L-Little kitten?

A shiver coursed through me as a name echoed in my head. Zade.

I cast a quick look around, but no one was here. It was just me, but suddenly it doesn’t feel like that anymore.

Cameras? And more importantly... how the fuck did he get my number?

I glared hard at the text before placing my phone on the counter and walking toward the double-door fridge.

There was plenty in here and all for a quick snack, but that isn’t what I want. I heard my phone again, and I threw a look over my shoulder.

I don’t know what that snake wants, and I don’t plan on finding out. I went back to sorting what I needed, and lucky for me, I did.

I hummed a tune as I took the frying pan to get started. Fifteen minutes later, I had a plate of pan-fried chicken strips, sausages, and vegetables ready.

I set the plate down on the counter and climbed a chair to hoist myself onto the countertop. At the first bite, I moaned, swaying my legs back and forth as the flavors melted wonderfully in my mouth.

Now that hits the spot. I took another bite, just in time when I heard my phone again.

I had two more spoons, my cheeks puffed as I grasped my cell and swiped to unlock.

UNKNOWN: Don’t ignore my text.

UNKNOWN: Don’t make me repeat myself, little kitten.

A scowl contorted my face. I had no idea why he suddenly started calling me that name.

Me: Stop calling me little kitten.

The read icon didn’t light up, so I set my phone down and went back to finishing my meal.

Ding!

Mentally, I do not want to open that text, but I did.

UNKNOWN: No

I scoffed out loud, tapping on three dots and choosing the block option, feeling a satisfying feeling wash over me.

~☆~

I felt four legs on my chest, and I opened my eyes to a small pink nose close to my face.

"Hey, Boba," I murmured sleepily, rubbing my eyes.

I felt a paw on my face, belonging to Coco, nuzzling close to my face.

What’s the time? They were probably waking me up for food.

"Okay, okay...! I’m awake," I grumbled, sitting up, stretching, and yawning before rubbing my eyes.

My nose crinkled when I smelled smoke. Was something burning?

I licked my lips, slowly opening them, my vision blurring momentarily, and when it cleared, the blood drained from my face.

"OH MY GOD!" I exclaimed as my back slammed against the headboard.

Zade was on my couch, positioned right where my bed was. He brought the cigar to his lips and took a drag.

"Wha-What are you doing here? How did you..." I trailed looking at my door, which doesn’t seem to be broken down.

"You blocked me."

I flickered my wide eyes back to him. What?

"I don’t like being ignored... especially from my wife."

"You mean property." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

He rose to his feet. "Both."

My eyes dropped to his chest, and my heart skipped a beat. He’s shirtless. Every muscle was on display, his abs as solid as a rock, and his chest as broad as... a damn wall.

His tattoos ran from his neck to his chest in winding lines like a pattern trailing down his arms. His abs were bare, leaving the upper half a work of art.

It truly was an art worth admiring. It’s amazing how much detail was put into it. I appreciate the artist, but certainly not the man who wears them.

He’s massive. Terrifyingly so, the kind that said... I can snap your spine in two with my bare hands or rip your skin from your body without using a knife, or perhaps crush your bones.

Okay... too much.

I dipped my gaze but quickly shot it back to his face, my throat bobbling up and down. I’m gonna pretend I didn’t see that.

Zade walked closer to the bed, bracing his hand against the canopy, his chest expanding as he looked down on me, smoke fleeing his nostrils.

There was always something about how those knife-thin eyes pierced me, not just to look at me but as if to cut through my brain and see my thoughts.

We shared a silence that was uncomfortable for me, while Zade was having a time of his life. Was it my shortened breath or the glint of fear in my eyes that was giving him a fucking kick?

He tilted his head, his gaze dropping on Boba in my lap. At least that was what I thought, not until I traced them, and found out he was looking right at my nightdress, which was see-through.

I pulled Boba to my chest like a shield, and his eyes snapped back to mine.

"Is there a reason why you came into my room unannounced?"

The corner of his lips tipped in a slow smirk. "Tonight we have a function to attend. Our first as a couple."

A function?

"Wear my mark proudly, don’t cover it." He brought the cigar to his lips.

Mark? Is that why he left a hickey on me?

"And if I don’t?" I challenged, heat in my eyes.

"Then there will be consequences..." he murmured lightly. "Severe consequences. Your chances are getting expired faster than you can blink."

Chances?

"I didn’t realize you gave me chances. What happens if I exhaust them all? Are you gonna slit open my throat at dinner?"

His tongue dragged slowly over his lower lip. "Something much.. more... better."

For some reason, his words made goosebumps rise on my skin. What could be worse than getting my throat slit open?

He pushed off the canopy. "Dress pretty. But I’m sure you’re up to the task, aren’t you? You do love dressing up so prettily..."

There was a flicker of admiration in his gaze that made my skin crawl. It pesters me because that part of me was exactly what he wanted.

He walked toward the door, and I caught the tattoo on his back... a detailed serpent bearing its fangs.

The door closed, and I heard a sharp lock that prompted my mind to race. He has a key to my room.

I drew harshly on my breath, feeling my head spiral. If he could easily come into my room, then how long has he been doing it?

I have been here only for a few days, and I let my guard down. I thought this could be my safe place, but I was wrong.

I heard a ding on my phone, and my eyes moved to the screen. The notification shown boldly.

UNKNOWN: You have beautiful tits, by the way... a perfect fit for my hands."

"That perv!"