CHAPTER 4: IN A HOUSE OF BOYS
The house was like something out of Vogue Magazine. Kara's jaw dropped as she stepped inside.
Silk carpets stretched across the floor, contrasting beautifully with zebra-patterned wooden flooring.
The walls were painted in a luxurious blend of beige and cream, accented by chandeliers whose sparkling light probably cost more than her mom's last car.
"This man is freaking Bill Gates rich," she muttered under her breath, taking it all in.
A massive painting on one wall caught her attention, a pack of wolves, their sleek forms captured in stunning detail.
The alpha in the center stood out with its golden eyes and jet-black fur, almost alive in its intensity.
She reached out, fingers brushing the edge of the frame, when a voice startled her. "Don't touch that."
She spun around to find a guy lounging in a ridiculously expensive-looking leather chair.
He was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants, his blond hair styled to perfection.
Thick-framed glasses perched on his nose, giving him a scholarly look as he typed away on a laptop.
"That painting cost a fortune," he said, his cold black eyes locking onto hers.
Kara shivered. His gaze was darker than she'd expected, like he could see through her soul.
"Everyone has the same reaction. I'm not surprised," he added, his tone flat as he returned to his work.
Kara crossed her arms, irritation prickling at his dismissive attitude. "I bet everything in here costs a fortune. You've got really dark eyes, by the way. No pupils."
"Are you trying to make conversation after rudely staring?" he drawled, sounding bored.
"Yes and ?..." she challenged
His eyes were a void of darkness.
For a moment she thought he would snap her neck. And she was terrified.
"Please don't. Pretend I never spoke."
Her jaw dropped. "I feel like you hate me, and you literally just met me!"
His gaze flicked back to hers, and her stomach churned under its intensity. "Trust me, I don't hate you. Your existence couldn't be more insignificant. But Rox, though... he hates your guts."
"Who's Rox?" she asked, but he snapped his laptop shut and strode out of the room without another word.
"Such a weirdo!" she called after him, fuming. So rude!
The house felt even creepier without anyone around. She wandered through the halls cautiously, muttering under her breath. "Ah, I should've asked where my room is. Shoot."
She caught a glimpse of red through a door and paused. Curious, she peered through the keyhole and froze.
Inside, a woman was bent over, her hands tied, while a guy with bright red hair thrust into her relentlessly.
His movements were wild, almost animalistic, and yet silent. Kara's heart pounded as the man suddenly threw his head back.
His hazel eyes flashed gold, locking onto hers through the door.
She jerked away, stumbling backward. Her breath came fast as she hurried down the hall, only to run into her mom. Relief washed over her.
"Something the matter, sweetheart?" her mom asked, concern creasing her brow.
"Yes, Mom. I can't seem to find my room," Kara said, exasperated.
Her mom smiled apologetically. "Oh, forgive me, darling. I thought Sila would show you the way."
Kara sighed, following her mother to a door. The room inside was absurdly pink, walls, furniture, even the bedspread.
It was like stepping into a cotton candy factory.
"Oron thought you'd love pink," Debby said sheepishly. "I tried to tell him it was too much, but, well..."
"It's fine," Kara said quickly. "I'm super tired anyway."
Her mom gave her a lingering look before leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Goodnight, sweetheart."
Kara sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the obnoxiously pink room.
This place was going to be a nightmare.