As the evening sky deepened into a shade of indigo, Maria approached Esme with a soft, yet firm voice.
"Miss Esme, it's time to return to Master Kael's mansion."
Esme's heart sank. She wasn't ready to leave. Though the family house was far from welcoming, at least Lucan had been her solace. The thought of being alone again in Kael's mansion sent an uneasy shiver down her spine.
"I'll help you pack," Maria added, already turning toward the room that had once belonged to Kael.
Esme followed silently, her mind heavy with thoughts.
Downstairs, as the guards carried her luggage out to the waiting car, she stood at the entrance, watching with a distant gaze.
"Hey…"
A familiar voice pulled her out of her trance. She turned, and at the sight of Lucan, an immediate sense of comfort washed over her.
"Lucan…" she breathed, managing a small smile.
His expression, however, was clouded with guilt.
"I hate that you're going through all of this," he said, his voice low but firm. "If I hadn't hit you with my car that night—if I hadn't brought you back here—maybe things would've been different."
Esme shook her head. "No, Lucan. It's not your fault. I made this choice on my own. I—"
"Don't lie to me, Esme." His sharp tone startled her. His brows furrowed, and for the first time, his frustration was evident. "I know there's a reason behind all of this, something you're not telling me. I just don't know what it is." He exhaled, his jaw tightening. "But if you ever need help—just one call, and I'll be there."
Without another word, he turned and walked away, his steps heavy with unspoken emotion.
Esme stood frozen, watching his retreating figure. She had never seen Lucan like this before. Was she truly doing the right thing?
"Miss, it's time," Maria's voice broke through her thoughts.
Esme hesitated before asking, "Where's Kael?"
"Master Kael won't be returning until late. He instructed us to escort you to the mansion immediately."
A deep frown settled on Esme's face. "Then why send me back now if he won't even be there?" she murmured. With a resigned sigh, she followed Maria to the car.
Kael's Mansion – Midnight
The vast mansion felt empty, eerily quiet without Kael's presence. Esme had tried everything to distract herself—chatting with the chefs, forcing the maids to eat dinner with her, scrolling endlessly on her phone—but boredom settled in quickly.
Lying in bed, she let out a loud huff of frustration.
"Why am I even waiting for him?!" she grumbled, tossing her phone to the other side of the bed.
Just then, a deep voice cut through the silence.
"Why so mad, baby?"
Esme shot up, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest. She turned toward the doorway, her eyes meeting Kael's smirking face.
"Kael! You startled me!"
He leaned casually against the doorframe, his black eyes glinting with amusement. "Why are you still up, Esme? Were you… waiting for me?"
"Tch! You wish," she scoffed, crossing her arms.
Kael chuckled under his breath and walked past her, his hands working to loosen his tie. His movements were slow, clumsy. That's when Esme noticed—the faint scent of whiskey lingering in the air.
She frowned. "Where the hell have you been?"
Kael didn't respond. He was still struggling with the tie around his neck.
Esme's brows furrowed deeper. "Are you drunk?" She stepped closer, her nose twitching at the strong scent of alcohol.
"Mmm…" Kael hummed lazily, his head tilting slightly.
He looked different—his usually sharp features softened by intoxication, his raven hair tousled messily, his lips… pink and plump.
Damn him. He looked so good.
Esme sighed, shaking off the thoughts. "You've got to be kidding me. You were out drinking?"
Instead of answering, Kael just stared at her, his gaze dark and unreadable.
Rolling her eyes, Esme dropped her hands to his tie, unfastening it with ease. "Honestly…" she muttered under her breath as she helped him unbutton his shirt.
As the fabric slid off his shoulders, her breath hitched.
God, he was perfect. His toned chest, the defined ridges of his abs—he was sculpted like a masterpiece.
She gulped, willing herself to focus.
But before she could step back, Kael suddenly grabbed the back of her head, his grip firm yet gentle, and crashed his lips against hers.
Esme's eyes widened in shock.
His lips moved hungrily against hers, demanding, yet somehow restrained. She felt the heat of his body, the taste of whiskey lingering on his tongue.
For a moment, she wanted to push him away. But her body betrayed her.
She kissed him back.
Their tongues danced together, exploring, tasting—desire igniting between them like a slow-burning fire.
By the time they pulled away, both were breathless.
Kael's black eyes bore into hers, dark with something she couldn't quite name. But before either of them could say a word, his eyes fluttered shut, and just like that—he fell asleep.
Esme blinked in disbelief.
"…Seriously?"
A soft laugh escaped her lips. Shaking her head, she carefully maneuvered his sleeping form onto the bed, grabbing a cool towel to wipe the sweat from his body.
As she finished, she moved to stand, but Kael's hand suddenly shot out, wrapping around her wrist.
"Stay…" he murmured, his voice laced with sleep.
Esme's breath hitched.
She looked down at him—his long lashes resting against his cheeks, his lips slightly parted. He looked so… vulnerable.
Her heart pounded in her chest.
"He probably won't even remember this tomorrow," she whispered to herself, but despite her words, she didn't pull away.
Kael shifted, his arm sliding around her waist, pulling her closer until her body was pressed against his.
Esme's cheeks burned.
What the hell was she going to do with this man?
****. ****. ****.