Chapter 6: Attention

Amy Stone

Kael’s entire body thrums with barely contained rage. His hand twitches at his side like he’s fighting the urge to strangle someone—namely Chad, who stands a few feet away, fists clenched, chest heaving like a bull ready to charge.

“My love,” I purr, stepping closer to Kael and sliding my arm possessively around his bicep, “calm down. He’s not worth it. You can destroy him later, in a way that really matters.”

My voice is soft, but my words are laced with venom meant only for Kael’s ears.

His muscles go rigid beneath my touch, and for one terrifying second, I think he’ll shove me aside and go for Chad’s throat anyway. Then, slowly, he exhales, his frame melting into me.

“Let’s go,” he grits out, the threat in his tone clear enough to make the entire room hold its breath.

Chad’s eyes widen, his face blotchy with rage. “Amy!” he snaps, the sound more like a wounded animal than a man.

Kael doesn’t even glance back.

Chad grabs Melissa’s wrist like she’s nothing but a prop and shoves her aside before snatching up a champagne glass. With a guttural roar, he smashes it to the ground. The sharp crack echoes through the hall, followed by horrified gasps.

All eyes swing to him.

Pathetic.

He looks like a spoiled child who’s just had his favorite toy stolen.

I tilt my chin proudly and raise my hand ever so slightly, admiring the enormous diamond glittering on my finger. The ring Kael had just placed there moments ago. The symbolism isn’t lost on anyone here—not on Chad, especially.

“You slut!” Chad hisses, his face red and twisted with fury.

My lips curve into a slow, knowing smile. Burn, Chad. Let it eat you alive.

Because this? This is only the beginning.

Kael’s grip on me tightens, protective, possessive. Without another word, he escorts me to the VVIP section at the front of the hall. Conversations buzz around us, a hundred whispers following our every move.

The program continues, though the entire atmosphere has shifted. Now every single pair of eyes is on us—the powerful, untouchable Kael Woods and the woman bold enough to stand at his side. The best part? Chad's pathetic little wedding is postponed. The media only want to know about Kael and I.

I sit with perfect poise, back straight, legs elegantly crossed. Outwardly calm. Inwardly, my mind drifts to that night—the night Kael claimed me with a hunger that still makes my body ache.

The way his hands had roamed me. The way his voice had gone rough and raw as he tasted my core like he had been starving for it.

I bite my lip, my face heating.

“Everything okay?” Kael murmurs beside me, his voice low, and maddeningly sexy. His thumb brushes over my knee in a small, private caress that sends a shiver straight to my core.

“Yes,” I whisper, then force myself to smile at him. “I’m just… happy. You’ve made such a bold move tonight. The headlines will be incredible.”

His lips twitch upward, a brief flash of pride breaking through his usual icy demeanor. That flicker of softness makes my chest squeeze—just a little.

Good. Let him feel powerful. Let him think I’m his perfect prize.

“Mr. Woods!” a woman calls out from the crowd. She’s draped in glittering jewels, her voice sticky-sweet. “When’s the wedding?”

Kael doesn’t even blink. “Tomorrow.”

The room collectively gasps.

My pulse stutters. Tomorrow?! Realizing that Kael Woods is a man who takes what he wants, Seriously.

But then I catch Chad’s expression—the stunned disbelief, the sheer rage twisting his features—and suddenly, I don’t care. This is what I wanted.

Kael takes my hand, bringing it to his lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. His eyes stay locked on mine as he does it, sending a thrill down my spine. The crowd erupts in thunderous applause.

Across the room, Chad looks ready to combust. His jaw clenches so tightly I’m surprised his teeth don’t shatter.

I fight the urge to laugh. Instead, I roll my eyes internally and maintain my elegant façade.

“Starting today,” Kael announces, his voice like a blade cutting through the noise, “the Woods empire will be managed by Amy Stone.”

The room explodes again—shouts, claps, murmurs of disbelief.

Inside, something sharp and ugly twists in me. Sorry, but what is it that you have that I don’t? The thought burns like acid. I dig my nails into my thigh beneath the table to keep my smile fixed and flawless.

When the program ends, I rise gracefully, tugging lightly on Kael’s tie as I lean close. “My love, we should get going.”

His throat bobs. For a moment, there’s a flicker of heat in his eyes that he quickly buries, allowing me to lead him out like the perfect couple.

The moment we’re out of sight, my calm shatters.

“A wedding tomorrow, Kael?!” I hiss, spinning to face him. “Are you completely out of your mind?”

He doesn’t flinch. In fact, his lips curl into that infuriating, arrogant smirk.

“You’re mine,” he says, his voice rough, possessive, dangerously low. “I won’t risk another man touching you before I seal this bond.” His fingers trail along my jaw, his thumb brushing my lower lip. “I don’t love you, Amy. But…” His eyes darken, a softness hidden deep inside them for just a heartbeat. “I think I could get used to having you around.”

My breath catches, but I shove the feeling down. There’s no love here. Only strategy. Only war.

“Then we make it a contract marriage,” I snap, crossing my arms.

He laughs, sharp and mocking. “Contract? You think I’m some naive kid playing house?”

“I don’t do contracts,” he growls, his breath hot against my skin.

My pulse stutters. I’ve pushed him too far.

His face lowers until it’s mere inches from mine, his gaze burning into me.

“You’re wet,” he murmurs, a sinful smirk tugging at his lips.

“No, I’m not,” I retort, rolling my eyes, refusing to give him the satisfaction.

“Oh yeah?” His hand snakes around my waist before I can react, pulling me flush against him. “Then let me prove it.”

“Kael—” My protest dies on my lips as his other hand slips beneath the slit of my dress, his fingers brushing my inner thigh before pushing my panties aside.

A sharp gasp escapes me.

“We’re in a hallway,” I hiss, squirming in his hold. “Someone might see!”

“Call me Kael,” he growls against my ear, flicking his finger over my clit with deliberate precision. My knees nearly buckle.

“Let them watch.”

God, he’s shameless.

A helpless moan escapes before I can bite it back. My nails dig into his shoulders, desperate for balance, for control.

And then, His finger flickers on my clit, I feel dozens of electric impulses through my body.

My eyes trail on his big strong arm, I melt at the scene.

He literally doesn't care that we are in the hallway.

And then withdraws, leaving me trembling and my legs weak.

Great, how am I going to walk after this?

I barely have time to catch my breath before he licks his finger, slow and obscene, his eyes locked on mine.

My entire body shudders.

The sharp sound of heavy footsteps echoes down the hall. I freeze, whirling just as a man in a black suit barrels toward us, his face tight with panic.

“Sir!” he shouts breathlessly. “You need to come. Now. You must see this!”

Kael’s head snaps toward him, the brief flicker of softness gone, replaced by cold, lethal fury.

“What is it?” he barks, his voice a whip crack. “Speak!”

The man glances nervously at me, then blurts, “It’s Chad, sir. He—.”