GENESIS
I sat beside Daisy as we both watched a movie. I was so focused on the screen that I didn't hear the footsteps behind me—until a hand wrapped gently around my throat. I stiffened, just for a second. But then… the scent, the warmth of the hand—it was instantly recognizable.
And then came the voice.
"Hello, princess. Missed me?"
I turned my head slightly, and he pressed a kiss to the top of my lips, sending heat rushing to my face. Daisy was right there. Thank goodness the lights were off.
"Well, I missed you," he murmured, licking the same spot he'd kissed, his hand tightening slightly around my neck.
Then he leaned closer, his breath brushing my ear.
"I want to fuck you," he whispered.
My eyes widened, and I jolted forward, slipping from the chair and out of his grasp. I shot him a faint frown. He just chuckled, running a hand through his already tousled hair.
"Is my angel mad at me?"
He rounded the chair and stopped just inches from me, then without warning, he wrapped his hand around my waist and pulled me hard against his chest. My heart jumped—no, lurched—in anticipation.
What is wrong with me?
"Close your eyes. I have something for you."
Hmm?
I blinked up at him, confused.
"Close your eyes, and stretch out your hands," he repeated gently.
I glanced to the side and saw Daisywatching us curiously. Then I looked back at him and slowly did what he said, closing my eyes and holding out my hands.
I heard him move, the faint sound of rustling… and then something slightly heavy was placed in my open palms.
"Now, open your eyes."
I did.
There, sitting in my hand, was a white box. My breath caught in my throat as I stared at it—a phone box.
I looked up at him, then back down. Was this really… for me?
I pressed a hand to my chest in silent question. He nodded.
"Yes, it's for you. My wife needs to have a phone."
Wife. That word still made my stomach flutter.
Then he leaned in, his tone more serious.
"So things that happened today won't happen again."
I glanced up, and he continued.
"You'll be able to call and talk to me whenever you want. If anyone wants to take you somewhere, you call me first and get my permission. If you can't reach me, you do not go. Do I make myself clear, princess?"
I nodded quickly, still stunned. I have a phone now.
Back at my father's estate, everyone had devices—even the maids, before they were dismissed. When I came here, even Daisy had one—though she called it an iPad. It was bigger than a phone, but still. Even the maids here had one.
I'd always wanted to hold one. I never had before. I didn't even know how to use it. Should I really own one?
Kieran studied my face and smirked.
"Looking at you, your thoughts are already running wild. Don't worry, it's easy. I'll teach you—and my number's already saved in it."
I nodded.
"Wow, Lily, you have a phone now!" Daisy exclaimed, hurrying over to us. I nodded again, and Kieran stepped back to give me space. I opened the box slowly. Inside, nestled on a bed of white padding, was the phone.
That glass screen stared up at me.
I didn't take it out.
I couldn't.
My heart thudded against my ribs. What if I break it?
Daisy giggled beside me. "Don't worry, it's not going to break just by touching it."
I looked up at her, then back down. My hand hovered above the screen, trembling. It was so smooth… so shiny. It didn't even look real.
Kieran's hand brushed my arm gently. "You won't break it. Trust me. It's yours."
I slowly, carefully lifted the phone from the box. My reflection stared back at me on the black screen. My throat tightened.
Daisy reached forward, smiling, and powered it on. The screen lit up—bright, vibrant, alive—and I flinched.
"It's okay," Daisy said with a giggle. "It's just a screen. Look—he even gave you a blue case. That's so cute!"
Blue.
My favorite color.
How did he know?
I looked up at Kieran. He wore that signature smirk—the one that made my heart stutter like it was forgetting how to beat.
He leaned forward slightly. "See? I told you it's easy. And now... I can find you anywhere. Anytime."
There was something comforting about that.
And terrifying.
Daisy handed the phone back to me. I pressed it to my chest, holding it carefully like it was something sacred. I opened my mouth, trying to form words, but—like always—nothing came out.
Not even a sound.
Kieran's eyes softened. He stepped in, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His touch was light but steady.
"I know you can't say it," he murmured. "But I see it in your eyes. You're happy."
I blinked once, slowly.
His smile deepened. "Good." Then his voice dipped, darker now. "You're mine. And no one takes what's mine. This phone... it's not just for fun. It's so you're safe."
I nodded quickly, clutching the device tighter.
"Come," he said, slipping his fingers between mine. "I'll show you how it works. One step at a time."
Daisy bounced a little beside us. "Yay! I'll help too!"
I bit my lip, glancing down at our hands. His palm was warm, fingers strong and gentle. That same warmth bloomed in my chest, curling around my ribs like ivy.
But just as we turned toward the couch, I stopped.
He noticed instantly and turned, worry creasing his brow. "Princess? What's wrong?"
I stepped forward, shaking my head. Since I couldn't speak, I pressed myself against him, my face burning. My gaze lifted to meet his, peeking from beneath my lashes.
His eyes darkened.
Without a word, he took the phone from my hand and passed it to Daisy. Then, in one swift motion, he scooped me up.
His arms wrapped around me tightly. My legs instinctively locked around his waist. One hand pressed into the small of my back, the other curled under my thigh. His breath ghosted along my neck, hot and ragged.
"I'm going to fuck you now," he growled against my skin.
My eyes fluttered closed. A shaky breath escaped my lips.And I let him carry me away.