All Chapters of Tempt Me, Daddy (Claimed in the Dark): Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

CHAPTER TWORAIN’S POV I was still standing when he got closer.That was the first problem.The second problem was that the man smelled so good I nearly forgot my own name.His cologne had no business doing that. It was calm, expensive, and rude. Like him.He stopped in front of me and looked at me for a second, not in a hard way.“Sit, Rain.”His voice was smooth enough to make me obey before my brain caught up.“Okay.”I sat quickly and awkwardly, clutching my small handbag like it could save me from embarrassment. He sat across from me on the couch opposite mine, one ankle over his knee, easy and composed, like men like him were born in rooms like this and never once felt out of place.Meanwhile, I was trying not to stare too openly.He was even more unfair up close.“Let me introduce myself properly,” he said. “I’m Lucien Vale.”I blinked.He continued, “You can call me Mr. Vale or Lucien. Whichever makes you comfortable.”“Hmmm.”Brilliant, Rain.He looked like he noticed my lac

CHAPTER FOURRAIN’S POV Dinner felt longer than it should have.Thelma was talking about something funny that happened at the mall, and I knew I was supposed to laugh, or at least smile, but I could barely hear her over the sound of my own heartbeat.“Rain?”I looked up. “Hm?”Thelma blinked. “I said the saleslady was flirting with Uncle Lucien so badly. You should have seen her.”I forced a smile. “Really?”Thelma laughed. “You sound so serious. Yes, really. She nearly folded herself in half.”Across the table, Lucien lifted his glass of water calmly. “That is not what happened.”“It absolutely is,” Thelma said. “She was smiling too much. She asked for his number.”“Thelma, she just wanted to have it in case I needed a doorstep delivery.”“You're being ridiculous, all she would've have asked was your address if that was truly the case, the fuck does she need your number for??”Lucien glared. “Language.”I stared at my plate and pushed my food around with my fork. After a while, I he

CHAPTER SIXRAIN’S POV I spent the next two days hiding in my room like a coward.I only came out at night when Thelma knocked softly. We’d sit on my bed whispering about silly stuff — what she was watching, how Rhode’s cooking was spoiling us, nothing deep. Then I’d crawl back under the covers before Lucien got home. I ate dinner early with the staff so I wouldn’t have to sit across from him. Every time I heard his car pull in, my stomach flipped and I locked my door.He asked about me twelve times. I know because Thelma counted. He knocked four times too. Each time I pretended to be asleep, heart hammering so loud I was scared he’d hear it through the wood.By Friday evening I thought I was safe. He was supposed to be out late.I limped downstairs, cast off because it made me feel like a child, and headed to the kitchen. Thelma and Helen, the househelp, were at the island playing chess, laughing quietly.Thelma looked up and grinned. “There she is. Thought you’d turned into a ghost

CHAPTER EIGHT RAIN’S POV Days flew by after that massage in Lucien’s study. I threw myself into York like it could save me. First day was just orientation — new buildings, new faces, too much noise. I kept my head down and survived.Second day was better. I met Gilead in my art history class. She had purple streaks in her hair and a backpack covered in anime pins. We bonded instantly over our shared obsession with *Attack on Titan*.“You actually get it!” she laughed after class. “Most people here only talk about fancy painters. Finally someone normal.”We swapped numbers and started texting memes between lectures. It felt good to have a friend who wasn’t connected to my complicated home life.On the fourth day, Gilead dragged me to the campus café after our morning class. “Come meet my brother. He’s picking me up today.”Gideon was waiting outside. Tall, blonde, easy smile. The kind of guy who looked like he belonged in a magazine.“Gideon, this is Rain. Rain, my annoying big broth

CHAPTER TENRAIN’S POV The next day at school dragged. By the time my third class ended, I was already tired and ready to go home. I stepped out of the building and froze when I saw Gideon’s car parked right in front. He got out quickly, looking nervous.“Rain, wait. Please.”I kept walking toward the gate without answering.He jogged after me. “I’m so sorry about last night. My nephew got really sick suddenly. I had to rush him to the hospital and my phone died. I couldn’t even text you. I felt terrible the whole time.”I stopped and turned around. He looked genuinely sorry, eyes wide and pleading.“You could’ve called from the hospital or something,” I said quietly.“I know. I messed up. Let me make it up to you. At least let me drive you home today?”I hesitated. Part of me wanted to stay mad, but another part was tired of being angry. “Fine. But don’t do that again.”He smiled in relief and opened the passenger door for me. “Thank you. I won’t.”The drive started quiet. Then he s