Delilah’s POV What happened?That was my first thought as my lashes fluttered open. The fog cleared and I glanced around wildly, not recognizing the unfamiliar room.My stomach turned when I spotted my car keys, my purse, my phone—laid out neatly on the dresser like trophies.Every instinct screamed trap. My heart thumped wildly when I remembered those men in the van grabbing me.Who…what's all this??I didn't have to guess more because the bathroom door opened, and he filled the space like the demon he was.Water clung to him in shimmering drops, sliding down hard ridges of muscle, soaking the towel slung low on his hips. His hair was wet, dark strands dripping against his temples. Thorne moved with that lazy, lethal grace I remembered too well—the kind that always made me feel cornered even in the largest room. And he wasn't smiling.And when his eyes caught mine, they pinned me, causing my breath to stutter.“You’re awake, little fox.” His voice was cold. My heart slammed, my lu
Delilah’s POVI stormed upstairs, throwing on jeans and a blouse with shaking hands. I grabbed my phone and purse hastily. I wasn’t going to breathe the same air as him a second longer. I'd stay in a hotel, anywhere but here.When I swung the door open to leave, I slammed straight into him. The tray tipped, the bowl of steaming food splashing across my chest and arms.“Shit!” I yelped, stumbling back, the burn biting my skin. Now my blouse is ruined, thanks to this annoying ass. Caleb’s eyes widened, his broken arm trembling under the weight of the tray. “I—sorry. Your aunt said I should take this up to your room.” Then he had the nerve to smirk. “And of course, I know no matter how angry you are, you can’t resist your favorite meal.”Oh you have no idea. He has no idea what I’ve become.I folded my arms. “How’s Cheryse, Caleb? Does she know you’re crawling around like a fucking pest in my life? What do you want from me?”“Delilah, look—I’m sorry.” His voice softened. His eyes glist
Delilah’s POVTHE NEXT DAY…The smell hit me before I even reached the kitchen. My stomach growled. Gosh, the rich, buttery garlic, grilled chicken, that exact way I loved it. My chest tightened with a flicker of joy. Last nights event pissed me off— that ungrateful scum told me to fuck off, literally— but at least aunt is making my favorite.I hurried in, hair messy, still tugging down the oversized shirt I’d slept in. And then I froze.This..Can't..Be...Real….“Morning, sweetheart,” Caleb said without even looking up. His arm was strapped up in a sling, but that didn’t stop him from stirring at the stove like it was his damn home.Oh no, no, no… how did he… what's he doing here ?My heart stopped, then started racing so violently I thought it would break out of my chest. “What the fuck—Caleb?” My voice cracked. “What are you doing here?!”He glanced over his shoulder, his lips curving into a soft smile . “Cooking for you. Thought you might like to wake up to your favorite meal.
Thorne’s POVThe hammer connected with a sickening crack.“Fuck!" Caleb’s scream tore through the sterile room, his body arching off the hospital bed. He clutched his arm like it might fall off, blood rushing to his pale face as sweat dripped down his temples.I smirked, rolling the hammer in my palm. “You think it’s funny, huh? Playing pretend? Making my Delilah worry for you with all your fake groans?” I leaned close, my voice dropping to a whisper against his ear. “Guess it doesn’t feel so funny now, does it?” “You bastard… you’ll pay for this.” He spat.Empty threats. He hasn’t got a single tough bone in his damn body. Pathetic I chuckled, straightening. “Oh, you’re still stubborn? Even with a bone snapping like twigs under this hammer?” I tilted my head, studying him like an insect I’d pinned to glass. “That’s impressive. Stupid, but impressive.”Caleb’s lips curled, a twisted smile pushing through his grimace. “Delilah… she’ll never love you. You think hurting me makes you the
Caleb’s POV I couldn't stop smiling inwardly. Staging an accident is fun as hell. The pain was nothing. The only thing I'm gonna regret is the huge gash on my forehead that'll leave a scar. Throwing myself into her car at the right angle was nothing I couldn’t handle. I also faked my broken arm, to show the severity of the collision. It's easy when your friend is a doctor. Sweet lord! The way she gasped my name, the way her hands trembled as they touched me like I was about to shatter… That was priceless. Her sweet scent is driving me insane. I groaned again, louder this time, clutching my arm as if were broken. Her eyes widened, her face pale with fear, and I nearly laughed. She still cared. For all her anger, her cold words, her running off to China—her first instinct was to save me. And I loved it. She looked scared as she cupped my face. “Jesus, Caleb, you’re bleeding. Don’t close your eyes. Hey, stay awake. You'll be fine—” “You think… I’ll make it?” I rasped, pretending
Delilah's POV I woke up feeling like death. My stomach wouldn’t stop twisting, and the dull ache behind my eyes made me want to stay buried under the sheets forever. It's been three days since I received that message from Thorne— he always find ways to reach me. He gave me a three-day ultimatum to stop whatever bullshit I'm doing. And maybe I want to — but I won't. I deserve an explanation.The new phone I got a day ago was buzzing on the nightstand. I frowned, dragging it closer, checking the caller.It was Naomi. For a second, I thought it was a mistake. She hadn’t spoken to me properly in days. She wouldn't even pick my calls. When she wasn’t ignoring me, she was throwing daggers with her eyes, as if I’d wronged her in some unspeakable way. My thumb hovered before I finally swiped.“Naomi?” My voice came out groggy.I heard a deep exhale “Oh Dee, I'm so sorry!”I got up slowly, interested now. “I’ve been so mean to you,” she whispered. “And you didn’t deserve it. I know that.”I