Accidental Fiancée

CHAPTER SIX

The door slammed shut behind them, leaving the man in the darkness as May's heart thundered in her chest. She barely had time to catch her breath before Zane’s hand was on her wrist, his grip firm and unyielding. "We’re leaving," he stated, his voice sharp, allowing no room for argument.

The ride back was tense, silence stretching between them like a drawn blade. Zane’s grip never wavered, his hand locked around her wrist as if afraid she’d vanish if he let go. May’s mind raced, heart slamming against her ribcage as she replayed the events of the past few hours. Marriage. To Zane. It was madness. It was a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from.

When they arrived, Zane wasted no time pulling her into the depths of his mansion.

Opulent and grand, the estate screamed wealth and power. Marble floors stretched beneath crystal chandeliers, and endless hallways led to rooms that probably never saw daylight. But there was no warmth here only shadows lurking in every corner, whispering secrets she wasn’t ready to learn.

The wedding was grand and luxurious, everything reeking of wealth and power. May stood at the altar beside Zane, her jaw clenched, hands locked together to hide their trembling. She wore white an irony that wasn’t lost on her.

Zane’s hand found hers, gripping it tightly, possessively. He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Smile. You wouldn’t want anyone thinking you’re unhappy, would you?"

May’s lips curved, but it wasn’t with joy it

was with rebellion. "I didn’t realize I was marrying a puppeteer. Should I dance when you pull the strings too?"

His eyes glittered with something dark, something dangerous, but his grin only widened. "If that’s what it takes. You look like you’d make a lovely marionette." His hand squeezed hers, sending a shiver of defiance down her spine.

"Better be careful," she whispered back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Puppets have a way of cutting their own strings."

Zane chuckled lowly, the sound rumbling through his chest. "And I have a way of making sure they stay tied." His thumb grazed her knuckles, the gesture possessive and deliberate.

Their vows were laced with unspoken threats, their gazes locked in a battle neither was willing to lose. When it was time to seal it with a kiss, Zane cupped her cheek, his touch gentle but firm. He leaned

in slowly, his eyes never leaving hers as if daring her to pull away. But May didn’t flinch. Instead, she stood her ground, chin raised defiantly.

Their lips met in a clash of heat and defiance, his mouth dominating hers. But just as he deepened the kiss, May bit down hard. The metallic taste of blood bloomed between them, and Zane pulled back, surprise flickering in his eyes before it melted into something darker, more primal. He licked the blood from his lip, his gaze blazing with challenge. "I always did like my women with fire," he murmured, his voice silk and steel. "But be careful, May. You bite, I bite back."

She smirked, wiping her lips. "Good. Maybe you’ll learn to stay away."

Zane only laughed, a deep, rich sound that sent chills down her spine. "Oh, sweetheart," he whispered, leaning in until his breath fanned her cheek. "I’m not

staying away. I’m never letting you go."

The mansion was colder than before, the walls seeming to close in on her as Zane led her to her room. "You’ll stay here," he stated flatly, nodding to the lavish space. "We won’t be sharing quarters."

"Fine by me," she shot back, chin raised defiantly. "I wouldn’t want to catch whatever it is that makes you so vile."

His gaze sharpened, lips curving into a cruel smile. "Careful, Mrs. Black," he warned softly, stepping closer, crowding her against the doorframe. "I don’t tolerate disobedience."

"Good thing I wasn’t planning on obeying," she snapped, her eyes blazing with defiance.

For a moment, something dark flickered in his gaze amusement? Respect? It vanished before she could grasp it, and he

straightened, his face a mask of indifference. "Get some rest. Work starts tomorrow."

"So much for a wedding night," she whispered mockingly as he walked away. "I thought men like you couldn’t wait to prove themselves."

He paused, turning just slightly. "Don’t worry," he said smoothly. "You’ll be begging me soon enough."

The next morning, May stepped into her office, shoulders squared, eyes sharp. She wasn’t going to let Zane’s shadow consume her. But as she settled behind her desk, the door burst open, and Victor stepped inside, his smile predatory.

"You’ve been avoiding me," he purred, stepping closer.

"There’s nothing to talk about," she replied, voice icy.

He grabbed her arm, yanking her forward.

"I think there is," he growled, his grip bruising. "You think you can just disappear? Not answer my calls?"

Before she could wrench herself free, he slammed his lips onto hers, rough and unyielding. Panic flared, and she struggled, but his hold was iron.

Suddenly, Victor was gone ripped away with a force that made her stumble back. Zane stood there, his eyes dark, murderous. Before she could react, his hand snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against him. "You had another man’s hands all over you," he growled, voice dripping with possession. "Now let’s get rid of them."

Before she could even process what was happening, Zane’s lips descended on her skin, tracing the spots where Victor’s hands had been. His touch was searing, possessive, marking her as his. "Mine," he whispered, each word a claim. "Only mine."

Without waiting for a reply, he captured her lips with a hunger that left her breathless, his kiss brutal and all-consuming. His hands roamed, gripping her like a lifeline, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.

"You think I’d let anyone touch what’s mine?" he whispered harshly, his breath fanning her lips. "You belong to me, May. And I’ll prove it."

Her body tensed, a mixture of defiance and something else. Desire? She pushed against him, her hands flat against his chest. "Don’t think you own me."

Zane’s smile was cruel, but his eyes burned with hunger. "I don’t need to think, sweetheart. I know."

And with that, his lips crashed onto hers again and this time, there was no hesitation. Only fire. Only need.