The grandfather clock struck eight, signalling that only two hours remained before the event began.
Downstairs, the kitchen was alive with rapid movements, pots clattering, footsteps thudding, hushed voices rising and falling. It was obvious the staff were in a frenzy, trying to finish the dishes and set the table perfectly for the young master and his wife.
Meanwhile, in the master's bedroom, Ivana sat quietly, her gaze fixed on her husband.
He stood before the mirror, sliding his watch around his wrist with that calm confidence she loved until he suddenly paused.
"Why did he stop?" she murmured under her breath.
As if he heard her, he turned. His eyes met hers, warm and sensual, the kind of look that made her heartbeat pick up without warning. After a moment, he cleared his throat softly.
"Do you need something, baby?" he asked.
She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger, pretending to think.
"Like what?" Her lips curled into a teasing smile. "Your… little distraction down there?"
She licked her lips playfully, fully aware of the effect she had on him.
She knew she was daring him, but she still wanted to play with fire.
He let out a sensual laugh, a slow smirk plastered on his face.
"You're sure that's what you need?"
"Maybe."
Her lips curved in a teasing smile, but it quickly disappeared the moment a flash of last night's memory hit her. Her legs still hurt from their lovemaking.
Her cheeks warmed instantly as her eyes drifted to his lips. Those soft, tempting pink lips he was now slowly running his tongue across, leaving them glistening and impossible to ignore.
Those lips, the same ones that had sucked and kissed her until she was weak, breathless, and shaking violently.
He eyed her for a moment, then turned away to pick up his tie, knotting it with practiced ease.
Without warning, he crawled back over to her, gently spreading her legs open. He slipped in between them, his thumb rubbing the strap of her gown slowly, teasingly moving it up and down her shoulder.
She was already wet.... he could smell her arousal from where he sat.
"Tell me something, Ivy."
"What?"
Her tone was soft, seductive. A gasp slipped out when he rubbed his thumb again this time on her bare shoulder.
"Why are you still in your nightdress? Do you want to go for another round?".
He began removing his tie, but she placed her hands on his chest, stopping him. She slid her fingers around his tie instead, knotting it properly and giving his cheek a quick peck.
"Um…"
She blushed, looking away.
"Talk to me, baby."
He gently turned her face back to him, his warm breath fanning her lips.
"Um… Kacy… I… um…" she stuttered, licking her lips nervously.
"Really?"
He let out a low groan, leaning closer until his lips almost brushed her jaw.
"You know your voice alone turns me on. It's so soft and sweet… like a melody in my ears."
"I… um… are you going for the party now?"
She whispered the question, her face burning. His lips were already nibbling along her jaw, pulling another helpless moan from her.
He chuckled and bit down a smile.
"So that's what was so hard for you to say."
He smirked mischievously, wrapping the strap of her gown around his middle finger and pulling it down slowly until it reached her waist. Her breasts bounced free,cute, soft, already taut and waiting for him.
He used his middle finger to tease her nipple, pulling it gently before releasing it.
Just beside her ear, he whispered;
"Like I said before… you're little Miss Attitude, until I make you grip the sheets."
She gasped, her lips parting as soft moans spilled out.
"Um… ahhh… Kacy… please…"
"My baby…"
His voice dropped to a husky whisper as he cupped her breast, sucking slowly at first. But soon, his mouth grew rougher, biting, pulling, tasting.
A sharp wave of pleasure shot through her. The moans pouring from her lips grew louder. He loved her sounds,her cries and whispers, it drove him insane in a way that felt both unfair and completely fair.
"Ahhh… it hurts…"
"You're sure?" he asked.
"Y–yeah… but it's…"
She fidgeted, too shy to say what was on her mind. Her wide innocent eyes stared at him.
"It's what, baby?"
He dipped his head to the curve of her neck, waiting.
Her silence lingered, and he exhaled quietly against her skin. The sudden gasp that escaped her lips made his smile deepen, pleased by her reaction.
"Please, Kacy…"
She squeezed her eyes shut as he bit the curve of her neck, hard enough to make her squirt,then soothed the spot with gentle kisses.
"You won't talk?"
His seductive voice sent electricity running through her spine.
She finally forced herself to meet his gaze. And when she saw his expression, her heart tightened. There was desire. There was possessiveness. And beneath it… Something else.
Something soft.
Something warm.
Love?
Her breath hitched.
"Does he love me?" she wondered.
But she quickly shook it off. "I shouldn't hope for what's meaningless".
She swallowed hard, wanting to look away but trapped under the heat in his eyes. The desire burning in him only made her own blood heat, matching his hunger with her own.
He gulped, his Adam's apple bobbing as he watched her slowly lick her lips.
That alone made him throb painfully.
She has no idea what she does to me, he thought.
She doesn't know she's the only one who can command me without even trying.
She doesn't know that I'm in love with her in a way that consumes every breath I take.
Loving her… it isn't hell.
No.
It's the only piece of heaven I've ever touched.
Everyone else can see it, any fool could, but she's still blind to it.
I'd scorch the earth for that woman.
I'd pull the world apart and hand her the pieces if she whispered it into my ear.
His jaw flexed, breath turning sharp.
And God, if she ever walked away from me, I do not know what pieces of myself would be left behind.
He dragged in a breath, feeling the darkness settle deeper inside him.
What has she done to me?
I cannot sit in my office for five minutes without her invading my mind.
Her voice, her body, her smile, everything about her drives me into madness.
I keep imagining the ways I would pull her back into my arms,
the ways I would make her tremble and breathe my name
until she can no longer speak.
Both of them grew quiet.
Their thoughts tangled, their breaths heavy.
The noise of the house, the ruckus from the kitchen, the ticking of the grandfather clock...all faded.
It felt like the world had paused just for them.
After a long moment, he smirked and finally broke eye contact.
She instantly faked a tiny cough, staring down at her hands as she played with the hem of her gown.
He let out a low laugh and reached out, flicking her forehead gently.
Her eyes shot back to him, glaring playfully, but the moment her soft emerald eyes met his steamy, intense blue ones, her irritation melted instantly. His gaze alone felt like a warm touch skimming her skin.
"Tell me your thoughts, Ivy," he said, his calm, sensual voice curling through her like heat.
Her breath hitched. Her body reacted before she could even form a word,warmth pooling low, a quiet ache building just from hearing him speak.
"Not so easy, baby…" she breathed out. "I need something in return."
"And that is?" he asked, smirking because he already knew where this was heading.
"Stop calling me Ivy."
"Hmmm…" He gave her a soft, teasing smile. "Then what about… little moonlight?"
A rush of color spread across her cheeks. "Jeez I'm not little." She turned away as if hiding her own smile.
"Oh? Well, you are my little moonlight," he said with that voice that softened and dominated at the same time. "It's either that, or forget about making a deal with me."
She fell straight into the trap.
"Fine, as you wish, Your Highness."
He laughed low, sensual, and completely self-satisfied.
"As I wish, right?" he murmured, winking.
That's when she realized her mistake. She didn't say she accepted that nickname, she gave him the freedom to choose anything. She groaned and smacked her head lightly.
"Don't do that again, Ivy," he murmured, catching her wrist and leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I can't risk seeing you hurt."
His palm warmed her skin as he rubbed the spot gently. She could only stare, struck speechless by how tender he was with her even when teasing.
"So," she whispered, "you're not going to stop calling me Ivy… and now I also have a new nickname. Little moonlight, right?"
Her soft, calm voice poured over him like warm honey sweet, soothing, impossible to resist.
And Kacy?
He sank.
Every time she spoke, something inside him unraveled.
Everything about her, her scent, her voice, her touch, her curves, her innocence and boldness tangled together everything drove him insane.
He cleared his throat, trying to regain control, but the hunger in his eyes betrayed him.
"Hmmm… you fell for your predator's trap," he murmured, stroking her soft hands. "My prey."
The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver dancing down her spine.
She swallowed hard, watching his Adam's apple move, mesmerized. She wanted to touch him… slide her fingers through his silky black hair, trace that sharp jawline, brush her lips over that sensitive spot at his throat. But fear and shyness held her back.
What she didn't know was that Kacy would crave even the smallest touch from her and just her voice gives him satisfaction and peace the kind of peace he had longed.
She thought she fell short beside him, her impossibly gorgeous husband who seemed almost unreal.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly masculine.
His hair fell in soft black waves that framed his angular face perfectly.
His eyes icy blue yet simmering with heat when he looked at her....were the kind of eyes that stole breath.
A sharp jaw, a faint shadow of stubble, lips that curved into sinful smirks just for her.
Veins traced down his forearms, disappearing under his fitted shirt, his hands large and warm, the kind that held her waist as though she were something precious.
He moved with a grace that was both elegant and predatory.
And when he looked at her… he looked like a man fighting the urge to lose control.
She doubted she heard half of what he said. She was lost in thoughts and she couldn't confess.
He didn't interrupt her.
He loved watching her think, loved the softness in her eyes, the shy bite of her lip, the curve of her neck, her perfect form.
Her waist he could span with his hands, her soft curves, her delicate collarbone, her lips he wanted to taste every second.
She was crafted for him.
His.
Only his.
"Sorry, you were saying?" Ivana asked softly, snapping him out of the trance she unknowingly put him in.
"You still haven't told me what you feel when I touch you," he said quietly, stepping closer. "Gently… or roughly. Or when you scream my name, only my name."
She flushed, turning her face away.
"Um… how do I even put it…"
"Pleasure, right, little moonlight?" he whispered hotly against her ear.
A tremor ran through her. She quickly turned her face back to him, and his smile told her he loved that reaction.
"I don't know… pain is there too," she admitted softly, biting her lip as their closeness made her dizzy.
He brushed his thumb over her lips, and she fought back a soft sound, her breath unsteady.
"Kace w-…" she began, but his finger slipped past her lips, and she instinctively closed around it.
Once.
Twice.
She didn't even realize what she was doing.
"Ivy.." his voice broke, ragged with restraint. He swallowed hard, trying to control the urge to take her right then. Her soft lips around his finger sent a jolt through him, his whole body tightening painfully.
A deep groan escaped him before he could stop it.
It was raw.
Low.
Dangerous.
She startled, eyes widening. She was sucking on his finger like a piece of chocolate.
"S-sorry…" She pulled away quickly, her face a deep shade of red. The sound he made replayed in her head, addictive, intoxicating. She wanted to hear it again… and again.
He composed himself slowly, his eyes burning with need and desire as he studied her.
"Do you want to hear that sound again, Ivy?"
"No… never."
Her sarcasm was obvious, and he smirked knowingly.
"You can't deceive me. But we'll talk about that another time."
"O-okay…"
"Little moonlight…" he whispered again, hot against her ear.
She gasped softly, biting her lip. The heat was too much.
"Do you know what pain and pleasure really mean?" he murmured, sliding a hand down her back.
"No…" she whispered breathlessly.
"Really?"
And before she could answer, her nightgown slid off her shoulders, landing softly on the floor.
His hands moved with purpose...two fingers caressing her deeply, slowly, deliberately, driving her to helpless sounds while he held her close.
"Do you want me to show you… little moonlight?" he murmured, his voice velvet and fire.
"Yes.. um... b... ahh.. em... um.. a.... b.. ahhhh... y."
Her moans grew higher as he added another finger.
She couldn't believe how good it felt… how dangerously wet she was for him.
"Then I'll show you the true meaning of pain and pleasure."
He slipped his fingers from her pussy, putting them in his mouth, facing her, and gave a deep, slow suck.
Her frustration spiked. How dare he get me so worked up… and just stop?
"Right now," she said, throwing sharp glares at him.
He winked, laughter dancing in his eyes. She's mine. And she knows it.
"Nahhhh... later. Because right now, we need to get dressed for the party, or our parents will have our heads."
"Carry me."
He lifted her effortlessly.
She wrapped her leg around his waist, pressing herself closer.
God… he feels amazing.
"You didn't let me touch you."
"You never asked."
"Was I supposed to ask?" Her voice rose slightly, teasing.
"Yh, little moonlight, you need to learn how to ask. Not every time I make you do it."
She didn't reply, letting him lead her.
He's so dangerous… and I love it.
Kacy waited, leaning against his black GLE, glancing at his watch impatiently.
She's taking her time… good. That gives me more fun.
When she appeared, he froze.
Her bubu gown hugged her curves, the slits teasing, the strap around her neck barely holding the top.
Her back bare, the gown flared down to her toes.
Flat heels again… she's playing with fire. I love it.
"Baby," he whispered, walking to her side, kissing her neck.
"You're so hot I want to take you back to our room and fuck your brains out."
She gasped, her cheeks rosy.
Oh no… he can't say that here.
She rolled her eyes, trying to act casual.
"And the party?"
"To hell with the fucking party."
"You're sure?" she teased.
"Maybe," he said, ruffling his hair with fake confusion.
Let's see how long she can hold back.
Suppressing her laughter, she smirked, screaming his name as a laugh escaped her lips.
"Kacy."
"Ivy," he murmured, bringing her manicured nails to his lips, pressing a soft peck.
She's mine. Every inch of her.
"Can we go?" she asked shyly, removing her hand.
"Wait."
His eyes roamed her body, pausing at her toes before returning to her gaze.
He winked.
Every time she blushes, I want her more.
"You're staring," she said, pausing, innocent in tone.
"Like you want to eat me."
"I don't just stare, baby. I need you now."
Her face flamed.
He sees everything… knows everything.
Her body reacted anyway, pink and wet for him, just for him.
"You're joking, right?" she said, trying to brush him off with a laugh.
"Do I just say words without actions?"
He stepped closer. She instinctively stepped back.
He's impossible… I can't resist him.
"No... but... never mind."
"Say it, little moonlight."
She blushed, heart hammering.
"Um... I think you won't really fuck me now."
"Nahhhh, but I have a car, and you know I'm good at driving two things."
"Which is?"
"Your pussy… and my car."
Her hands clenched nervously.
Oh God… he's serious.
"What the fuck?"
"Say that again," he dared, a devilish glint in his eyes.
"I'd rather not."
"Good girl," he chuckled.
The rosy tint across her face made his chest tighten.
She's perfect. Mine.
"Little moonlight… can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"You better not lie."
"And if I do?"
"Dare me first… then you'll see."
"Ohhh… okay."
"What are you wearing heels or flat heels?"
"Um... heels," she said, squeezing her toes.
Please… let me bluff my way out…
"Last chance, Ivy. Heels or flat heels?"
His voice was rough, ragged, and sexy.
I can't lie to him. I'll pay if I do.
"You know I can read you, Ivy."
"And?"
"I know the answer."
"And?"
"I will punish you if you lie to me."
Her pulse raced.
Dangerous… and thrilling.
"Heels." she whispered softly, fear and excitement mixing.
"Wrong. Flat heels."
He lifted her effortlessly onto his shoulders.
Every part of her belongs to me.
He opened the passenger seat, dropping her softly in.
Then he got in the driver's seat, pinned the doors, started the car, and drove off.
And the game has only begun.