Sweet Hatred
Chapter 51: A promise

Chapter 51: A promise

As the executives stood, murmuring among themselves, Tanaka extended a hand toward Kael, who shook it with that same composed ease. And then, just as I turned to gather my things, I felt Kael’s presence beside me.

"Were you nervous firefly?" he murmured, his voice just low enough for me to hear.

I opened my mouth, about to respond, but before I could, another figure approached.

"Mr. Roman," one of the other businessmen said, his expression pleased. "Your handling of today’s negotiation was remarkable. A few of us are attending an exclusive gathering tonight—a birthday celebration for one of Kyoto’s most influential investors. You’ll find plenty of valuable connections there. We’d be honored if you joined us."

Connections. The word almost made me chuckle. Kael was the connection himself and that word itself felt like an understatement.

Kael glanced at me. And then he smiled.

"I’d be delighted."

I barely suppressed a sigh. That look in his eyes meant one thing: I was going with him.

The businessman grinned. "Perfect. We’ll send a ride for you later tonight."

And just like that, the night was set. I could only brace myself for whatever Kael had planned next.

***

The minute we returned to the hotel, Kael loosened his tie, poured himself a drink, and sank into the couch like a king surveying his territory. I expected him to ignore me from exhaustion or something but instead, his eyes flicked to me, sharp and unreadable.

"Come here."

I hesitated. The room felt too quiet, too intimate. But before I could find an excuse to walk away, he reached for my wrist and pulled me toward him, guiding me onto his lap with that same effortless authority he wielded in the boardroom.

"Kael—" I tensed, but his grip was firm, a silent command to stay.

He studied me, amusement dancing in his poisonous eyes. "You’ve been staring at me all morning."

I scoffed, shifting as much as his hold allowed. "It’s called observation. I wanted to see if you’d screw up."

His smirk deepened. "And?"

I refused to give him the satisfaction of an answer. Instead, I tried to push off him, but he barely let me lift an inch before dragging me back down. The sudden movement made me bounce against his thighs, and heat flooded my face as I felt the unmistakable hardness beneath me.

For just a sec—I gave in and grinded slowly against him before stopping myself.

His fingers tightened around my waist, pulling me closer until our faces were inches apart. "Are you mad at me?"

I knew exactly what he was referring to. Last night. The way he had pressed his lips against my skin, how he had bit and kissed my thighs with such agonizing slowness, only to leave me aching and frustrated, hovering on the edge. I refused to acknowledge it, but the smug way he was looking at me now made it clear—the bastard fucking knew.

"Let me go, Kael." My voice was firm, but he didn’t move. If anything, his grip only got stronger.

"You are mad." His voice was low, taunting. "Were you itching to be filled by me that much?"His free hands slid up my lap, his fingers imprinting it.

My pulse hammered. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"Don’t worry firefly." He chuckled, the sound deep and knowing. Then, his lips brushed against my ear, his breath warm as he whispered, "I’ll give you what you want... soon."

The promise sent a shiver down my spine. My body betrayed me, reacting to his every word, his every touch, even as my mind screamed at me to push him away. But Kael had already unraveled me too many times. And now, he was enjoying every second of watching me fight it.

With a final smirk, he released me, letting me stand, but not before running his fingers down my arm in a slow, lingering touch that left my skin burning. "Get some rest," he murmured. "We have a long night ahead."

I turned and walked to the bedroom, but even as I shut the door behind me, my heart was still racing, my body still betraying me.

Damn him.

•••

The moment I stepped out of the car, I felt Kael’s eyes on me like a brand as he stood silent, observing.

The evening gown he had chosen for me was sinful—deep black, silky, and clinging to every curve. The back dipped scandalously low, leaving my skin bare to the cool air and, more dangerously, to his touch.

He was already waiting for me by the door, dressed in a black suit that fit him too well. The sight of him was almost unfair—tall, sharp, and devastatingly composed. One of his hands was in his pocket, but his gaze told a different story. It was slow, dragging over every inch of me, setting fire to my skin with nothing but a look.

He moved before I could speak, closing the distance in effortless strides almost caging me in. His hand found my waist, firm and possessive. The other brushed over my spine, his fingers ghosting over my bare skin in a way that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Perfect," he murmured, his voice low, approving. "You’ll steal the show tonight."

I swallowed, trying not to react to the way his breath tickled my ear. "I highly doubt that."

He chuckled, dark and knowing. "Oh, but you will. And I’ll be the one they envy most."

"Ugh please."

Before I could roll my eyes, he leaned in, his lips barely brushing the shell of my ear. "I can’t wait to have fun tonight with you Aria."

The promise in his voice was dangerous, teasing, and laced with something wicked. My heart pounded against my ribs, my fingers curling at my sides to keep myself from reacting.

He knew exactly what he was doing. And worse—I was letting him do it.

With a smirk tugging at his lips, he guided me forward, his palm never leaving my waist as we stepped toward the grand entrance of the event. Heads would turn, whispers would follow, but none of it mattered.

Not when Kael was looking at me like that.

Like he already had me where he wanted.

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