In The Lion's Den ...

~Kai

I pulled into the estate late in the evening, still grinning from the look on Seraphima’s face when I left her stranded on the roadside. The slap had been worth it. That girl was fire, and I was already planning my next move.

The house was quiet when I walked in. Too quiet.

No sign of Rhea. No sarcastic comment waiting for me, no dagger pressed to my throat, no glaring hazel eyes.

I checked the living room, the kitchen, then went upstairs to her room. Empty. Her tactical gear was gone, and so was the small duffel bag she usually kept packed.

On the bedside table, a single folded note waited for me.

I picked it up and opened it.

Kai,

I won’t be back for three days.

Behave.

Do not bring any slut into this house while I’m gone.

If I find out you did, I will make sure the next time I pin you to the wall, the dagger won’t stop at drawing a little blood.

I read it twice, then chuckled softly, shaking my head. “Bossy even when she’s not here,” I muttered.

I folded the note and slipped it into my pocket, still smiling. Part of me was annoyed she’d just disappeared without a word.

Another part, the reckless part felt a strange mix of relief and challenge. Three days without Rhea breathing down my neck meant three days of freedom.

I took a long, hot shower, letting the water wash away the day. When I finally collapsed into bed, naked and exhausted, sleep came fast.

The next morning I woke up refreshed and back on my feet.

No Rhea banging on my door. No cold glare waiting for me at breakfast. Just silence and the big empty house.

I took my time getting ready for school. I combed my curly hair until it looked perfect, chose a crisp white shirt that showed off my chest and arms, and paired it with dark jeans. I even sprayed on the cologne I knew girls liked.

Today felt like a fresh start.

I grabbed my bag, hopped into my car, and headed to campus with the windows down and music loud.

Seraphina Ashford was waiting in my thoughts the entire drive.

I was going to find her today. And this time, I wasn’t going to let one little slap stop me.

When I arrived at school, I spotted her almost immediately. She was standing near the fountain in the central courtyard, surrounded by a small group of girls who were clearly trying to get her attention.

Seraphima looked effortlessly regal, blonde hair cascading in perfect waves, wearing a fitted cream blouse and a high waisted skirt that accentuated her long legs.

She was listening to them with that cool, slightly bored expression, as if their conversation was barely worth her time.

I walked straight toward her, ignoring the curious glances from other students.

As I approached, her group noticed me first. The chatter died down. Seraphima turned her head, and those icy blue eyes locked onto mine.

For a split second, I saw a flash of annoyance, probably remembering yesterday’s slap and my little roadside prank.

I flashed her my most charming smile. “Morning, Seraphima. Still mad about the ride yesterday?”

She didn’t smile back. Instead, she crossed her arms, tilting her head with that signature arrogant lift of her chin.

“You have some nerve showing up after abandoning me on the side of the road like a discarded toy, Kai Lennox,” she said coolly. Her voice carried just enough volume that her friends could hear. “Most guys would be smart enough to stay away after a stunt like that.”

I stepped closer, undeterred, lowering my voice so only she could hear the next part.

“Most guys aren’t me. And I figured a girl like you appreciates a little chase. Besides…” I let my eyes drift slowly down her body and back up, “you look even better when you’re angry.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but I caught the tiniest spark of amusement in her eyes before she masked it.

“You’re delusional if you think that kind of cheap charm works on me,” she replied, voice dripping with disdain. “I don’t do boys who play games and then run away. Grow up first, then maybe I’ll consider letting you breathe the same air as me.”

She turned to her friends, dismissing me completely, as if I’d already ceased to exist.

I stood there for a second, then chuckled under my breath.

“Challenge accepted,” I muttered to myself.

I walked away, but not before shooting her one last grin over my shoulder.

She was going to be a lot of fun.

Later that afternoon, Trent found me near the parking lot, grinning like an idiot. “Party tonight, bro. And guess what? Your house is the venue.”

I raised an eyebrow. “My house?”

“Yeah, man. Your dad’s place is basically a palace. Perfect for a proper blowout. You in?”

I thought about the empty estate and the note Rhea had left. A slow smile spread across my face.

“Thank your stars my bodyguard isn’t home,” I told him. “If Rhea was there, she would’ve thrown every single one of you down the stairs before you even stepped inside.”

Trent laughed. “Then it’s settled. Tonight’s going to be legendary.”

______

______

The house was alive.

Music blasted through every speaker, lights dimmed low, and the massive living room had turned into a full blown nightclub.

People were dancing, making out in corners, laughing too loud, and drinking like there was no tomorrow. Bottles covered the marble tables, and the air smelled like expensive liquor and perfume.

I sat on the large throne-like armchair in the center of the room like a king, a glass of red wine in my hand, legs spread casually.

I was on my third glass, feeling relaxed and untouchable, watching the chaos unfold around me.

Then the front doors opened. Seraphima Ashford walked in. And every head in the room turned.

She looked fucking sinful.

She wore a tight, blood red dress that clung to every curve like liquid silk. The neckline plunged dangerously low, showing off the perfect swell of her full breasts and a generous amount of cleavage.

The dress was so short it barely covered the top of her thighs, and a high slit on one side revealed a smooth, toned leg with every step.

Her long golden blonde hair fell in loose, sexy waves down her back, and her makeup was bold smoky eyes and deep red lips that made her look both angelic and dangerous.

She walked in with two guys flanking her like bodyguards, but it was clear she was the one in charge. Heads turned. Whispers spread.

She moved with that same arrogant confidence, chin high, like the entire party existed just for her entertainment.

I nearly choked on my wine.

What the hell?

I quickly pulled out my phone and called Trent, who was somewhere in the crowd.

“Trent, get over here right now,” I hissed the moment he picked up.

He appeared a few seconds later, slightly out of breath. “What’s up?”

I nodded toward Seraphina, who was now laughing at something one of the guys said, her hand resting lightly on his arm.

“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me she was coming?” I demanded.

Trent looked genuinely surprised. He stared at her, then back at me.

“Bro, I’m finding out right now too,” he said, eyes wide. “I swear I didn’t invite her. She must’ve heard about the party through someone else. Damn… she looks insane tonight.”

I couldn’t stop staring.

The red dress hugged her ass perfectly, the slit flashing her thigh every time she moved. She looked like pure temptation wrapped in danger.

Her eyes suddenly scanned the room and landed directly on me. For a moment, our gazes locked.

She gave me that cool, superior smile. I took another slow sip of wine, a dangerous smile forming on my lips.

This party just got a lot more interesting.