MasukKiara's POV
The room was dim. Only a small lamp in the corner cast a soft glow across the space. The hotel suite was massive and expensive. Everything about it portrayed wealth and power. He carried me inside, his arms strong around me. I felt weightless against his chest, my head resting on his shoulder. The alcohol was taking its toll now. Everything felt fuzzy and disconnected. My head spun. The room tilted and swayed even though I wasn't moving. He walked across the room and placed me on the bed gently. The mattress dipped under my weight, so incredibly soft. My body just sank into it, going limp. I shivered as my wet dress clung to my skin, cold and uncomfortable. Water dripped from my hair onto the sheets. He stepped back, looking down at me. His eyes swept over my trembling form, taking in the way I hugged myself, trying to get warm. His brow furrowed. Then he turned and walked to the wall, adjusting the thermostat. Warm air began to filter through the vents. "You can't sleep in those wet clothes," he said, his voice rough. "You'll catch pneumonia." I nodded weakly, too dizzy to argue. He left me for a moment. I heard a closet door open, the sound of hangers moving. Then he returned holding a large white shirt. "Take off your clothes," he placed the shirt on the bed beside me. "Put this on." I tried to stand, but my legs wobbled beneath me. I reached behind my back, fumbling for the zipper of my dress. My fingers wouldn't cooperate. They kept slipping, missing. I giggled, slightly embarrassed. "This stupid zipper... I swear it has a personal vendetta against me." I tried and failed again. "Maybe if I... no, that's not it either." I giggled, the alcohol making everything feel lighter and funnier than it should be. He cursed under his breath. "Come here." I wobbled toward him, almost falling. He caught me just in time, his hands gripping my waist, possessively. "You know," my words slurred slightly, "you're very good at catching me. Do you practice that? Catching drunk girls?" "Be quiet." Then he turned me around. His fingers found the zipper. He pulled it down and the dress loosened, falling away from my shoulders. "There we go," I burst out cheerfully. "See? Teamwork." I stepped out of it. Standing there in my underwear and bra. Nothing exotic, just plain cotton. They didn't even match. One was black, the other nude. I hadn't thought I'd end up naked in a sexy stranger's hotel room tonight. His eyes darkened as they raked over my body. They traced the curve of my waist, the swell of my hips, lingering on the simple black bra that cupped my breasts. His gaze dropped lower to the nude cotton underwear sitting low on my hips. Despite their plainness, the way he looked at me made them feel like the most erotic thing in the world. His pupils dilated, his breathing grew heavier. Hunger flickered in those dark depths, raw and primal. My skin heated under his stare. "Your bra," he said, his voice thick. I reached back, fumbling with the clasp. But my fingers were too clumsy and uncoordinated. "These things should come with instructions," I muttered. "Or maybe buttons are easier." He moved closer. His fingers brushed against my back as he unclipped it with practiced ease. The bra fell away. Despite the alcohol, despite my earlier boldness at the club, shame flooded through me suddenly. I clasped my hands over my breasts, covering myself. He scoffed. "Now you're shy?" His voice held dark amusement. "You weren't shy when you walked into my VIP section. When you kissed me like you wanted me to fuck you right there in front of everyone. So why the sudden modesty?" Heat flooded my face. My core clenched at his words. "I'm not shy..." I stuttered. "Just... this is different. That was... I don't know what that was. This is... this." "Then let go." I hesitated. My hands trembled. The moment I started to lower my hands, he stopped me. "Wait." I froze. "Put the shirt on first," his voice was darker now. "But..." "Now." "I can't." My hands clutched the discarded bra against my chest, fingers gripping the fabric with unsteady determination. He exhaled, then reached for the white shirt. "Lift your arms." I obeyed, raising them awkwardly while still trying to keep myself covered. He pulled the shirt over my head. The fabric was soft, enormous on me. It fell to mid-thigh, swallowing my frame. His knuckles grazed my shoulders as he tugged it down. Then his hands smoothed the material over my sides, adjusting it. The gesture was careful, almost tender. My breath hitched. The intimacy of him dressing me, taking care of me, made my body respond in ways I didn't expect. My nipples hardened beneath the thin cotton. A flutter started low in my belly. "Now," he ordered, his voice low and commanding. "Take off your underwear." I wobbled, trying to hook my thumbs into the waistband. He stopped me. "Don't." Before I understood what he meant, he knelt before me. My hands gripped his shoulders for balance. His muscles flexed beneath my touch, solid and warm. My fingers dug in, steadying myself as the room swayed. His fingers hooked into the waistband of my underwear. He sucked in a deep, ragged breath, as though my scent affected him. As though being this close, kneeling before me, tested every ounce of his control. Then, inch by inch, he slid them down. His knuckles brushed against my thighs. Heat followed his touch. My body tingled. Every nerve ending came alive. I wiggled slightly, trying to steady myself and ignore the sensation building between my legs. But his touch... his touch did things to me. Things I couldn't control. Wetness seeped between my legs. A shiver ran through me. The fabric slid past my hips, down my legs. His eyes stayed locked on mine. Dark. Intense. Burning. I stepped out of them. Completely naked under his shirt now. My thighs clenched together, trying to ease the ache. But it only made it worse. "Go to bed," he said, his voice rough. Strained. I walked to the bed on shaky legs. My body felt like it was on fire. Every step sent sparks of need through me. I climbed onto the mattress. "Get in," he ordered. I slid beneath the covers. The sheets were cool and smooth against my bare, heated skin. Then he tucked the blanket around me. His fingers brushed against my shoulder. Brief. Fleeting. But enough to make me gasp softly. "Where will you sleep?" I asked quietly. "That's none of your business." His tone was firm, final. "Sleep now." He turned and walked away. I closed my eyes, trying to sleep. But my thoughts were fuzzy, jumbled. The room kept spinning even with my eyes shut. A thought crept into my hazy mind. What if I had this one night? One night to live a little. To forget everything. By tomorrow, I'd forget it all anyway. The alcohol would erase it. Make it feel like a dream. Minutes passed. Then I heard water running. The shower. More minutes. Then the bathroom door opened. Steam filtered out into the room, warm and humid. He came to bed. I felt the mattress dip. Felt his heat radiating across the space between us. He smelled clean now. Soap and shampoo and masculine underneath. I lay there, restless. My body felt hot despite the cool sheets. The alcohol made everything feel heightened, intense. That ache between my thighs wouldn't go away. It only grew stronger. More demanding. More steam drifted from the bathroom. I couldn't sleep. Couldn't think straight. His eyes were closed. His breathing even. Steady. A wild thought formed. Gently, carefully, I took the duvet. Slid it down. His chest came into view. Bare. God. Six pack. Toned. Every muscle defined. His skin looked smooth, warm. I wanted to touch it. Wanted to trace every ridge, every dip with my tongue. I trailed my fingers softly across his chest. He didn't stir. Then I moved. Threw my leg over him. Straddling him. My hands pressed against his chest. His skin was warm. Firm. I felt his heartbeat beneath my palms. His eyes flew open, wide with shock before narrowing into dangerous, feral intensity. His hands shot up, gripping my wrists. Hard. Bruising. "What the hell are you doing?" His voice was rough, almost a growl. I leaned closer. My hair fell around us like a curtain. My breath mingled with his as my lips brushed against his. I whispered: "I want you to fuck me. Just this one night. Just once. By morning, I'll forget everything anyway." My hips rolled against him, feeling him harden beneath me. "So why don't you make it memorable?”Kiara's POVZander Creed was furious.I could tell from the way he practically dragged me out of the restaurant, his hand leaving my waist to close firmly around mine as he marched through the hotel lobby."Zander, slow down!"He didn't answer, and I hurried after him, struggling to keep up with his long strides."Zander, please! You're walking too fast, and you're hurting my hand."He stopped immediately and released my hand. I rubbed it.For a moment, his eyes lingered on my hand, but he said nothing. He simply pressed the elevator button, his fingers twitching.Oh, God.Maybe I shouldn't have challenged him in front of Cole.I'd seen Zander irritated before, but something about the way he'd gone completely silent since leaving the restaurant was making me nervous.The elevator arrived, and he gestured for me to enter.I stepped inside, followed by Zander, who pressed the button for our floor and stood beside me."Zander?" I ventured, glancing at him through the mirrored wall. "Are
Kiara's POV "That depends on what protections we agree to before the sale." "Such as?" "Privacy commitments, your involvement in the company's future, and clear conditions about major changes to the platform. You don't have to abandon everything that matters to you simply because ownership changes." Zander turned towards me. "Those terms would have to be negotiated." "Of course," I agreed. "I'm not saying we've agreed to them. I'm saying they're worth discussing." Cole nodded. "Now that's more interesting." He turned to Zander. "And would Creed Industries agree to restrictions on what it can do with a company it owns?" "I'm not agreeing to conditions I haven't seen. But if you have reasonable concerns, put them on the table, and we'll discuss them." Cole studied him. "That's more encouraging than what I heard from your previous team." "Then perhaps you should take advantage of the opportunity." The waiter returned with our food, setting Zander's grilled st
Kiara's POV I straightened in my seat, giving him a confident smile. "Actually, that's why we wanted to meet you in person." "Oh?" "The previous discussions focused mainly on what Creed Industries wanted from Max Com. We thought it might be better to discuss what Max Com needs from Creed Industries." Cole leaned forward, curiosity replacing some of the mischief in his expression. "Interesting." "Thank you." "Although I have to say, you're not quite what I expected." I tilted my head. "What were you expecting?" "Someone older, perhaps." I smiled. "Does age determine whether someone understands a business proposal?" His smile grew. "No. But experience usually helps." "Of course. And sometimes a fresh perspective helps identify what experience has overlooked." Cole laughed. "Fair point. I like your confidence." I glanced at Zander. He gave me a slight nod. That tiny gesture did more for my confidence than I wanted to admit. "Then I hope you'll like what we have to s
Kiara's POVCole Maxwell was not what I expected.For one thing, he was handsome.Not Zander Creed's kind of handsome.Zander had that intimidating, mature attractiveness that made you want to argue with him and immediately regret opening your mouth.Cole was different.He was tall, slim, almost lanky, with brown hair, a sharp jaw, and a charming smile that made him seem younger than he did in the photographs I'd seen online.He wore a fitted jacket over a casual shirt, with no tie.And unlike Zander, who looked as though he owned every building he walked into, Cole seemed perfectly comfortable letting everyone know he didn't need to.He stood when we approached his table."Well, well." His smile widened. "If it isn't the great Zander Creed."Zander extended his hand, his expression hard as stone."Maxwell."They shook hands, and I couldn't help noticing how Zander's larger palm almost swallowed Cole's.Neither man seemed eager to let go.Was this some kind of billionaire ego thing?G
Kiara's POVHe studied me for another moment, and I returned his stare with the sweetest smile I could manage.What? Did he expect me to thank him for abandoning me last night?Not a chance.Zander glanced towards the restaurant entrance and stepped aside."Come on. Cole is expecting us."I followed him, resisting the urge to stick my tongue out at his back.Arrogant man.And not even one compliment about my dress.Not that I wanted one.Obviously.We were halfway across the lobby when the reality of what I was about to do hit me.Cole Maxwell. The man I had to sit across from over breakfast and help convince to sell his company. This wasn't a boardroom presentation, and he had already rejected Creed Industries' previous approach.What if he challenged my ideas or refused to take me seriously? Zander had brought me all the way to Aspen because he believed I could help. I didn't want to disappoint him.I pulled out my phone and searched my notes for Max Com's expansion costs, then its
Kiara's POVThe first thing I noticed when I woke up was that Zander wasn't in bed.Not that I'd expected him to be.After what happened last night, I wouldn't have been surprised if he'd packed his bags and flown back to New York just to avoid me.I sat up, pushing my hair away from my face as memories of last night came rushing back.God!What a disaster.One minute, he'd been on top of me, ordering me to stop moving as though I was the one who'd started the whole thing. The next, he'd practically fled into the bathroom, leaving me lying on the sofa, embarrassed and wondering what the hell had just happened.I'd eventually dragged myself into bed and fallen asleep.And now he was nowhere to be found.I climbed out of bed and checked the bathroom, even though the open door made it obvious he wasn't there."Of course," I muttered.I walked into the living area, ready to search the entire penthouse if necessary, but stopped when I noticed a pillow at one end of the sofa and a throw bla
Kiara's POV I burst through the double doors, my bag bouncing against my hip as I raced down the hallway. My head was pounding. I woke up this morning with the worst hangover of my life. And now I was late to the one event I couldn't afford to miss. The event where my dad was hosting. The hallw
Kiara's POVOh shit.I stood a few meters away from the club, phone pressed to my ear. Lisa's number went straight to voicemail. I tried Amy next. Same thing.Earlier, I'd searched everywhere inside the club. The dance floor, the bathrooms, even near the bar. Finally, I'd asked the bartender about
Kiara's POVMy heart pounded uncontrollably.The sexy man I'd kissed had cleared out the entire VIP section with just a wave of his fingers. I'd marveled at how much power he had, how everyone obeyed without question. And now we were all alone.This was Lisa's fault for daring me, but I couldn't le
A standalone novel from the Daddy Series. 🌶🌶If you enjoyed my book Falling For My Ex's Dad, then you would love this even more. Forbidden love. Love triangles. Passion. Obsession. And a dangerous addiction that threatens to consume them both. Kiara's POV "Shots! Shots! Shots!" Lisa sla







