the kiss

Chapter 9: The Kiss

AMARA

The drive back to my penthouse was quiet. Comfortable. The kind of silence that didn't need filling.

I sat in the passenger seat of Lucian's car, watching the city lights blur past the window. My heart was still full from seeing Kai. From holding him. From hearing him say he missed me.

Three years. Three years of believing I'd lost him forever. And Lucian had given him back to me in one afternoon.

"Thank you."

The words broke the silence. Lucian's eyes flicked to me briefly before returning to the road.

"You already thanked me."

"I know. But I need to say it again." I turned in my seat to face him more fully. "What you did today—bringing Kai to me—I don't have words for what that means to me."

His hands flexed on the steering wheel. "You don't need words."

"Lucian—"

"I saw an opportunity to give you something you needed. So I took it." His jaw was tight. Controlled. "You don't owe me anything, Amara."

But I did. I owed him everything.

The air in the car shifted. Thickened. I could feel the mate bond humming between us, stronger now after last night. After the restaurant. After watching us sit together like a family.

His scent filled the car. Pine and smoke and something uniquely him that made my wolf stir with interest.

I watched his profile in the dim light. The strong line of his jaw. The way his hands gripped the steering wheel just a bit too tight. Like he was holding himself back from something.

"You're staring," he said, his voice lower now.

"I know."

His eyes met mine for a brief second, and the heat in them made my breath catch. Then he looked back at the road, but his hand moved from the steering wheel to rest on the center console.

Close to mine. Not touching. But close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his skin.

I don't know what possessed me, but I reached out and placed my hand over his.

His entire body went still. Then his hand turned over, his fingers threading through mine, holding tight.

We didn't speak for the rest of the drive. Just sat there with our hands linked, the mate bond singing between us.

When we pulled up to my building, neither of us moved immediately.

"Amara," Lucian said quietly.

"Yeah?"

"If I walk you to your door, I'm going to want to kiss you again."

My heart hammered against my ribs. "Is that supposed to discourage me?"

His smile was slow and dangerous. "Just a warning."

He got out of the car and came around to open my door. The doorman greeted us, but I barely heard him. All I could focus on was Lucian's hand on the small of my back as he guided me into the building.

We rode the elevator in silence. The tension was so thick I could barely breathe. Every time his hand shifted against my back, electricity shot through me.

When we reached my door, I fumbled with my keys. My hands were shaking.

Lucian took them from me gently and unlocked the door himself. Then he handed them back, his fingers brushing mine.

"Goodnight, Amara."

He started to turn away.

I grabbed his hand before I could think better of it.

He stopped. Looked back at me. Those amber eyes were blazing.

"Don't go," I whispered.

"Amara—"

I tugged on his hand. Not hard. Just enough to show him I meant it.

He turned back fully, and suddenly we were close. Too close. His body heat wrapped around me. His scent overwhelmed my senses.

Then he pulled me toward him.

I stumbled, my heels catching, and fell against his chest. His arms came around me immediately, steadying me, holding me.

My hands landed on his chest. I could feel his heart pounding under my palms. Could feel the barely contained power in his body.

Our eyes locked.

His hand at my waist tightened. His other hand came up to cup my jaw, his thumb brushing across my cheekbone.

"Really, Miss Amara?" His voice was low. Deep. It sent shivers down my spine. "Am I not going to get a reward today for putting a smile on this beautiful face?"

His thumb traced along my jawline. Slow. Deliberate. Every touch felt like fire against my skin.

My eyes fluttered closed. I couldn't help it. The feeling of his hand on my face, the warmth of his body pressed against mine—it was overwhelming.

"What kind of reward?" I managed to whisper.

"This kind."

His mouth crashed into mine.

The kiss was fire. Pure, consuming fire that burned through every defense I'd built over the last three years.

His lips moved against mine with desperate intensity. Hard and demanding and absolutely relentless. His hand in my hair tilted my head back, angling me exactly where he wanted me.

I kissed him back with everything I had. Three years of loneliness and pain and carefully constructed walls came crashing down. My hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer even though there was no space left between us.

His tongue swept into my mouth, claiming every inch. The taste of him—whiskey and mint and something uniquely male—made my head spin.

A moan escaped my throat. His grip tightened in response, his fingers digging into my hip hard enough to bruise.

Good. I wanted the bruises. Wanted proof that this was real.

His mouth moved from my lips to my jaw. Hot, open-mouthed kisses that made my knees weak. When his teeth scraped against my neck, right over my pulse point, I gasped.

"Lucian." His name came out breathless. Needy.

"Say it again." His voice was rough against my skin.

"Lucian."

He groaned, the sound vibrating through his chest into mine. His mouth found mine again, and this kiss was slower. Deeper. He explored every inch of my mouth like he was memorizing the taste of me.

My wolf was howling inside me. Screaming for more. For everything. The mate bond flared between us, hot and electric and absolutely undeniable.

His hand slid from my waist down to my hip, then lower, gripping my thigh. He lifted my leg slightly, pulling me even tighter against him.

I could feel every hard plane of his body. Could feel exactly how much he wanted me.

When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing hard. His forehead rested against mine. His eyes were that blazing amber-gold that meant his wolf was right at the surface.

"Come inside," I breathed. The words escaped before I could stop them.

"No."

I blinked, trying to clear the haze from my mind. "What?"

"Not tonight." His thumb brushed across my swollen lips. "When I take you to bed, Amara, when I finally have you the way I've been dreaming about since the moment I met you, it won't be because you're grateful or emotional or high on the mate bond. It will be because you've chosen me. Completely. With a clear head."

"I'm choosing you now."

"You're not thinking clearly." His smile was gentle despite the heat still burning in his eyes. "And I want you to be absolutely sure. Because once I have you, I'm not letting you go. Ever."

The possessiveness in his voice should have scared me. Should have made me pull away.

Instead, it made me want him more.

He stepped back, putting distance between us, and I immediately felt the loss of his warmth.

"Goodnight, Amara."

"Goodnight," I managed, my voice still shaky.

I watched him walk to the elevator. He pressed the button, then looked back at me one more time. The heat in his eyes promised that this was far from over.

Then the elevator doors closed, and he was gone.

I stood there in my doorway for a long moment, my lips still tingling, my body still humming with awareness.

Then I went inside, closed the door, and leaned against it.

What the hell was happening to me?

Three years ago, I'd sworn off men. Sworn off relationships and feelings and anything that could make me vulnerable again.

But Lucian was breaking through every defense I had. And the terrifying part? I was letting him.

Across town, Damien sat alone in his office.

The building was dark. Everyone had gone home hours ago. Just him, a bottle of whiskey, and the photograph on his desk.

Amara. Five years ago. Soft and uncertain and desperate for his approval.

He poured another glass, his hands shaking slightly. The alcohol burned going down, but it didn't stop the rage building in his chest.

"I want you back," he said to the photograph. To the empty room. "You're mine, Amara. You were always meant to be under me. With me. Mine to control."

He'd been so certain she would come crawling back. That three years in the real world would break her. Teach her that she needed him.

But she hadn't come back. She'd gotten stronger instead. More beautiful. More successful.

Everything he'd told her she could never be.

"I thought you would come back," he continued, his voice getting louder. "I waited. I kept your room exactly as you left it. I told myself you just needed time to realize you couldn't survive without me."

He drained his glass and poured another.

"But you didn't come back. You built an empire instead. You made yourself into someone powerful. Someone who doesn't need me."

The glass shattered against the wall. Whiskey dripped down the paint.

"If I can't have you back, no one will."

The words echoed in the empty office. Final. Absolute.

Damien started laughing. It started as a chuckle, then grew louder. Wilder. The kind of laugh that didn't sound sane.

"No one will have you, Amara. If you won't be mine, you won't be anyone's. I'll make sure of it."

He laughed until his throat was raw. Until tears streamed down his face.

Until the only sound in the dark office was his manic laughter and the ticking of the clock.

AMARA

I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face.

The memory of last night hit me immediately. Lucian's mouth on mine. His hands on my body. The way he'd kissed me like I was the only thing in the world that mattered.

My face heated up just thinking about it.

I stretched in bed, feeling more relaxed than I had in years. The mate bond hummed contentedly in my chest, satisfied with finally being acknowledged.

The doorbell rang.

I frowned and grabbed my robe, padding to the door. When I opened it, there was no one there. Just a massive bouquet of roses on my doorstep. Deep red, at least five dozen, in an elegant crystal vase.

Next to it was a large white box tied with a silver ribbon.

I brought everything inside and set it on my dining table. The roses smelled incredible. Fresh and sweet and expensive.

I found the card tucked between the stems.

"The roses blush in gardens fair, yet pale before your beauty rare. The emerald leaves on forest trees cannot compete with eyes like these. Nature's canvas, vast and wide, dims when you stand by its side. You are the masterpiece divine that makes the stars forget to shine. Be my plus one for the Sovereign Gala this Saturday. I promise to make it worth your while. - L"

My smile grew with each line. The Sovereign Gala. The most exclusive event of the year.

I opened the box carefully. Inside was a dress that stole my breath.

Bottle green silk that shimmered in the light. The neckline plunged dangerously. The back was completely open. The skirt would cling to every curve before flowing out.

It was stunning. Elegant and sexy and absolutely perfect.

I held it up to myself and looked in the mirror. The color made my eyes pop. Made my skin glow.

For the first time in years, I looked at myself and saw someone beautiful. Someone worthy of a dress like this. Worthy of a man like Lucian.

My phone buzzed.

Lucian: Did you get my delivery?

I bit my lip, smiling at my phone.

Me: The roses are beautiful. And the dress is incredible.

Lucian: Not as beautiful as the woman who'll be wearing it. Is that a yes?

Me: Yes. I'll be your plus one.

Lucian: Good. I'll pick you up at 7 on Saturday. Wear the bracelet Kai made you.

My throat tightened. He'd thought of everything.

Me: I will. Thank you.

Lucian: Stop thanking me and start getting ready for work. You're late.

I glanced at the clock and cursed. He was right.

I rushed through my morning routine, that smile never leaving my face. Lately, I'd been smiling a lot. And Lucian was the cause. Every time I thought of him, warmth spread through my chest.

Three years of ice was finally melting.

I grabbed my bag and headed down to the parking garage.

The moment I stepped outside my building, a black Mercedes screeched to a halt in front of me, blocking my path.

I stopped, anger flaring. "What the—"

The driver's door opened.

Damien stepped out.

He looked terrible. Wrinkled suit. Messy hair. Bloodshot eyes like he hadn't slept in days.

"Amara. We need to talk."

"No, we don't." I tried to step around him.

He moved to block me. "Please. Just five minutes."

"I have nothing to say to you, Damien. Move."

"I know you still love me." The words tumbled out rushed. Desperate. "I know you're angry. You have every right to be. But I'm ready to take you back. Just say the word."

I stared at him. "Are you insane?"

"I made mistakes. I see that now." He stepped closer. I stepped back. "But we can fix this. We can be a family again. You, me, and Kai. The way it should have been."

"The way it should have been?" My voice rose. "You cheated on me, Damien. For months. You told me I was worthless. You let Sera take my place and poison my son against me. And now you think I want to come back?"

"Sera was a mistake. She's nothing compared to you." His hand reached for mine. "You're my wife, Amara. You belong with me."

I jerked away from his touch. "I was your wife. Past tense. I don't belong to anyone."

"We had five years together. We have a son." His voice cracked. "That has to mean something."

"It means I wasted five years on someone who never valued me." I stepped forward now, anger giving me strength. "Five years of you telling me I wasn't good enough. That I was weak. That I was inadequate. I took a bullet for you. I almost died having your child. And you repaid me by sleeping with your mistress in our home."

"I know." His eyes were wild now. Desperate in a way that made my skin crawl. "I know I hurt you. But I love you. I've always loved you."

"That's not love. That's possession."

"It's the same thing!" His voice rose, drawing attention from people passing by. "You're mine, Amara. You were always meant to be mine. Under me. With me. Forever."

I looked at him with disgust. How had I ever fallen for this man? How had I ever believed he was worthy of my devotion?

"In your dreams, Damien."

His face twisted. The desperate mask cracked completely, revealing something ugly and obsessive underneath.

"You think Volkov cares about you?" His voice turned vicious. "He's using you. Playing with you. The moment he gets bored, he'll throw you away. Because that's what powerful men do."

"Lucian is nothing like you."

"He's exactly like me!" Damien grabbed my arm, his fingers digging in painfully. "We're both Alphas. Both ruthless. Both take what we want. The only difference is you're too blind to see it."

I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

"Let me go."

"Not until you listen." His face was inches from mine now. His breath smelled like alcohol. "I love you. I want you to come back to me. I'm ready to give you everything. The Luna position. Respect. Power. Your son back. Everything you've ever wanted."

"I don't want anything from you."

"Liar." His other hand came up to grip my other arm. "You're just scared. Scared to admit you still love me. That you still want me."

"I feel nothing for you but disgust." I looked him straight in the eyes. "You're pathetic. A sad, desperate man who can't accept that he destroyed the only good thing in his life. I will never come back to you. Never."

His grip on my arms became bruising. "You will. Because you have no choice. I'm filing for full custody of Kai. I'm going to make sure you never see him again unless you come back."

"You can't—"

"I can and I will." His smile was cruel. "Come back to me, Amara. Be my Luna again. Or lose your son forever."

I slapped him.

Hard.

His head snapped to the side. His hands released my arms in shock.

"You don't get to threaten me with my own son." My voice was cold. Deadly. "And you don't get to touch me ever again."

I walked past him toward my car. He didn't try to stop me this time.

But his voice followed me.

"This isn't over, Amara. You're mine. And I always get what's mine back."

I got in my car and locked the doors. My hands were shaking. My arms hurt where he'd grabbed me.

But I wouldn't let him see me scared.

I drove away without looking back.

Meanwhile, Lucian sat in his office reviewing contracts when his phone rang.

Dimitri.

"Boss, we found them."

Lucian's entire body went still. "The traffickers?"

"Yeah. Three of them. We've been tracking the child smuggling ring for months. These bastards are the ones who've been stealing our shipments too. We have them in the basement."

Lucian's hands clenched into fists. "I'll be there in a minute."

He stood and removed his suit jacket, rolling up his sleeves. What he was about to do required getting his hands dirty.

And he was more than willing.

The basement was cold and dark. Concrete walls. Steel door.

Lucian pushed it open.

Three men were tied to chairs in the center of the room. Their faces already bloody and swollen. Half-conscious. Barely able to lift their heads.

In the corner sat instruments. Tools designed for one purpose.

To extract information through pain.

Lucian walked slowly toward them, his footsteps echoing off the concrete.

"Gentlemen," his voice was cold. Lethal. "Let's have a conversation."