3. The Cold-Blooded Man

The marriage registry office wasn't exactly packed that morning, but the air inside felt like it was boiling to Lona. She stood beside her mom, Bella, who looked breathtaking in a cream silk blouse. Bella kept fussing over her hair, looking restless and giddy, like a teenager on her very first date.

"Lona, do I look okay? Not too much?" Bella asked, checking her reflection in her phone screen for the hundredth time.

Lona just rolled her eyes, leaning her curves against a marble pillar. She’d worn a tight, soft pink knit dress on purpose today it barely covered a third of her thighs. Every time she moved, the fabric clung to her body, drawing hungry stares from every man walking by.

"You look fine, Mom. Relax, he's not gonna run away," Lona said lazily. "Where is he anyway? It’s past the time. Maybe he’s having second thoughts about being Husband Number Five."

"Shush! Don't talk like that. Revan is busy; he said he had a quick thing at the office. Ah, there he is!" Bella’s voice hit a high, excited pitch.

Lona followed her mother’s gaze toward the parking lot. A man was walking toward them with wide, confident strides. In that split second, Lona’s heart actually skipped a beat.

He was wearing a navy blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing thick, veiny forearms—the kind that belonged to a man who worked hard but kept it classy. His hair was perfectly styled, but it was his face that hit her like a physical blow.

A sharp, chiseled jawline topped with a neatly trimmed shadow of a mustache. His eyes were like a dark hawk’s—cold, piercing, and looking right through everything. And his lips... they were full and tempting, even though they were set in a hard line.

"Sorry I'm late, traffic was a mess," his voice came out deep and raspy, sending a literal shiver down Lona’s spine.

"It’s fine, Revan! Meet my daughter, Lona." Bella pulled her forward.

Lona leaned in, making sure her chest nearly brushed against Revan’s arm as she reached out. she flashed him her sweetest, most dangerous "good girl" smile.

"Hi, new Daddy... I'm Lona," she whispered, locking eyes with him. She purposely held his hand a second too long, her thumb grazing his palm in a slow, suggestive stroke.

Revan’s expression didn't change. At all. No spark of lust, no hesitation. He gripped her hand briefly and let go almost instantly. "Revan," he said shortly.

Lona was stunned. 'That’s it?'

"Come on, the official is waiting for us inside," Bella said, hooking her arm through Revan’s thick bicep.

As they sat through the boring paperwork in the stuffy room, Lona couldn't take her eyes off him. This guy was on a whole different level. His broad chest looked rock-solid under that thin shirt.

Every time he signed a document, the muscles in his arm flexed, and Lona found herself swallowing hard at the view.

"So, Mr. Revan, your status is single? Never been married before?" the clerk asked.

"Never," Revan replied bluntly.

"Wow, Ms. Bella, you really scored a fresh one," the clerk joked.

Bella let out a light laugh. "Well, I guess it was just meant to be."

Lona leaned her head on her mom’s shoulder, but her eyes were glued to Revan’s thighs, wrapped in high-quality slacks. She "accidentally" dropped her pen right by his feet.

"Oops..." she murmured. She bent over slowly, making sure her cleavage was front and center for him. She took her sweet time picking it up, looking up at him from the floor with a thirsty, heavy-lidded gaze.

Revan barely glanced down before turning back to the clerk. Zero reaction. Lona felt a surge of genuine frustration.

'Damn, this guy really plays hard to get,' she thought, annoyed.

Once the business was done, they walked out to the lot. The midday sun hit Revan perfectly, making the light sweat on his temples glisten.

"Revan, are you heading straight back to the office?" Bella asked playfully.

"Yeah, I’ve got a meeting at one. I'll walk you to your car," he said.

Lona moved to his other side, letting her rounded hips bump into his arm as they walked. "What is it you do, Daddy Revan? You're so busy. Don't you have any time to hang out with me?"

Revan stopped dead in his tracks, forcing Lona to stop too. He looked down at her, his icy hawk-eyes boring into hers. They were so close she could smell his woody, masculine cologne.

"I’m your future father, Lona. Watch your tone," he said, his voice low and intimidating.

Lona just smirked, stepping an inch closer until her stomach was touching his waist. "My tone? Was I being bad? I just wanted to get to know my... new Daddy a little better."

Revan didn't flinch. He stood his ground like a brick wall. "Save the act for your boyfriends at school. Don’t even try it with me."

"Wait, what are you two talking about?" Bella asked, catching up.

Lona instantly flipped the switch to 'sweet daughter' mode. "Nothing, Mom! Just asking Daddy Revan what he likes to eat so I can cook him something... special at home."

Bella beamed. "Oh, aren't you the sweetest? See you at dinner then, Revan. I’ll have everything ready."

Revan gave Bella a polite nod. "See you then, Bella."

Before getting into his car, he shot Lona one last look. It wasn't a look of desire—it was a warning. Lona just blew him a kiss and winked.

As his car pulled away, Lona got into her mom’s car, her head spinning. She was pissed at being ignored, but she was also buzzing with excitement. She’d finally found a challenge.

"He's gorgeous, right?" Bella asked while driving.

"He's... alright, for an older guy," Lona lied, though her mind was already picturing what it would feel like to be pinned down by that athletic body.

"He’s firm, Lona. A man of few words, but he gets things done. I actually feel safe with him."

Lona stared out the window with a wicked grin. *Safe, huh, Mom? We'll see about that. Let's see if he stays your protector, or if he becomes your daughter’s predator.*

She whipped out her phone and texted Noah.

["Noah, Number Five... he's gonna take some extra work. He’s hotter than I thought, but cold as ice. I think I need a more 'daring' outfit for dinner tonight."]

Noah replied instantly: ["Be careful, Lon. Don't end up being the one who gets eaten alive."]

Lona let out a dark little giggle. 'Eaten alive?' That was exactly what she was hoping for. All the other guys had boring, predictable lust.

But Revan? He had an aura that made her want to be conquered as much as she wanted to break him.

Back at the house, she went straight to her room and tore through her closet. She needed something undeniable. She pulled out a sheer, red satin slip dress with a slit that went all the way up to her hip. That would be her "welcome home" gift.

"Revan... such a pretty name to ruin," she whispered, pressing the satin to her lips. She imagined the cold, stoic Revan finally groaning in frustration because of her.

She’d make him forget all about that marriage contract with Bella. He’d be too busy focused on her.

Lona stood in front of her mirror, running her hands over her hips and her firm chest. She knew no man could keep his cool looking at this for long. If Revan was acting tough now, it was only a matter of time before he was begging.

That evening, the house was transformed. The table was loaded with gourmet food, and scented candles were flickering everywhere. Lona waited in her room, biding her time for the perfect entrance.

She heard a car pull into the driveway. Peeking through the curtains, she saw Revan get out. He’d changed into a black polo shirt that hugged every muscle in his chest.

"Game on," Lona whispered with a triumphant smirk. She slipped off her bra, letting her nipples press visibly against the thin satin fabric before she sauntered out of her room, moving with every bit of heat she possessed.