Chapter 6 I want you to be my wife

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Seated like a king, he exuded an aura of unchallengeable authority. The soft glow of the room cast shadows across his sharp features as he lazily held a lit cigarette between his fingers. His head tilted slightly to the side, an infuriatingly smug smirk playing on his lips, a glint of mischief dancing in his piercing eyes.

Evanora's heart raced wildly, her carefully practiced smile faltering for a split second. Their gazes locked in a silent, ferocious battle of wills, neither willing to surrender. Yet, it was she who broke first, looking away as her composure wavered under the intensity of his stare.

Turning to the group of actresses huddled nearby, giggling and blushing like schoolgirls, she forced calm into her voice. "Who is he?" she asked, her words crisp, though a faint tremor betrayed her unease. "What's he doing here?"

One of the women, wide-eyed and breathless, gasped in disbelief. "You don't know him? That's Eros Kane! The youngest and richest billionaire in New Orleans. Ruthless, untouchable-even politicians bow to him. His name alone holds power. The Kane family is famous worldwide. How could you not know them?"

Evanora's lips parted slightly in shock. She turned back toward him, unable to resist another glance. He appeared to be engrossed in conversation, but as though he had sensed her eyes on him, he turned his gaze toward her once again. Her stomach flipped, and she quickly averted her eyes, heat rushing to her cheeks.

Memories of that night-the night-flooded her mind. The way she had tossed money at him like he was some faceless stranger burned fresh in her thoughts. She hadn't expected to see him again, much less here, seated like a god among mortals.

"What's he doing here?" she whispered harshly to the same actress, her voice low and urgent.

The woman gave her a look of exasperation. "He just bought this production company. Today's his first visit." Her voice softened, tinged with awe. "I thought he was a myth! And my God, he's so handsome."

Evanora's pulse quickened as dread settled heavily in her chest. Why does fate always seem to drag back the very things you're desperate to escape?

"Alright, everyone! Sorry for the delay!" the director called out, clapping his hands for attention. "Let's begin the final scene. The main couple, on set, please!"

Snapping out of her thoughts, Evanora inhaled deeply, trying to steady her nerves. She wasn't here for him-she was a professional, and she'd prove it. Her co-star, Lucas, sauntered over, his usual swagger on full display.

"You look stunning, sweetheart," Lucas murmured, his arm sliding around her waist in a way that felt far too familiar.

Evanora forced a smile, resisting the urge to push him away. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't ignore the weight of his gaze. Turning slightly, she confirmed her suspicion. Eros was watching them. His expression was unreadable, but the storm brewing in his eyes was unmistakable.

The scene began. Evanora channeled every ounce of focus into her character. Vulnerable yet defiant, she confronted Lucas's character with fiery intensity. Their dialogue flowed seamlessly, and the chemistry they shared electrified the room. But no matter how immersed she was, she couldn't escape the burn of Eros's gaze, lingering like an unspoken challenge.

Leaning back in his chair, he appeared the picture of ease, a glass of whiskey now replacing the cigarette in his hand. Yet the flicker of amusement in his eyes suggested anything but relaxation.

Her jaw tightened, and she forced herself to deliver her lines with precision. When the scene reached its climax, Lucas leaned in for the scripted kiss. But as his lips neared hers, a vivid, all-consuming memory of her night with Eros tore through her mind.

"Cut!" the director's voice rang out, jarring her back to reality.

"I need a break," she blurted, her voice uneven. She didn't wait for a response before rushing off the set, her heels clicking frantically against the polished floor.

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The restroom was cold and sterile, but it offered a fleeting refuge. Pacing back and forth, Evanora pressed a trembling hand to her chest, her breaths coming in short gasps.

"What the hell is he doing here?" she muttered under her breath, gripping the edge of the sink for support.

Her reflection stared back at her, pale and frazzled. She splashed cold water on her face, willing herself to calm down. But the reprieve was short-lived.

A shadow moved behind her. Her heart stopped. Turning slowly, she saw him-Eros Kane-standing casually by the doorway, watching her with a predatory intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

"You shouldn't be here," she said sharply, though her voice quivered.

He smirked, stepping forward with deliberate slowness. "We meet again," he said, his tone dark and smooth as velvet.

Evanora straightened her back, forcing confidence into her posture. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said curtly. "I don't remember you."

She made to leave, but his hand shot out, gripping her wrist with a strength that belied his composed demeanor. With one swift motion, he spun her around and pressed her back against the wall. His towering frame loomed over hers, his presence suffocating.

"You really don't know who I am, do you?" he asked mockingly, his voice a dangerous whisper.

Her throat tightened as she met his piercing gaze. "I don't care who you are, Mr. Kane. Whatever it is you want from me, I can't give it to you."

His chuckle was low and menacing, his eyes darkening with amusement. "When I want something, I get it," he murmured. "And you don't get to say no. I don't take no for an answer."

Her breath hitched, fear coursing through her veins like ice. "What have I gotten myself into?" she whispered, more to herself than to him.

His gaze softened-just a fraction-but the raw possessiveness in his expression remained.

"If it's another night you're after," she managed, her voice wavering, "I can't give you that."

His smirk deepened, his hand brushing against her cheek. "Another night?" he echoed, his tone low and possessive. "No, princess. I don't want another night."

She held her breath, her pulse racing wildly.

"I want you to be my wife."

The words hit her like a thunderclap, stealing the air from her lungs.

"What?" she whispered, disbelief flooding her senses.

His smirk turned devilish, his hand slipping down to rest on her waist. "You heard me," he murmured. "And I'm not in the habit of repeating myself."

The room spun as Evanora stared into his eyes, unable to comprehend the storm of emotions swirling within her.

Eros Kane wasn't just a man who got what he wanted-he was a man who took what he wanted. And now, he wanted her.

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