LOGINCain's POV Days later, I stood in the hallway again watching her move through the house. Ciara’s steps were too quiet, and her shoulders curved in. She didn’t know I was there. She never does until I decide she should. I straightened and moved further down the hallway. The study door was cracked open. Fuck, I hadn't been expecting this. Simon’s laptop laid on the desk, screen still unlocked because he always got careless when he drank. I slipped inside, closed the door behind me, and sat in his chair. The leather was still warm. He’d been here not long ago. My fingers moved across the keys without hurry swiping through old emails, voice memos and therapy notes. I read about how Ciara looked at me too long, how Alice asked too many questions about the shipments, how he’d fix it if she talked. I knew. I’d known for months. Simon showed up at my door one night months before the marriage really started falling apart. His eyes were bloodshot and knuckles split open. He told me h
Ciara's POV I am still counting my problems when Cain dives into the water, swimming toward me. My eyes are already failing me as I feel his arms wrap around my body, lifting me from the water. Air tears into my lungs the second my face breaks the surface. I cough violently, choking on water as Cain drags me against his chest, one arm locked tightly around my waist. His breathing is rough too. “Breathe,” he orders harshly. “Breathe, damn it.” I try. God, I try, but my chest resists so badly I can barely think. By the time we reach the edge of the pool, my body is trembling uncontrollably. Cain lifts me out first before climbing after me, water pouring from his clothes. He drops to his knees beside me instantly. “Look at me.” I can’t. I struggle to focus, but my vision keeps blurring. “Princess.” His voice cracked this time. “Look at me.” My eyes finally lifted to his. He cups my jaw roughly, brushing wet hair away from my face. “Can you breathe?” I nod weakly befor
Ciara's POV The after-party had thinned out by the time I slipped outside. Music still pulsed low from the speakers near the house, but most people had drifted indoors or passed out on lounge chairs. I needed air. Needed to get away from Simon’s hand on my lower back and the way he kept smiling at his father, like our whole marriage wasn’t rotting from the inside. My kimono jacket clung to my skin from the sudden heat. The thin silk stuck to my thighs and breasts as I walked to the edge of the pool. I kicked off my slippers and sat on the cool stone, dipping my feet into the water. “Are you okay?” Cain's familiar voice called from behind me. I turned. Cain is standing behind me with his hands in his pockets, shirt unbuttoned at the collar. His eyes moved over me slowly. I looked away and just stared at the ripples my feet made in the water. “Why do you keep looking at me like that?” He took another step closer. “Because I know exactly how you sound when you’re trying not to
Ciara's POV I kept my hands in my lap so no one would see them tremble. The lounge is filled with Redford Partners, Simon's associate and Mr Hale's colleagues. I'm already regretting hosting this event. It's nothing like I expected. I'm still very mad. Seraphine had to cancel at the last minute and Cain had to bring his perfect girlfriend down to my party! I smiled as conversation I had no interest in moved on beside me. I was supposed to be enjoying the after-party somewhere, but on this round table Simon dragged me to. I tried to eat, but the food sat heavy in my throat. I turned to the couples moving to the soft melody on the dance floor... Simon reached over and rested his palms on my thighs. The touch should have felt comforting, but it did the opposite. I smiled anyway. “More juice, darling?” he asked in a sweet voice. Lord, I want to throw up! Instead, I nodded. He poured it for me, then leaned in and kissed my temple right there in front of everyone. His lips linge
Cain's POV The elevator opened with a metallic groan as cold air hit my face immediately. I walked fast as I approached the archive door. It's still sealed. I turned the knob, but it's locked. I glanced around. There's no visible breach. I keyed in my override anyway. The heavy door unlocked with a dull click and darkness greeted me first, followed by the smell of cigarette smoke. Every muscle in my body locked. Nobody smoked in here like that anymore not after... I stepped inside slowly. The room stayed mostly dark except for one desk lamp glowing in the far corner. I squinted my eyes. A figure sat sideways on the metal desk with his fucking boots resting against my chair. He has a leather jacket on, at least whoever this intruder is has a decent sense of fashion.. The lamp caught the sharp line of his... her jaw as she lifted her head slightly. “Still walking around like you’re about to kill somebody,” she murmured. That familiar voice caused me to stop dead on my f
CAIN'S POV We returned to the hall and Simon’s hand stayed locked around Ciara’s wrist while guests floated around us pretending not to notice. My brother smiled for the crowd. Ciara tried pulling away once. His grip tightened. Something dark shifted low in my chest. “Easy,” I drawled lazily. “You’ll bruise your wife before the press photos finish circulating.” Simon glared at me. “You’ve had too much to drink tonight,” he said smoothly. I almost laughed, because between both of us, we know who the fucking drunk is. Ciara tried pulling her wrist free again. “Simon, let go.” She raised her voice. He released her instantly like he just remembered where they were. I sighed and looked away. Why the fuck am I even here? I secretly already own more shares in Redford Partners that the entire family put together, but I'm here to show my support to Father and prove that I'm capable of handling the firm after he passes. “There you are, honey.” Natalia slid back to my side. Her
Ciara's POV That touch meant nothing. So why do I still feel it? I rush out and lean against the wall in the hallway trying to steady my breathing. Cain’s follows me, striding forward and only stopping when he's very close to me. Standing in a tight hallway, we hold each other breath, neithe
Ciara's POV I shouldn’t have slept, not after what almost happened in that kitchen but I forced myself to sleep as soon as I made it back to bed without getting caught. And the next day,I woke up to an empty bed. Simon is already up. I sigh and rub my hands over my face. I hope he doesn't brin
Ciara's POV Simon pulls me upstairs, his fingers tightening around my wrist like he already knew I’d done something unforgivable. I whimper, struggling to free myself, but he doesn't let go until we are finally in the room with the door shut. He gently places me on a stool and kneels before me.
CIARA'S POV I totally forget what I came here for. All I can see is a tattoo, sweaty abs and a V-shaped that was lost somewhere beneath his waistband— "My face is up here." He snaps his fingers. Oh! I lift my head to meet his face. "Can you turn down the noise? I need to get work done ups







