As Kaliyah reached the bottom of the stairs, she was met with a scene that made her heart skip a beat. Liam and Cian were exchanging aggressive punches, their faces twisted in anger. The sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed through the foyer, making Kaliyah's stomach turn.
Levi stood off to the side, laughing and clearly entertained by the spectacle. Kaliyah rushed over to him, her voice shrill with concern. "Levi, what's going on? Stop them!"
Levi shrugged, his grin never wavering. "It happens all the time. I'm not getting involved."
But then his eyes landed on Kaliyah's hair, and his expression changed. He did a double take, his mouth hanging open in surprise. "What's with the change of hair color? It's beautiful, though."
Kaliyah's cheeks flushed as she replied, "It's my natural hair."
Levi's eyes widened in shock. "Why haven't you had it this color before?"
Kaliyah shrugged, not wanting to elaborate. Levi's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but he didn't push the issue. Instead, he smiled and said, "You're beautiful, Kaliyah."
Just then, Liam and Cian noticed Kaliyah's presence. Liam's eyes roved over her, and he let out a low whistle. "Hot damn, Kaliyah. Love the hair color."
Kaliyah's cheeks flushed as she muttered a thank you. Cian, on the other hand, simply stared at her, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her skin prickle.
After a moment, Cian cleared his throat and shared a look with Levi. "I'll get ready. Be back in a while."
A few minutes later, Cian descended the stairs, looking drop-dead gorgeous in a tailored suit and shirt with the first two buttons undone. His eyes seemed to gleam in the light, and his chiseled features made Kaliyah's heart skip a beat.
He turned to Levi and asked, "Why aren't you dressed yet?"
Levi smirked. "I'm coming later. All eyes need to be on me."
Liam, who had been watching the exchange, asked, "What's the party for? Will there be drinks and ladies?"
Levi just shook his head, and nobody else reacted to Liam's question. Liam turned to Cian and asked, "Can I come?"
Cian's expression was indifferent. "Do whatever you want."
He turned to Kaliyah and said, "Let's go."
Kaliyah's heart skipped a beat as Cian led her outside to a sleek, black Audi. Paul, his butler was already waiting outside to drive them but he just dismissed him and told him he'd drive himself and Paul just bowed and left. He opened the door for her, and Kaliyah felt a spark of surprise. At least he's gentlemanly enough to open the door for her, she thought.
As she slid into the car, Cian followed, his eyes never leaving hers. He reached out to put her seatbelt on, but Kaliyah flinched away, her heart racing.
Cian's eyes darkened, and he said, "You're scared of me."
Kaliyah didn't respond, and Cian sighed, resting back in his seat. "Put your seatbelt on."
Kaliyah complied, her hands shaking slightly as she clicked the buckle into place. Cian started the car, and they drove off into the night, the silence between them thick and uncomfortable.
As they drove, Kaliyah couldn't help but steal glances at Cian. He was even more handsome in the dim light of the car, his features chiseled and strong. She wondered what he was thinking, what was behind those piercing eyes.
After a while, Kaliyah broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mr Donovan"
"Call me Cian." Cian said Kaliyah was surprised and she said "what?" Just to be sure she heard well and Cian replied "you heard me" and she nodded then she said "Cian" and Cian smirked liking the way his name sounds on her lips.
"Can I ask you a question?" Kaliyah said
Cian's eyes flicked towards her, his expression unreadable. He nodded, his voice low and husky. "Ask."
Kaliyah took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "Why did you buy me?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Cian's expression didn't change, but Kaliyah sensed a flicker of emotion behind his eyes. He didn't answer, instead focusing on the road ahead.
Kaliyah's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. What was Cian's motive for buying her? Was it simply a whim, or was there something more sinister at play?
As the car sped through the night, Kaliyah couldn't shake the feeling that she was in over her head. She was trapped in a world of luxury and deceit, with no clear escape route.
And yet, despite the danger and uncertainty, Kaliyah felt a spark of curiosity. She wanted to know more about Cian, about his motives and desires. She wanted to uncover the secrets behind those piercing eyes.
As the car turned a corner, Kaliyah's eyes were drawn to the passing scenery. They were driving through a wealthy neighborhood, the houses growing larger and more opulent with each passing mile.
Cian's silence was starting to unnerve her. She glanced over at him, trying to read his expression. But his face was a mask, revealing nothing.
"Where are we going?" Kaliyah asked, trying to break the silence.
Cian's eyes flicked towards her, his gaze lingering for a moment before returning to the road. "A charity gala," he replied, his voice low and rough.
Kaliyah's eyes widened in surprise. "A charity gala? Why are we going to that?"
Cian's expression didn't change, but Kaliyah sensed a hint of amusement behind his eyes. He just smirked and said nothing again.
Kaliyah's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. What was Cian's real motive for taking her to this gala?
As the car pulled up to the gala, Kaliyah's nerves began to fray. She had never been to a high-society event like this before, and she felt woefully unprepared.
Cian parked the car and looked at her with much intensity and he said "you look pretty with your natural hair don't hide it again" then he got down from the car and opened the car for her.
Millions of thoughts raced through Kaliyah's mind did this stone cold scary looking and drop_dead handsome guy just compliment her?
Kaliyah's heart skipped a beat as his hand brushed against hers, sending a spark of electricity through her body.
As they entered the gala, Kaliyah was struck by the sheer opulence of the event. The room was filled with wealthy socialites, all of them dressed to the nines in designer gowns and tuxedos.
Cian led her through the crowd, his hand possessively on the small of her back. Kaliyah felt a shiver run down her spine as he introduced her to various guests, his eyes never leaving hers.
As the night wore on, Kaliyah found herself growing more and more uncomfortable. She was trapped in a world of luxury and deceit, with no clear escape route.
Suddenly, a high-pitched voice rang out, cutting through the din of the party. "Husband, who is this girl?"
Kaliyah's eyes widened in shock as she turned to face the speaker. He's married?