Bound by Scandal

The First Crack

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the penthouse’s living room. Ava sat curled on the couch, her sketchbook balanced on her knees, charcoal smudged across her fingers. The bracelet Liam had given her the night before lay discarded on the coffee table, its sapphires catching the light like a silent accusation. She had spent the last hour losing herself in her art, the only escape she had left.

The sound of the front door opening made her tense. She didn’t look up as Liam entered, his presence filling the space like a storm front. His footsteps were measured, controlled, but she could feel the weight of his gaze as he paused in the doorway.

“You’re up early,” he said, his voice low.

Ava didn’t glance at him, her focus remaining on the sketch taking shape beneath her fingers. “I couldn’t sleep.”

Liam moved closer, the scent of his cologne—bergamot and something darker—wrapping around her. “Because of the bracelet?”

Ava’s hand stilled, the charcoal hovering above the paper. “Because of everything.”

Liam’s fingers brushed against the edge of her sketchbook, tilting it slightly to see the half-finished drawing. “You’re talented.”

Ava finally looked at him, her voice sharp. “I know.”

Liam’s smirk was slow, dangerous. “Modest, too.”

Ava snapped the sketchbook shut, her fingers tightening around the edges. “I don’t need your approval.”

Liam’s gaze darkened. “No. But you have it anyway.”

Ava’s chest tightened, her pulse spiking. She wanted to argue, to tell him she didn’t care what he thought. But the truth was, his words sent a thrill through her, one she refused to acknowledge.

Liam reached for the discarded bracelet on the coffee table, the sapphires glinting in his palm. “You didn’t wear it.”

Ava’s jaw clenched. “I didn’t feel like it.”

Liam’s thumb traced the delicate silver chain, his expression unreadable. “It was a gift.”

Ava’s voice was steady, despite the tremor in her hands. “I don’t want your gifts.”

Liam’s gaze lifted to hers, sharp and assessing. “You’ll take them anyway.”

Ava’s fingers curled into fists. “Or what?”

Liam’s voice was calm, controlled. “Or I’ll remind you of the consequences.”

Ava’s breath hitched, but she didn’t back down. “You can’t force me to wear it.”

Liam’s smirk was slow, dangerous. “Can’t I?”

Ava wanted to slap him. To kiss him. To scream.

But she didn’t do any of those things.

Because the truth was, she wasn’t sure she could handle the way he looked at her.

Like she was his.

Like she was everything.

Liam set the bracelet back on the table, his gaze never leaving hers. “We have a charity event tonight. You’ll wear it then.”

Ava’s spine stiffened. “I don’t take orders from you.”

Liam’s voice dropped, rough and low. “You do now.”

Ava’s pulse roared in her ears, but she forced herself to meet his gaze, unflinching. “We’ll see about that.”

Liam’s hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around her wrist. Not tight enough to hurt. Just tight enough to remind her who was in control. “You’ll wear it, Ava. And you’ll smile. And you’ll play the part of the perfect wife.”

Ava’s breath came fast, her chest heaving. “And if I don’t?”

Liam’s gaze darkened. “Then you’ll learn what happens when you defy me.”

Ava’s fingers trembled, but she didn’t pull away. Couldn’t.

Because the truth was, she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

Liam released her wrist, his expression carefully blank. “Be ready by seven.”

Ava’s voice was low, fierce. “I won’t be your puppet, Liam.”

Liam’s smirk was slow, dangerous. “You already are.”

Ava stood abruptly, her sketchbook clutched to her chest like a shield. “I’m done here.”

Liam’s gaze didn’t waver. “This isn’t over, Ava.”

Ava’s spine stiffened. “It is for now.”

She turned on her heel, striding toward her room with her head held high.

But as she closed the door behind her, her body trembling, she knew the truth.

This was far from over.

And she wasn’t sure she wanted it to be.