Chapter 1 The Empty Wedding Night

Chapter 1

The Aegean Sea glittered under the moonlight like scattered diamonds as Liora Vale stood on the private balcony of the honeymoon suite. The warm breeze teased the sheer white lace of her bridal lingerie, making the delicate fabric cling to her full breasts and the curve of her hips. She was supposed to be losing her virginity tonight. Instead, her husband lay sprawled across the king-sized bed behind her, snoring loudly, still fully dressed in his tuxedo.

Silas Voss had drunk himself into oblivion at their own reception. Not a single kiss. Not a single touch. Just cold indifference and the faint scent of expensive whiskey.

Liora's thighs pressed together, trying to ease the aching emptiness between them. She had waited so long, years of quiet, desperate longing. Tonight was meant to be different. She had imagined gentle hands, whispered promises, and finally feeling desired. Instead, she felt more invisible than ever.

A deep, smooth voice cut through the night air.

"Looking for something your new husband couldn't give you, Liora?"

She gasped and spun around.

Kael Draven leaned against the stone railing, his tall, muscular frame silhouetted by the moonlight. The top buttons of his black shirt were undone, revealing the edge of dark tattoos across his chest. His silver-gray eyes raked over her body slowly, possessively, as if he had every right to look.

"Kael... what are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice shaky. "This is our honeymoon suite."

He stepped closer, towering over her. The scent of his cologne, dark, masculine, expensive wrapped around her like a promise.

"I saw how he ignored you all night," Kael said, his voice low and rough. "Saw how he left his own bride untouched on her wedding night. Tell me, little virgin... are you wet right now because you're angry? Or because you're finally admitting what you really need?"

Liora's breath hitched. Heat flooded her cheeks and lower. She should tell him to leave. She should scream for security. Instead, her nipples tightened against the thin lace, and a fresh rush of wetness soaked her panties.

"I... I don't know what you mean," she lied softly.

Kael's lips curved into a dangerous smile. He reached out, his large hand cupping her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze.

"Liar. Your body is already begging. Let me show you what a real man does to a neglected little bride."