Chapter 2
Silas Voss adjusted the cufflinks on his bespoke Tom Ford tuxedo, his movements precise and detached, as if he were preparing for a boardroom takeover rather than his own wedding. The private dressing room in the elite venue overlooked the manicured gardens where guests were already arriving in droves-old money, new money, politicians, and CEOs-all here to witness the union of two powerful families. Or rather, the union of Voss legacy with a beautiful, controllable young wife.
He studied his reflection in the antique mirror. At thirty-five, he was still strikingly handsome in that cold, aristocratic way: sharp jawline, icy blue eyes, and silver threading through his dark hair at the temples. Women had thrown themselves at him for years. He had never cared much for any of them.
This marriage wasn't about desire. It was about optics. Legacy. Control.
Liora Vale was perfect on paper-young, stunning, from a modest background with no powerful family to complicate things. She would look exquisite on his arm at galas, produce attractive heirs if needed, and never embarrass him in public. Most importantly, she was innocent. Moldable. Grateful. Exactly what a man in his position required.
"Security and status," he murmured to himself, repeating the words he had spoken when he proposed. She had accepted without hesitation, just as he had expected. No messy emotions. No complications.
A low, amused chuckle came from behind him.
"You sound like you're closing a merger, not getting married, Voss."
Silas turned to see Kael Draven leaning against the doorway, already dressed in his own perfectly tailored tuxedo. Where Silas looked polished and refined, Kael looked like sin wrapped in luxury. At 6'4", he towered with broad, heavily muscled shoulders that strained against the fabric. His dark hair was tousled just enough to look effortlessly dangerous, and those sharp silver-gray eyes held a predatory glint that made even seasoned businessmen uneasy.
Intricate tattoos peeked from beneath his collar and cuffs-dark, artistic ink that covered his chest, arms, and back. A self-made billionaire who had clawed his way up through ruthless deals and an almost primal charisma. Silas's best man. And, quietly, his most dangerous rival.
Kael had been a thorn in Silas's side for years-always one step ahead in certain markets, always watching with that knowing smirk. But they maintained the public image of close friends. Alliances were useful.
"I'm securing my future," Silas replied coolly, straightening his bow tie. "Something you wouldn't understand, chasing every skirt in the city like a feral dog."
Kael's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. He stepped further into the room, swirling the amber whiskey in his glass. "Some skirts are worth chasing. Tell me, Silas... does your pretty little bride know you fuck like a dead fish? Or is that going to be a wedding night surprise?"
Silas's jaw tightened, but he refused to rise to the bait. "Liora understands her role. She's not some whore looking for fireworks. She wants stability. Something you could never give anyone."
Kael took a slow sip of his drink, his silver eyes darkening. In truth, he had barely slept since the engagement party six months ago. The moment he had seen Liora-ethereal, porcelain-skinned, those large hazel eyes filled with quiet hunger-he had become obsessed. She didn't belong on Silas's cold arm. She belonged under him. Screaming his name. Taking his cock. Carrying his child.
He had watched her ever since. The way she moved. The way she blushed. The subtle way her thighs pressed together when she thought no one was looking. She was untouched. Starving.
And tonight, she would become Silas Voss's wife.
Kael's grip tightened on the glass, knuckles whitening. Mine, the dark voice in his head growled. She was mine the second I saw her.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Kael said smoothly, clapping Silas on the shoulder with a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "I'll make sure the best man duties are handled. Try not to disappoint your bride too badly."
As Kael turned to leave, his mind was already filled with visions of Liora in white-walking down the aisle toward the wrong man. Soon, he promised himself, that fragile innocence would shatter.
And he would be the one to ruin her.
