Chapter 7 The Handsome Defender

The tension in the room crackled like electricity as Nicholas’ face contorted with anger, staring at the stranger in his path. His eyes burned with a mixture of fury and fear.

Behind him, Kiera’s heart raced, unable to tear her gaze away from the man, Jace, who had been her defender.

At the same time, Jace turned his head to the side, his gaze holding her as though asking a silent question.

What she had seen wasn’t what she had expected. To her surprise, he looked more striking than Nicholas.

The thought alone made her heart skip a beat as she stared at Jace.

She had never seen anyone so captivating before. And despite her fear of Nicholas, her eyes remained drawn to Jace like a moth to a flame.

He stood tall, his broad shoulders adorned with a fiery-maroon suit that hugged his muscular frame perfectly.

His jet-black hair was styled impeccably, framing his chiselled jawline and prominent cheekbones.

Amidst all of that, it was his mesmerizing blue eyes, shining with a mixture of intensity and warmth, that truly captivated those who dared to stare into them.

They held a magnetic quality that drew people in and left them spellbound.

As he stood in front of Kiera, his imposing presence exuded a domineering aura that demanded respect. But there was also a charm about him that left hearts throbbing.

Despite this, there was a kindness in his eyes that softened the edges of his aura.

It was clear from the way he held himself that he was a man of power and influence, but also a man of integrity who stood for what was right.

His grip on Nicholas' hand remained firm, but not aggressive, remaining in control of the situation.

"Let me go," Nicholas demanded, his voice carrying a note of authority.

Rather than doing as Nicholas wanted, Jace averted his gaze to Kiera. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern etched on his handsome face.

Kiera nodded but found it difficult to speak. The way Jace was looking at her made her feel alive in a way she had never felt before.

“I said, let me go,” Nicholas called out, his voice rising a notch as he attempted to pull his hand away from Jace’s grip.

Still holding onto Nicholas's arm Jace’s stare bore into Nicholas with a warning that dared anyone to defy him. Immediately, he wrapped a hand around Kiera’s waist in a protective manner, pulling her close to himself.

Seeing this, Nicholas attempted to suppress his unease. He reminded himself that there was only one man in the city wealthier than him and that was not Jace.

He couldn't allow himself to be intimidated, not by the likes of anyone.

With a voice laced with false bravado, he demanded again, “Leave my wife and I alone. Stop meddling in other people’s business,” he said, his voice trembling slightly.

Jace arched a brow at him. “I should let go?”

Before Nicholas could respond, Jace’s deep baritone voice rang out. “Sure but not of her.”

“What?”

At once Jace released his grip on Nicholas’ hand, causing the unprepared Nicholas to stumble back a bit before regaining his stand.

“She is my wife!” Nicholas spat out.

The corners of Jace’s lips curled into a sly smile and he mockingly retorted, "Is that so? Then who is this woman in my arms?"

He tightened his hold around Kiera, who blushed in embarrassment. Her heart raced, torn between the two men, each with their allure.

Watching the way Jace held Kiera’s waist and her shyness in response riled Nicholas’ anger, jealousy taking over as he clenched his fists.

His chest rose and fell with great gusto and he tried asserting his dominance once more.

"I may not be as handsome as you," he sneered, "but I am richer than you can ever dream of. And I have not divorced Kiera."

Jace snickered, his gaze darting towards Cristal. “It’s funny how you lay claim to her, yet you are with and defending another woman.

The colour drained from Nicholas’ face at the mention of Cristal.

“Do you still have any right to seek her out?”

“I…”

“My thoughts exactly," Jace cut in.

“Scratch that. Kiera." Nicholas snapped his head at her. “Tell him you are my wife.”

Unable to remain silent any longer, Kiera placed a foot forward, her eyes blazing with determination.

"We are going through the divorce process, Nicholas. Know your place," she stated firmly, contradicting Nicholas's claim.

“Tell me now, are you cheating on me? Who is he to you?”

She scoffed and shook her head. "You've doubted me for too long, Nicholas. Did you really think I would cheat on you?"

“I…”

“Fine. Here’s my answer.”

She was tired of the constant explanations and accusations. In a moment of boldness, Kiera turned her head to face Jace.

At the same time he looked at her and to everyone’s surprise, she reached up, her hand snaking around his neck as she pressed a kiss to his lips.

Shocked by the turn of events, Jace gasped. Immediately she slid her tongue inside, taking hold of the situation to kiss Jace passionately, silencing Nicholas.

She wanted to make it clear that she was moving on.

She stopped, her eyes burning with desire as she bit down on her lower lip.

Caught in the moment, Iris cleared her throat, pulling everyone from their momentary trance.

"If you don't sign those papers again," Kiera enunciated, her voice tinged with a hint of warning, "I will change men every day until you do."

Nicholas looked hurt and confused, his eyes searching hers for answers. “Kiera.”

He felt a wave of jealousy surge through him, his mind racing with thoughts of losing her. "I know you love me," he chimed in quickly, his voice filled with desperation.

"You can't deny it. You are only doing this to gain my attention. You always said I was the one for you, Ki.”

“Then that was my blinded bloody mistake. I do not love you. Not anymore.”

“No. You can’t do this to me.”

Enraged by her words, Nicholas lunged forward, trying to grab Kiera, but before he could reach her, Jace stepped in once more pushing him away with a force that surprised Nicholas.

"Get a grip on yourself. Act like a man," Jace hissed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Stop being disgusting. The lady said she doesn’t want you."

At this point, Nicholas’s anger turned into a maddening mix of frustration and humiliation. Still, he did not want to lose face and tried to grab Kiera again.

Unlike before when Jace stepped in, he found himself overpowered by Jace's imposing bodyguards.

“Come, you need clean air and not a place marred by his stench,” Jace suggested as he led Kiera out.

Nicholas watched helplessly as Kiera walked away, her arm linked with Jace's. It felt like a dagger through his heart.

Jace’s grip on her hand was firm but gentle, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

As they walked, he guided her to his private bar. The air was thick with the scent of temptation, and Kiera couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead.