Chapter 54: A dangerous Claim

Esme's breath was shallow, her back pressed against the cold wall as Kael loomed over her, his fingers still resting against her throat. His touch wasn't rough, wasn't forceful—yet it commanded something undeniable.

Dominance.

Possession.

She had thrown words at him in the heat of the moment. Words she had barely processed before they left her lips. You belong to me.

And now Kael was testing just how much she truly meant them.

He was so close.

Too close.

The warmth of his breath ghosted against her cheek, his dark eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

Esme swallowed, feeling his fingers twitch against her pulse.

Thump-thump.

Thump-thump.

Her heartbeat betrayed her.

Kael smirked.

"Nothing to say now?" His voice was a taunt, laced with amusement. "You were bold a moment ago, Esme."

Esme clenched her jaw, refusing to let him see how much he affected her. "I meant what I said."

Kael arched a brow. "Oh?"

"Yes." Her voice was steadier this time. "I am your wife. And if I have to remind you of that, then I will."

A dangerous gleam flickered in Kael's eyes.

Something dark.

Something intrigued.

"Then remind me." His voice was lower now, rougher. "Go on, Esme. Claim me."

Esme stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.

She hadn't expected that.

Hadn't expected him to call her bluff.

But the way he was looking at her now— waiting, daring her-lit something inside her.

Something reckless.

Something possessive.

She knew this was a game to him.

But she was done losing.

So Esme lifted her hand, trailing her fingers up his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath beneath her touch.

She saw the slight twitch in his jaw at the contact.

Good.

Let him feel it too.

Her fingers moved higher, grazing his throat, then curling into the collar of his shirt.

And then, she pulled him down-just enough that their lips were inches apart.

"Don't play with me, Kael," she whispered, her breath fanning against his lips. "Because I promise you, I can handle you."

Kael's smirk faltered for just a second.

Just long enough for Esme to feel a surge of satisfaction.

少

But then—

Kael exhaled a quiet chuckle, his hand moving to cup the back of her head, fingers tangling in her hair.

"Oh, Esme," he murmured, voice almost affectionate. "You have no idea what you're asking for.""

And then—

He let go.

Stepped back.

Like he was the one in control all along.

Like she was the one caught in his trap.

Esme's fingers curled into fists at her sides as he straightened his shirt, adjusting it like nothing had happened.

Like she hadn't just challenged him.

Like she hadn't just tried to win.

He smirked as he watched her, hands slipping casually into his pockets. "I think I've had enough fun for tonight."

Esme's eyes narrowed.

He was mocking her.

That bastard was mocking her.

Kael turned on his heel, walking away like he hadn't just left the air between them burning.

Like he hadn't just left her burning.

****. ****. ****.