Killian’s POV I sat in the VIP booth, nursing another drink, my eyes scanned the crowded dance floor. The pulsing lights and thumping bass created a disorienting atmosphere, but my gaze zeroed in on a familiar figure. Elaine. She was dancing with some guy I vaguely recognized from school.My grip tightened around the glass as I watched them. Elaine's movements were fluid, uninhibited, and completely wrapped up in the music and the stranger's touch. She giggled, her head thrown back in apparent enjoyment, her body grinding against his with an abandon that made my stomach churn.The guy's hands roamed freely over her, pulling her closer, his lips tracing the curve of her neck. I felt a surge of anger and disgust watching them, the way she melted into his touch, the way she seemed to lose herself in the moment. It was a stark reminder of the complex, conflicting feelings I had about her.Elaine's laughter cut through the noise, a bright, carefree sound that only fueled my irritation. H

Elaine’s POV I stumbled through the noisy crowd, the music pounding in my ears as the room spun around me. The alcohol had gone straight to my head, leaving me unsteady on my feet and barely able to focus. My thoughts were a chaotic blur, and I couldn't even remember how many drinks I'd had.Suddenly, a strong hand gripped my arm, steadying me. I blinked and looked up to see Killian's concerned face, his eyes scanning me with a mixture of worry and frustration. He was saying something, but the words were lost in the haze. All I could do was nod dumbly, leaning into his solid presence.He guided me through the throngs of people, and I vaguely registered the angry glare of the guy he'd just pulled me away from. Killian's grip tightened, and I felt a sense of safety that cut through the drunken fog.When did I even lost him? We made our way upstairs, away from the deafening noise and the sea of bodies. He opened a door and led me into a quiet room, closing the door behind us. The sudde

Elaine’s POV Stepping into me, Killian lifts his right hand and once again runs it down my face and neck, pausing on my pulse. It’s racing. My breathing is ragged. I feel like I might pass out soon. Dropping his hand, he walks behind me again, and I hear a drawer open and close. Then darkness covers my eyes.I lift my hands to remove it. “What…?”The material falls to my feet, and my arms are grabbed and yanked behind my back. Then I’m bent over the side of the bed. I’d scream, but my breath gets caught in my throat. He holds my wrists crossed with one hand while I hear the sound of metal before something cold is tightened around each wrist.Is this his fucking room? I’m sure we haven’t left the party house yet since the music is booming down below. Will Riley look for me? Shit shit shit. But I want this. So fucking much. I want to forget everything. “Stay,” he growls before I feel the loss of his body.I’m panting, my body shaking while I wait here like an obedient dog, pulling on

Elaine’s POV I wake up the next morning, the room bathed in a soft, early morning light filtering through sheer curtains. The bed feels vast and empty, and I’m all alone. There's no sign of Killian, except for his lingering scent that clings to my skin and the sheets, a tantalizing reminder of his presence. I stretch, feeling the slight ache in my muscles, and sit up, taking in my surroundings.The room is elegantly furnished, with dark wooden furniture that exudes an air of sophistication. A large, ornate mirror hangs on the wall opposite the bed, reflecting the soft glow from a crystal chandelier overhead. The bed itself is a four-poster, draped in luxurious, cream-colored linens and an assortment of plush pillows. A small sitting area with a tufted loveseat and a coffee table sits near a window, which offers a glimpse of the sprawling gardens outside.My clothes from last night are scattered on the floor, a reminder of the wildness of the previous evening. I pull the covers arou

Elaine’s POV I lie in bed after Riley dropped me off, staring at the ceiling and letting the events of the previous night swirl through my mind. Riley had invited me to play basketball, but I declined, needing the solitude to process everything. The bed feels cool and empty, a stark contrast to the heat and intensity of last night.I close my eyes, trying to piece together the fragmented memories. The way Killian looked at me, the way his touch sent shivers down my spine. There was a connection, a dark pull between us that I couldn't ignore. He couldn’t either. As much as I try to focus, the details remain hazy, blurred by the alcohol and the overwhelming emotions.The room is quiet, save for the distant sounds of life continuing outside. I can almost hear Riley's laughter and the rhythmic bounce of the basketball. But here, in the silence of my room, it's just me and my thoughts. I replay every moment I can remember, the way Killian’s hands felt on my skin, the intensity in his e