Chapter 5 FROM

Leah

"What a lovely family you have here." he said, his hand shamelessly sliding up my shoulder.

My mother looked at me concerned. "Sweetheart, are you alright?"

"Yes," I lied, trying to shift away quietly.

"Are you sure, doll?" He mocked, his finger moving to brush my hair behind my ear. "You look like you have seen a ghost."

A cold dread washed over me as our eyes met, his threat from the elevator echoing in my mind.

His gaze dropped to my lips, that tingled in memory of a stolen kiss.

My father slammed his hand onto the table, and I flinched. "I made it clear to you last time, she is..."

Aiden chuckled. "Sorry about that, Mr. Carter. I don't take warnings seriously," he said, his voice deceptively calm. "They only make me want to cross the line even further."

My father's jaw tightened, his fist clenching on the table as if controlling himself from making a mistake. I could feel the walls closing in on me.

"Micheal," my mother said softly, her hand resting on his arm. Her touch did little to ease the growing tension between the two men.

My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met again. He reached out, brushing his fingers against my cheek gently.

"You look beautiful in red," he murmured, his eyes dropping to my lips again. A smile curled up his lips as he leaned down and whispered, "I will see you later, doll."

I didn't realise I was holding my breath the entire time until he left.

"Where did you two meet?" My father asked immediately.

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my racing heart. "The elevator," I replied, leaving the part about running into him at the car park and the kiss.

"Isn't he... a member of the Kingston family?" My mom's voice trembled in fear.

My dad remained silent, looking away from her.

"Micheal, he is part of a crime family! Why is someone like that interested in our daughter?"

The Kingston family, the biggest crime family, ruling the underground in this city. We are talking guns, murders and every other illegal shit you can think of.

I knew he was dangerous. But to think he was with the mafia?

My dad reached across the table, taking my hand in his. "You need to avoid him, honey. I know you might not have a reason to see him, but there is no telling what goes on in a mind like his."

"I-I will."

The rest of the meal was torture. This was a dinner I had been looking forward to all week, but his presence ruined everything.

A sudden unease settled in my guts as I waved goodbye to my parents, who were driving off. Turning around, I flinched slightly at the source of the unease. He stood, his hands buried in his pockets as he watched me through the glass doors of the restaurant.

I could have sworn I saw him leave earlier.

When he gestured for me to come over, I clutched my purse tightly, turning away immediately. My heart pounded as I started to walk towards my car.

I heard footsteps behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder, confirming my worst fears. He was right behind me, enjoying the way I scrambled away from him like prey.

"I thought we agreed to meet later, doll," he taunted.

I fumbled inside my purse for my keys, fingers trembling.

Almost there, Leah. Just a few more steps. Once you get into the car, you will be safe.

Relief washed over me as I finally found the key and pressed the button. The car door clicked open. I pulled it slightly ajar when suddenly, a hand clamped down on the top from behind me.

"Were you running away from me, doll?" He whispered, his voice laced with mocking amusement in my ear.

"Let go," my voice came out shaky.

He clicked his tongue, his breath hot on my neck. "What about our date?"

I yanked at the door. "Let go. I need to go home!" I yelled.

He slammed the door shut with a force that made me jump, my back pressing against his chest. His nose grazed my skin, as he murmured, "Fuck, you smell nice."

I tried to step away, but he gripped my hip, holding me in place. "Stay still, doll." He buried his face in my hair, inhaling deeply.

"Get your filthy hands off me, you son of a bitch!" I screamed, my nails digging into his hand.

He chuckled, his nails digging into my hip and I winced letting his hand go. "That hurts, doll. I thought we had gotten closer... especially after our kiss on the elevator." He brushed his lips down my neck, my skin tingling from where his lips had touched.

"You forced that kiss on me.i"

"Is that so?" He murmured, sending unwanted heat through me. "All I remember were lips begging to be kissed."

The rain started to fall in small droplets, the tapping on the car roof blending with the sound of my heavy breathing.

He tilted my face towards him, his lips dangerously close to mine. My breath hitched, eyes darting to his lips and then back at his darkened gaze. "And even now, they are begging me to kiss them."

I should've turned away, but I didn't.

His mouth pressed to mine, tongue slipping into my mouth, claiming me with rough intensity. He sucked on my tongue, then my lips, teeth grazing lightly, just enough to leave a bruise.

The rain continued, soaking us both, but that didn't stop him. He pulled me closer as if we weren't close enough. I whimpered into his mouth, heat pooling between my legs.

Fuck.

My breathe came out ragged as he pulled away, his eyes locking onto mine. Those eyes promised bad, sinful things, things that made me shudder in all the wrong ways.

"Looks like I have got you wet, inside and out."

He was right, my panties were soaked and it wasn't the rain.

I was attracted to him. It was a truth I had been refusing to acknowledge ever since I met him.

"Since I got you wet, let me buy you a new dress," he offered.

"I don't need a dress from you," I snapped, shoving him away and reaching for the door again.

He slammed it shut. "I insist."

I glared at him, my nose flaring.

Headlights flashed on us as a car pulled up in front. Before I could react, he grabbed my wrists.

"Hey, let go off me!" I shouted, struggling against his grip.

My nails dug at his skin, but he just dragged me toward his car and shoved me inside.

My heart dropped.

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Relax. We're just getting you a dress. I promise I won't bite." His eyes darkened. "Not unless you want me to."

I swallowed hard.

I'm screwed.