Kiyara
I couldn't believe the week I was having. The press had backed off slightly after Ariel's dramatic showdown with the reporter, but the internet was still buzzing with comments and opinions about my past. Ezekiel was doing his best to be my rock, and his confidence never wavered. He was determined to protect me, and I found solace in his strength.
One evening, as we sat together on the couch, Ezekiel's phone rang. It was John, and from the look on Ezekiel's face, I could tell it wasn't good news.
Ezekiel said, "But they still can't find the guy who uploaded it. He's a small-time hacker, but he's good at covering his tracks."
I grabbed his arm. "Ezekiel, please. Don't do something you'll regret."
He looked at me, his icy blue eyes hardening but a smirk playing on his lips. "Kiyara, sweetheart, regret is for people without a plan. And I've always got a plan."
Just then, the door opened and Bella walked in with Ariel. Ariel looked unusually composed, almost too calm.
"Ariel, what's wrong?" I asked, noticing the absence of her usual fiery energy.
She shrugged. "Shawn broke up with me after the news about my outbreak."
Bella's eyes widened, and she moved to hug Ariel, but Ariel waved her off. "I'm fine. Really. I always knew he was a coward."
Ezekiel barely glanced at her. "He was weak. You're better off without him."
Ariel forced a smile. "Thanks, Ezekiel. Always so direct."
He turned his attention back to me, his gaze softening. "Kiyara, let's go out tonight. Just you and me. I want to take your mind off things."
I smiled, touched by his concern. "I'd like that."
Bella, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "How about we all go? Make it a fun night out."
Ezekiel shook his head. "No, this is just for Kiyara. She needs it."
Ariel sighed, but there was no argument. I could see the sadness in her eyes, despite her brave front. Bella gave her a sympathetic look and suggested they watch a movie together.
As Ezekiel and I left the house, I felt a pang of guilt for leaving my friends behind. But when Ezekiel held my hand and looked at me with such intensity, I knew I was where I needed to be.
We arrived at a secluded, upscale restaurant. Ezekiel had pulled some strings to get us a private table on the rooftop, overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, and for a moment, all my worries faded away.
He reached across the table and took my hand. "Kiyara, I want you to know that I'll always protect you. No matter what."
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I know, Ezekiel. And I'm so grateful for you."
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, intimate tone. "You're mine, Kiyara. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a mixture of fear and excitement. He was dangerous, but he was also my protector. And in that moment, I knew I wouldn't have it any other way.
Back at Home
After our dinner, we returned home to find Ariel and Bella curled up on the couch, watching a movie. Ariel's face was unreadable, but Bella gave me a knowing look.
"How was your night?" Bella asked, trying to sound casual.
"It was nice," I said, smiling at my friends. Ezekiel wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed my forehead.
Ariel looked up and gave me a small smile. "I'm glad you had a good time."
"Did you have a good time?" I looked at her worried.
"Finished all the ice cream in the freezer" Bella joked and Ariel groaned and smiled at me and i returned the smile.
I wanted to comfort her, but Ezekiel's grip on me tightened, and I knew this wasn't the moment. He guided me upstairs, leaving Bella and Ariel to their movie.
As we entered our bedroom,i signed and said "Ezekiel,i need to tell you something",he looked concerned and said "Tell me"
"Remember the time in the car when u bought me sweets?"
"Yea" he said wanting me to continue.
"uhm,i got a message saying that i should leave you alone and i feel worried what if something bad happens?" I said looking worried
Then Ezekiel's demeanor shifted. He was no longer the gentle boyfriend; he was the fierce protector, the man who would do anything to keep me safe.
He pulled me close, his eyes dark and intense. "Remember, Kiyara. You're mine. And I'll destroy anyone who tries to take you away from me."
I nodded, feeling both comforted and terrified. He was my dark knight, and I knew I was safe in his arms. But there was always a part of me that wondered just how far he would go to keep me.
Downstairs, Ariel and Bella exchanged a look. They knew that while Ezekiel was my protector, his world was a dangerous one. And they would do everything in their power to support me, no matter what.
As I lay in bed that night, curled up next to Ezekiel, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The world was full of threats, but with Ezekiel by my side, I felt invincible. And I knew that no matter what happened, we would face it together
Ezekiel$
Meeting John at a rundown warehouse, I felt my rage boiling just beneath the surface. The guy who uploaded the video might still be out there, but I wasn't about to sit idly by. I needed to send a message.
"You think you can destroy her life and get away with it?" I growled, pacing the floor. "Find him. I don't care what it takes."
John nodded, his expression grim. "We're working on it. He's using some serious encryption, but we'll crack it."
I leaned in close, my tone deadly calm but with a hint of humor. "John, you know what they say about hackers who mess with my woman? They end up with a one-way ticket to 'Whoops, I shouldn't have done that' town."
I went back to my mansion and I stepped out onto the balcony, my phone in hand. Dialing a number I hadn't used in a while, I waited until a gruff voice answered.
"It's Ezekiel. I need a favor."
There was a pause. "Well, well, if it isn't the King himself. What can I do for you, your highness?"
"Mark, I need someone found and brought to me."
Mark chuckled. "Sounds serious. Who pissed you off this time?"
"A small-time hacker who thinks he's untouchable. Uploaded a video, stirred up trouble."
Mark's tone turned playful. "Ooh, sounds like a fun challenge. I've been bored lately. Consider it done. I'll have him gift-wrapped for you in no time."
Hanging up, I looked out over the city. The hacker might be good, but no one was good enough to hide from me forever. And when I found him, he'd learn what it meant to cross Ezekiel King.
I chuckled to myself, thinking about what I'd say to the hacker once he was in my grasp. "Hey there, genius. Guess you didn't think this through, did you?"