Chapter 3 DEVIL'S KISS

Troy flinched from where he had been quietly watching. His eyes widened in shock as Zaira suddenly spat straight into Kade's face, the saliva landing squarely on his cheek. Even Mayor Enrique was stunned speechless by what his daughter just did. His entire body trembled. He knew it was over for both of them. He shut his eyes tight and started praying, calling on every saint he could remember to save them from this island.

He regretted bringing his daughter here. He should've known better. Her temper was short, and her attitude unpredictable. She was throwing another tantrum. Something she'd had since she was a child. That same tantrum was the reason she never got along with her older sister, who had obsessive-compulsive disorder and a heart condition. Between the two of them, her older sister was always favored and protected because of her illness.

Kade's eyes darkened as he wiped the spit from his cheek. He was shaking with rage, fighting the growing storm inside him. Only one thing ran through his mind, and that was revenge. A slow, devilish smile crept across his lips.

"So, you want to challenge me, woman? Fine. I'll give you what you want."

He stood up abruptly and turned to Mayor Enrique.

"Go home. And don't ever show your face to me again. From this moment on, your debt is paid in exchange for your daughter's life."

"Thank you so much, Boss Kade," Enrique cried out, overwhelmed with relief. He scrambled to his feet and rushed to the door, terrified that Kade might change his mind.

Zaira, seeing her father running, bolted after him. But before she could reach the exit, Kade grabbed her like she was nothing and slung her over his shoulder.

"Did you really think you could escape me? You wanted this, didn't you? You pushed me to the edge, woman!" he growled as he kicked open the door to the large bedroom beside his own.

"You monster! Put me down! Daddy, help me! Please don't leave me! Dad!" Zaira screamed, sobbing and thrashing as she scratched and pulled at Kade's hair.

Even with fresh scratches marking his face, Kade didn't let her go. He threw her onto the massive bed, his eyes burning with fury. He pinned her wrists above her head and punished her again with another aggressive kiss. No matter how hard Zaira struggled, she was no match for the strength of the man towering over her. The more she fought back, the rougher he kissed her.

But as Kade sensed her body weakening, the way he kissed her began to change. His lips grew softer and more lingering, gradually drawn to the sweetness of her mouth. He didn't realize this was exactly what Zaira had been waiting for.

She bit down hard on his lower lip.

"Shit!" Kade cursed as the taste of his own blood hit his tongue. He shot her a deadly glare. Why the hell hadn't he just let this woman go? Why did he keep holding on to someone who did nothing but test his limits? For the first time in his life, he felt out of control-and it was all because of her.

But he wouldn't lose. He needed to dominate her, bend her to his will. He agreed to Mayor Enrique's offer because he wanted to make her suffer, but now he wasn't so sure who was being punished.

"Do you think you can escape my wrath if I let you go? You made the wrong move, woman. I will make your life a living hell."

Without another word, he stormed out and slammed the door behind him.

Zaira, nearly choking on her tears, ran to the door. She twisted the knob, but it wouldn't budge-he had locked it. Her eyes scanned the room and spotted a window. She rushed over and inspected it, only to find it covered in metal grills. There was no way she could jump from it.

She ran into the bathroom next, hoping to find another way out. But there were no windows there either.

"Damn you! You demon! Let me out!" she screamed, pounding her fists against the door with everything she had.

She rampaged through the room, grabbing whatever she could and throwing it in every direction. She punched the mirror, shattered glass slicing her skin. She hurled vases, figurines-anything in reach-toward the door. She didn't care how expensive they were. If he wanted revenge, then he should kill her already. That would be better than this.

She knew Kade had locked her up for vengeance. But at this point, she'd rather make him so angry that he'd end it now. Dead or alive-at least she'd be free.

In this moment, she wasn't afraid to die. It already felt like her life had no meaning. Her family had discarded her. No one loved her anymore. If only her boyfriend had lent her the money to pay off her father's debt, this never would've happened. But she understood him, too-he despised gambling, and he didn't want his money used for it. Maybe that's why he hadn't proposed yet-because of her family.

She collapsed on the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. She didn't know when or how sleep overtook her, but exhaustion finally dragged her into slumber.

-

Meanwhile, outside the room, Kade exhaled deeply once he confirmed the chaos inside had finally died down. He called for his housekeeper, Edna.

"You called for me, Sir?" the older woman asked gently as she approached.

"Edna, please prepare a meal for the guest in the guest room. Wait for an hour before going in. She might do something reckless."

"Why, Sir? Is your guest violent?" she asked nervously.

"She can be... especially when she's angry. That guest of mine has a monster living inside her."

"Just like you, Sir?" Edna's hand flew to her mouth as she realized what she'd said. Her face paled when she saw her young master frown, his brows furrowed in disapproval.

"Oh-I mean-sorry, sir! I didn't mean-"

"Never mind, Edna. Just get back to work," Kade cut her off firmly.

The housekeeper quickly obeyed and headed to the kitchen.

Kade exhaled again once she was gone. She wasn't wrong. He was a monster when angry.

But why... Why didn't his monster work on that woman?