Morningstar

  When Lowena got off the private jet, the fresh Irish air filled her lungs as she walked over to the only car at the airport, an antique truck, where a young man, not much older than her, was waiting.

  "Lowena? Lowena Morningstar?" the young man asked, his voice more profound for the appearance of his age.

  "Y-yes?" she hesitated.

  "Get in," he commanded.

  "Excuse me-"

  "I'm a friend of your uncle's," he interrupted. "I've lived with and worked for him for a long time."

  "How long?" Lowena questioned.

  "You don't trust me?" he winked.

  She briefly glanced at him. He was handsome. His short, wavy locks of hair fell effortlessly around his sharp, well-chiseled face, and his small amount of facial hair prevented him from looking as young as he was. When he exited the truck and took my luggage from my grasp, he towered over her; he had to be well over six feet, closer to seven. 

  "What's my Uncle's name?" she interrogated, folding her arms.

  "Eli," he bluntly replied.

  Silently, she stood there. Should she trust him?

  "Aren't you going to tell me your name? You know mine?" she sneered.

  "Kieran," he gritted, walking over to the passenger door of the truck and pulling it open, "Now get your sexy ass in the truck."

  She was uncertain what compelled her to listen to him, but she did. It was an uncomfortable hour's drive to her family's home. It was a massive castle, so beautiful. She'd never known where, but they'd always told her it was old money they were born into, as was she. 

  Lowena's parents passed away in a car accident about a month ago. Even though she was twenty and able to live independently, her aunt and Uncle insisted she come live with them. She couldn't find a reason to refuse. It had been so lonely and quiet in her big family home lately that she decided it was best to stay with them. 

  "Your uncle and aunt are away on business," Kieran said while pulling her luggage from the truck bed.

  "For how long?" Lowena whimpered and reluctantly followed after him.

  "Don't worry, we'll take care of you in their absence," he reassured.

  "We?" she repeated.

  Following Kieran inside her Uncle's estate, several boys lounged around watching television.

  "Everyone! This is Lowena," Kieran announced. "She's Eli's niece. Whatever she needs, you do for her, understand?"

  All the boys stood up in greeting, huddling together like a pack of wolves. They were beautiful in their dirty ways.

  "You're beautiful," the handsome young blue-eyed boy greeted, kissing Lowena's hand.

  Kieran grabbed the blond's wrist and jerked it away from me. "Don't touch her; you know the rules."

  "Rules?" she giggled.

  Kieran glared at the boy before turning back to me. "Your uncle wanted you to feel safe."

  Before she could respond, Kieran walked up the long flight of stairs.

  "It was nice meeting all of you," she smiled before chasing after Kieran. "Do you have to be so rude?" 

  Kieran never replied; his boots on the stone floors echoed against the walls. When he went through a set of double doors and tossed her luggage on the grand bed, she realized he was bringing her to where she'd be staying.

  "You'll be sleeping here," he grumbled. "We work a lot, so I hope you can fend for yourself.

  She folded her arms. "I can't do that?"

  "You're a rich young woman," he huffed before leaving my room.

  "Hey, asshole!" she hollered after him.

  When he turned, Lowena swore she saw glowing golden eyes. It must have been a trick of the light because when she blinked, they were the black they had always been.

  "Asshole?" he repeated before marching up to me.

  Her muscles stiffened upon his approach. She tried to hold her ground, but something about his presence was overbearing. Lowena looked up at him. He was so much taller than she was, making him even more domineering.

  "Asshole?" he growled, "After I picked you up from the airport, brought you home, carried your luggage up to your room, and ensured your safety, all you have to say is, asshole?"

  She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She could only drop my head in submission like she had done something wrong.

  He took a step closer, closing the gap between them both. Lowena felt his hot breath on her cold flesh. Her heart began to quicken in her chest, and excitement filled her body. 

  "Why don't you try something nicer?" he suggested.

  His massive hand caressed her tiny cheek. Her body broke out in a sweat she had never felt before. An ache, a yearning, was growing deep within her.

  "Th-thank you," she mustered.

  "Good girl," he rewarded me with a peck on my cheek before walking away.

  Lowena felt herself gasping for air as if something was trying to rob her of it. Kieran's attitude made him repulsive, but his words and face made him irresistible.