4

Hazel POV

“Yes, sir.”

The words came out sharp from the bodyguards. They didn’t hesitate anymore. Rough hands grabbed my arms, yanking me forward like I weighed nothing. My feet stumbled over the concrete as they hauled me toward the open door of the Maybach. I didn’t even have time to scream again before I was shoved inside, the door slamming shut behind me with a heavy thud.

The car smelled like leather, expensive cologne, and now wet fabric from the water I’d thrown. I froze on the seat, heart slamming against my ribs so hard it hurt. I hadn’t expected this. Not any of it. I thought maybe he’d yell, maybe have me arrested, maybe just drive away laughing at the crazy girl in the parking lot. But this? Being dragged into his car like some prize? My stomach twisted.

And then there he was—Alpha Asher Royal—right in front of me.

Up close, his presence was overwhelming. The air around him felt thick, heavy with something dark and dangerous. His aura pressed against my skin like a storm cloud ready to break. I shrank back against the door, trying to make myself smaller. My hands trembled in my lap.

He wiped the water off his face with the back of his hand, slow and deliberate. Then his eyes locked on mine. They were black with fury, burning holes straight through me. He reached out fast, fingers clamping around my chin so hard I gasped. Pain shot through my jaw.

“You must want to die,” he growled, teeth clenched, voice low and deadly.

I flinched, the ache blooming under his grip. I jerked my head to the side as much as I could. “I said I have something to talk to you about!” My voice came out bolder than I felt.

His laugh was cold, bitter. “I don’t want to talk to you. Do you know how many women like you try to seduce me every single day? ‘Want to talk about something?’” He snorted, mocking. “Find a better excuse next time. I don’t even want to touch you. Get out of my sight!”

He shoved me hard. I flew backward, my shoulder slamming into the car door. Pain exploded down my arm. I bit my lip to keep from crying out, tasting blood.

I gritted my teeth and sat up straight, glaring at him even though my whole body shook. “How arrogant to assume I want you. I’m not interested in you at all! I’m here about my brother’s case.”

His eyes narrowed, ice-cold. I didn’t stop.

“I’ve heard you’re supposed to be a man who keeps private and public affairs separate. But I didn’t expect you to be a villain who does terrible things and won’t even own up to them!”

“Who are you calling a villain?” he snarled, voice rising in real anger.

It was probably the first time in his life anyone had dared say that to his face.

I stared right back, refusing to look away. “Am I wrong? My brother isn’t the type to get drunk and do crazy things. There’s no evidence he did anything wrong.” I pointed at him, finger shaking. “But you abused your power and threw him in jail anyway. If you’re not a villain, then why?”

“What jail? What crazy things?” He shook his head like I was speaking nonsense. “You’re good at making up stories. I’ll give you thirty seconds to get out. If you don’t, you won’t ever leave.”

The space inside the car felt smaller by the second. The air was hot, thick, suffocating. I could see sweat on his forehead, the way he tugged at his tie like it was choking him. He yanked off his coat, ripped open the top three buttons of his shirt. His chest rose and fell fast.

“I’m not lying!” I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. “I know I can’t fight you. I know that. So I’m begging you… Mr. Royal, with all your power, you can release my brother. I’ll do anything. I’ll even become your slave.”

The words tasted bitter, but I meant them. I would give up everything—my freedom, my pride, my future—if it meant Lucas walked free.

Alpha Asher’s impatience only grew. He leaned back into the shadows, but I could feel his gaze on me, heavy and wrong. Something in his eyes shifted—dark, hungry. The alcohol was in his blood; I could smell it on his breath.

He moved closer. Slowly. Too slowly.

I caught the faint scent of my own body—sweat and fear and the cheap soap I used at home. It seemed to hit him like a drug. His nostrils flared. His pupils blew wide.

He curled his lips into a sneer. “What could you do for me? I don’t like ordinary things…” His voice dropped lower. “Why don’t you repay me with your body?”

His breath washed over my face, hot and sour with wine. Goosebumps raced across my skin. I pressed myself harder against the door, heart racing.

Before I could move, his arm shot out. His hand slapped against the window behind my head, caging me in. I was trapped between the door and his body.

Panic clawed up my throat. I reached for the handle, ready to throw myself out and run, no matter how far.

But he was faster.

His hands were on me—rough, impatient. He started pulling at my hoodie, yanking it up. “You’re already here,” he murmured, smirking. “Why bother thinking about running? Don’t you want to save your brother?”

Then his mouth crashed onto mine.

I froze. The world tilted. It felt like lightning struck me—sharp, burning, electric.

His kiss was hard, demanding, nothing gentle about it. I tasted wine and anger and something darker.

In the front seat, Ronald’s voice cut through. “Put up the divider! Get out of the car!”

The driver scrambled. The thick black partition rose with a soft whir, sealing us in. Then the doors opened and closed—Ronald and the driver disappearing outside.

I heard muffled orders. “Disperse. Guard the exits. No one comes near.”

We were alone.

Alpha Asher’s kisses turned hungrier, more violent. His hands roamed, tearing at fabric.

I snapped out of the shock. “What are you doing? Let me go! Don’t touch me!”

My voice cracked. I shoved at his chest with everything I had, but it was like pushing a wall. He didn’t budge.

My resistance only seemed to make him worse. His breathing grew ragged. “No?” he rasped, voice thick. “You don’t want this? Well, it’s too late.”

Another brutal kiss. I tasted blood—his lip, my teeth. I bit down hard, desperate to hurt him, to wake him up.

He didn’t even flinch. His tongue forced its way past my lips, claiming, invading. My head spun. My arms and legs went weak. I couldn’t push anymore.

I didn’t know when my hoodie came off. Or my shirt. The cold air hit my skin, but his body was burning against mine. The car felt too small, the air too thick. Pain and fear and humiliation crashed over me in waves.

I whimpered, tears streaming down my face. My whole body shook. I felt like I was drowning, like I might faint any second.