raising my hand to his chest again, but this time, only focusing on the buttons of his shirt.

"Whatever you want," he whispered hoarsely, his nostrils flaring at my touch.

I tried to talk myself out of this.

I really did.

But in my drunk state, there was only one thing on my mind.

The need to feel what Juniper felt with Tyler when I walked in on them.

And so, heart in my mouth, eyes firmly on Alaric's, I made my request.

"I want you to take my virginity."

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"Hi. I have a reservation. Meadow Russell."

The receptionist looked up, then recoiled like I'd insulted her. "You're kidding, right?"

My stomach dropped. This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. Tyler and I were getting married in a few hours. Just us. No drama. No family. But something was wrong—the way they stared, the sneer on her lips.

"You already checked in," she said, turning the laptop. My name glared back at me.

"That's impossible," I whispered. "I haven't even seen Tyler yet."

The second woman tilted her head. "You came in with a man. Said you were getting married."

Ice flooded my veins.

I took the key card in a daze, rode the elevator up, hands shaking. When I swiped the door open, the sound hit me first—moaning. Then movement. My twin sister, Juniper, straddling my fiancé, naked, laughing as he thrust into her.

They didn't stop. Didn't flinch.

Tyler looked at me, shrugged. "I thought she was you."

Juniper grinned. "We both know that's a lie."

I stood frozen, bag slipping from my grip. The man I loved. The sister I trusted. Gone. Everything gone.

Then Juniper leaned forward. "Oh, please, baby. It's time we cut the act, don't you think?"

I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe.

But I couldn't look away either.

Now, standing in the wreckage of my life, I have one question: do I run… or do I burn them all down?