MasukSora I finish my pastry and take another sip of champagne, trying to focus on anything other than the uncomfortable thoughts running through my head. Kade is still beside me, speaking to someone who seems particularly interested in discussing business. I have absolutely no idea what they're talking about, and honestly, I don't care enough to find out. I glance toward the bathroom across the ballroom. "Baby, I'm going to freshen up." Kade looks down at me, his fingers briefly brushing my waist. "Do you need me to come with you?" I shake my head, smiling. "Unless you've suddenly developed a passion for women's bathrooms, I think I'll manage." He laughs and leans down to kiss my forehead. "Don't get lost, Shadow." "No promises." I leave him with his conversation and make my way across the ballroom, weaving between guests until I finally reach the restroom. Thankfully, it's relatively quiet when I step inside, with only one woman standing in front of the mirror, touchin
SoraThe ballroom is crowded, and I am beginning to regret agreeing to come here.I have spent the last few minutes smiling at people whose names I have already forgotten, while Kade introduces me as though he is presenting some very important business acquisition.Honestly, at this point, I wouldn't be surprised if someone asked for my financial records.I take a sip of my drink and lean closer to him. "How many more people do I have to meet?"Kade glances down at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Getting tired already, Shadow?""I'm getting tired of smiling. My cheeks are beginning to hurt, and I haven't even had anything to eat."He chuckles, placing a hand against my lower back. "You could've eaten before we left.""And miss the opportunity to eat free food at your family's expense? Absolutely not."His laughter draws a few curious glances from the people standing nearby, but he doesn't seem to care. Instead, he bends slightly and presses a kiss against my temple before reaching
Sora I twirl around in my office chair, a pen lodged between my teeth as I stare at the documents scattered across my desk. I've read the same paragraph three times and still have no idea what it says. At this point, I'm beginning to suspect the words are deliberately rearranging themselves whenever I look away. My phone lights up beside my laptop, and I don't even need to check the screen before a smile spreads across my face. Kade: What time are you closing today? I pick up the phone, biting back a grin as I type my response. Me: Why? Miss me already? His reply comes almost immediately. Kade: Unfortunately. I gasp, placing a hand over my chest as though the man has just committed a terrible crime. Honestly, the audacity. A few weeks ago, he could barely go ten minutes without finding an excuse to touch me, and now he's acting like missing me is some unfortunate medical condition. Me: That's not very romantic, Kaden. Kade: Come home and I'll show you romantic.
Sora Kade has made it his personal mission to taunt me all evening, practically teasing me every chance he gets while acting like the most innocent man alive. Am I being silly for being this needy for him? Maybe. But I'm his girlfriend. Aren't couples supposed to be all over each other whenever they get the chance? He looks like he wants to pounce on me, but he's holding back. Why? Does he need me to spell it out for him? Fuck me, Kaden Black! “Argh!” I groan, pulling away from him and throwing my hands up in frustration. “Do you like the movie?” Kade asks, sounding like a nervous teenage boy. “You seem distracted, babe.” I turn to stare at him. Who wouldn't be? We've gone from having sex almost daily to whatever the hell this is. Apparently, my boyfriend has suddenly decided that being a gentleman is his full-time occupation. And honestly? I'm beginning to hate it. I don't need another gentleman. I need the Kade who couldn't keep his hands off me back at
Sora “A new bet?” he asks, the corner of his mouth twitching. “What kind of bet?” I move closer, biting back the teasing giggles threatening to escape. “You're obviously in love with me. How about we make a bet on how long it'll take you to make me fall in love with you?” Kade freezes. His head snaps in my direction, and for a brief second, I catch something almost frightening in his eyes. A flash of greed. His adam's apple bobs as he swallows, and I watch his lips curve into a slow, dangerous smile. “What do I get for winning?” He closes the distance between us, his hands finding their way into my hair. His fingers tighten gently against my scalp, drawing me closer until there's barely any space left between our faces. “Go on, Shadow. Tell me.” I try to move back, but his hold remains firm, and he doesn't seem particularly interested in letting me escape. Well, shit. My teasing has officially backfired. Damn Kade. “I... you get...” I stammer, losing whatever li
Kade “Where’s Stacy now?” she asks, shifting in her seat. The leather creaks beneath her, and she turns slightly toward me, waiting for an answer. “Breanna’s psych ward…” The words leave my mouth emptily, my eyes fixed on the space between my feet. Paxton had sent Stacy into the deepest parts of the earth. The fucking bastard. “That’s why you wanted me away from him.” Sora snaps, punching my shoulder. “You could’ve just said so, Kade.” I glance at her, rubbing the spot she hit. “Would you have believed me?” My voice comes out quieter than I intend, and the question seems to catch her off guard. Her lips part like she wants to argue, but she lowers her head instead, picking at a loose thread on her clothes. Before she can answer, the car comes to a halt. “We’re here,” the driver announces, adjusting the rearview mirror and shooting us his toothy grin. Damn, to be half as happy as he is. The man seems void of any worries in life, but shit, I know better. Everyone has some







