Two days ago.

Aylin woke up slowly, feeling completely wiped out from a night she’d definitely remember. Sunlight was streaming through the thick curtains in Zayden’s secret bedroom, creating a warm glow over the messed-up black silk sheets. She blinked, her golden-brown eyes getting used to the morning light, and then the memories came rushing back—his hands on her skin, his soft whispers, the way he had taken her virginity with a mix of roughness and care that left her breathless.

She turned her head, her heart doing a little leap. There he was: Zayden, still fast asleep, sprawled out like he owned the world—which, in his mafia world, he kinda did. Half the sheet was hanging low over his hips, showing off his sculpted chest, abs, and one strong thigh. His dark hair was a mess, and his face looked relaxed in sleep, but even out cold, he gave off this dangerous vibe. Naked. Totally, beautifully naked.

Aylin bit her lip, a shy smile creeping onto her face. My first time. With him. Warmth flushed her cheeks as she remembered the intensity, the pleasure, and how he had made her scream. She was naked too, the sheet barely covering her. Trying not to wake him, she held the sheet to her chest and carefully slipped out of bed. Her legs felt shaky—God, the ache between her thighs was still there, a sweet reminder that made her wince with every step.

Spotting her bathrobe crumpled on the floor, she bent down—slowly and painfully—to grab it. She threw it on, tying the sash with shaky fingers, and gently pulled the sheet up over Zayden’s lower half. There. Decent. Smiling to herself, she tiptoed to the bathroom, the cool marble floor making her sore legs shiver.

Once inside, she splashed water on her face, brushed her teeth with a spare toothbrush, and ran her fingers through her wavy golden-brown hair. The mirror showed her flushed cheeks, swollen lips, and some faint marks on her neck—his marks. She touched one, her heart racing. What now? Are we together? But Alpha, Karza... She pushed those thoughts away. First, freshen up.

Ten minutes later, she came out, her robe snug around her. Zayden was awake, sitting against the headboard, scrolling on his phone. His blue eyes lit up as he looked at her, sparkling with that predatory gleam. He set the phone down and motioned her over with a crooked finger. "Come here."

Aylin’s heart skipped a beat. She hesitated but then walked closer—close, but not too close. "Morning."

"Morning?" He smirked, reaching out way quicker than she thought he would. His fingers snagged the sash of her robe, pulling her closer. She yelped, falling into his lap, straddling his thighs. The sheet had slipped away—he was still naked, hard against her. "That’s not how you say good morning to me, hacker girl."

"Zayden!" She gasped, her hands flying to his shoulders to steady herself. Her robe opened a bit, and she quickly held it tight. "What are you—"

"What am I doing?" His hands moved to her hips, keeping her right where she was. "Waking up the right way." His voice lowered, getting husky. "You sore?"

She nodded, biting her lip. "A little."

"Good." He pulled the sash loose, the robe falling open. The cool air hit her skin, and she shivered. "Means you won’t forget last night."

Aylin’s eyes went wide as Zayden slowly pulled the robe off her shoulders, exposing her bare chest. "Zayden, wait—what are you doing?"

He laughed softly and playfully as the fabric gathered at her waist. "Still feeling shy? After everything that happened last night?"

She turned bright red, crossing her arms over her chest and burying her face into his chest. His skin felt warm, and he smelled like sleep. "It’s... different now."

"Different?" He wrapped his arms around her, his hand gently stroking her back. "How so? I saw all of you. I tasted every bit."

She let out a little whimper, heat rising in her cheeks against his pecs. "Last night, the lights were dim. Now it’s... bright. Morning."

He chuckled—a deep, rumbling laugh that vibrated through her. "So what? I want to see you in the light, baby. Every curve, every freckle." His hand slid lower, cupping her backside. "Don’t hide from me. You’re perfect."

Aylin shook her head, clutching herself tighter. "Zayden..."

"Why?" He gently tilted her chin up, making her golden-brown eyes meet his blue ones. "I saw you last night—moaning, begging. What’s changed?"

"It’s embarrassing," she mumbled, trying to sink back into his chest.

"Embarrassed?" He grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Oh, come on, that’s cute." Out of nowhere, he flipped her beneath him. She gasped as her back hit the bed, his weight holding her down. He grabbed her wrists with one hand, stretching them up above her head. "But I love seeing you blush. You look so pretty when you’re flustered."

"Zayden, no—" She tried to squirm away, but he pressed a button on the headboard. With a soft click, hidden handcuffs popped out and locked around her wrists.

Her eyes went wide in shock. "What are you doing?!" 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

He sat back on his heels, fully naked now, sheets kicked away. His erection bobbed, hard and ready, but he just watched her—bare chest heaving, nipples pebbling in the cool air, legs shifting restlessly. "What does it look like? Teaching my shy girl a lesson."

She tugged at the cuffs, chains rattling softly. "Please, Zayden, open them. This is—ahh!"

He tilted his head, eyes darkening with lust. "Shy and begging already?" His fingers trailed down her arm, over her collarbone, to one nipple. He pinched it lightly—twist, roll. She moaned softly, arching despite herself.

"See?" He smirked. "You love it."

"It... it hurts," she whispered, but her hips twitched.

"Relax, baby." He leaned down, voice soothing. "After a while, it’ll be all pleasure. Trust me." His mouth closed over the pinched nipple, sucking gently, tongue swirling. She gasped, pulling at the cuffs.

"Zayden..."