Bound by Desire to the Enigmatic Heir

"Auntie, I won't accept what you want me to do!" shouted a young woman as she entered an office.

A middle-aged woman exhaled cigarette smoke while she was on the phone. "We'll do, sir. Thank you. I hope you'll enjoy her service."

After saying that, the older woman hung up the phone and turned to the younger one who had entered her office.

"You have no choice. I've already put your name on the list. The crowd wants you! This is the solution to your financial problems. Consider it payment for my help in hiding you from your family for two years, Thea," said the older woman as she sorted through some papers scattered on her desk.

"A trade-off? I came to you willingly when I approached you. I've been working hard, sacrificing my education to help with our daily expenses, and now you're going to do this to me? You're not making me an escort, but you're going to auction me off!" The young woman couldn't help raising her voice out of frustration.

"You have no choice. If you back out, you'll need to pay a penalty. Do you have the money for that? I don't. So just follow what I ask you to do. I'm buried in debt, and we have many needs. Just endure it, or if you want, ask your mother for help. Your family has money, don't they? However, you'll also have to face the wrath of your family after running away from them."

Theana, the young woman, couldn't bring herself to speak. She knew she couldn't go back. Two years had passed since she left their home, and she had accepted the fate that she could never return. Besides the escape, she left behind a big scandal and mistake that haunted her. So now, she had no choice but to cling to the woman who sheltered her when she had nowhere else to go. Estelle, the woman who helped Thea when she left and ran away from her family, who worked at an exclusive club.

Thea sighed heavily. There were many things she wanted to fight for, but... she knew she couldn't do anything about it. She didn't want to ask her mother for help because she knew her mother wouldn't feed her. Besides, it was too late when she found out that she was included among the women being auctioned off tonight. She also didn't have the money to pay the penalty if she decided not to go through with it.

Her hands trembled as hairstylists and makeup artists worked on her. She still couldn't accept what awaited her tonight.

All the women to be auctioned off were lined up. Theana wanted to cry and vomit. Never did she once imagine she would end up in this situation.

She grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth. Though she was somewhat spoiled because her parents indulged her whims, she still knew when she needed to stand on her own two feet.

Thea's desired quiet life was shattered when her twin sister, Alethea Brooke, was suddenly arranged to marry a member of a prominent family known nationwide. That's when the chaos began in what she thought would be her perfect life.

She closed her eyes as she remembered everything. She wanted to bury it all in oblivion, but she also wanted to think about what might have happened to her if she hadn't left back then.

"Thea!"

Her thoughts were interrupted when an organizer of the auction called her. He grabbed her by the arm before talking to her.

"You're next. Even back when your only job was as a waitress, many were willing to pay for your service. Too bad you couldn't before, but now... oh boy! I wonder how much the highest bid for you will be?" he said excitedly. "As of now, the highest bid tonight is one million."

As excited as everyone around Thea was, she felt nothing but despair. She wanted to retreat, she wanted to run away, and escape from it all. She knew she was good at running away from problems. But she also thought about the situation her Aunt Estelle would be in. She owed a lot to the person who was treating her like this now because she had relied on her for two years while hiding from her family.

"Are you still a virgin?" asked a woman, sucking on a lollipop while waiting for Theana's response. Theana remained silent. "Oh dear! If you're still a virgin, I'm sure people outside will bid very high for you. Besides being beautiful, if they find out you're still a virgin, everyone will be scrambling to get you."

In truth, she's no longer a virgin! She had long surrendered her virginity to a man she really liked. Nevertheless, she still had to leave him.

Thea remained silent, thinking that the money she would receive wouldn't be worth trading for her dignity.

She was being prepared because she was up next. She was the last woman to come out, and she was told she was the one they were all waiting for. She sarcastically smiled because she wasn't pleased with how much importance they were giving her now.

Theana took a deep breath, swallowing all the emotions she felt. If she wanted to get through all of this, she needed to numb herself.

When her nickname was called, she stepped out. The men present eyed her as if they were ready to lay down any amount just to have her and be with her for a few days.

She still couldn't accept that she was here now, like some thing or property being sold at a price deemed suitable for her. She wanted to vomit and be disgusted by the people doing this.

Thea couldn't focus. She couldn't even move her eyes away from the floor. All she heard was when the auctioneer said the bidding would start at one million.

Thea scoffed. She had clearly heard earlier that prices usually started low before rising, but for her, the amount was ridiculously high right away. Maybe they were that eager for virgins, or they thought she was still one and untouched by any man.

Someone raised their number. Thea glanced briefly and grimaced when she saw a running senator bidding for her.

Her makeup was too thick for anyone to recognize her. She knew that no one would recognize her even if someone she knew suddenly appeared at this event.

"One point five million," the man said.

Bids for Thea kept going up. She no longer cared. She was just waiting to see who would win this absurdity.

"Going once, going twice-yes, number 100!" the auctioneer declared.

As of now, the highest bid for Thea was at ten million. An elderly businessman had the highest bid for her, and when she saw how he looked at her, she felt chills. She suddenly prayed and had a concern that she wouldn't end up with him.

"Fifty million pesos!"

Thea's eyes widened at the announcement. She looked at the man who said it. He was in formal attire, but he didn't seem like the type who owned a big company.

"Sold!"

Until the auction ended, Thea was out of herself. She still couldn't believe that someone would spend 50 million just to have her and be with her for a few days.

Her Aunt Estelle was overjoyed. She kept giving Thea all sorts of advice as if she had really given up on Theana. Thea scrutinized her, still unhappy with what was happening in her life.

Only a few documents were sorted out before the man who won her was allowed to take her away.

She was led into a luxurious car, and it seemed like they were heading to a big hotel.

She kept stealing glances at the man. He was silent, engrossed in a conversation on the phone. She wondered why so much money was spent on her when he seemed uninterested in her.

Upon arriving at a famous hotel, she was immediately ushered into the elevator. They headed to the top floor.

Her companions stopped when they reached a suite. She looked at the man, expecting to follow him inside, but after the door was opened for her, he didn't move from where he stood.

"Aren't you coming in?" Thea hesitated with each word she uttered.

The man quickly replied, "No, Miss. I was just instructed to attend the auction. I'm not the one who owns you. My boss is waiting inside this suite; please go in."

And that's what Theana did. She entered the room and walked towards the living area. She wanted to commend every corner of the suite, but she remembered why she was there.

All sorts of thoughts raced through her mind, especially about the kind of person who won the auction.

When she reached the living area, she saw a man standing in front of the large window. One hand was in his pocket, and the other held a glass of alcohol. She cleared her throat to get the man's attention.

The man slowly turned to face her, and Theana's eyes widened when she saw who it was. The man she had been trying to avoid and the man to whom she had given her whole innocence. The man she denied loving but deep inside, she truly did.

"A-Arcel!" Thea panicked upon seeing and recognizing the man.

Arcel quickly finished his drink before approaching Theana. She immediately backed away when Arcel grabbed her hand.

"You're running away again?" Arcel said coldly to her. Theana felt small under his gaze. His eyes were piercing.

"Let go of me, Arcel! Why are you here?" Theana insisted, unable to accept that she was seeing the young man again. His eyebrow raised, but he didn't answer. "What the hell?! Why did you spend fifty million on me?! I know you're wealthy, but if you're wasting your money like that, it's like picking it up from the ground-"

Thea's words were cut off when Arcel grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to him. His jaw tightened, and he still looked sharply at Thea.

"I am claiming what's mine, Thea. I am here to get my runaway bride."

I had just arrived home when I caught my twin sister Brooke and my mother chatting happily. I had no idea what they were talking about, because they always exclude me.

My parents named me Theana Brynn while my twin sister's name is Alethea Brooke.

"Who among the two sons, Mama?" Brooke asked.

"The eldest, dear! It's Taddeo Locatelli!"

Even though they mentioned names, I still couldn't follow their conversation.

"Oh, Ma! Whoever among Aunt Adelaide's two sons is fine with me! Am I the one they want to marry?"

I stopped walking when I heard Ale's words. 'Huh? What marriage?'

"Yes, of course, I would mention you! Otherwise..." Mama trailed off, maybe noticing my presence.

My twin sister Alethea also glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. She gave me a snooty look like she always did. I secretly rolled my eyes at her.

"Theana, you're already here. Have you been here long?" Mama asked me.

I smiled at her. "I just arrived." I acted as if I hadn't heard them earlier. "What were you talking about, Ma?"

I approached them and kissed my mother on the cheek.

"Nothing much. I just talked to Adelaide. Remember her? Your dad's friend? You haven't seen them for a long time, so maybe you don't remember. Anyway, they want to marry off Alethea to their eldest son!"

I winced at what she said. I wanted to be happy, but there was bitterness in my throat.

I can see how my mother is so proud of my sister, but it's been a long time since I saw her treat me like this.

"Anyway, there's still food there if you haven't eaten. You can also wash the dishes; The maid's off today. You can do that, right?"

I could only nod at her. I can use the dishwasher anyway. Besides, it's difficult to complain because I'll just end up looking bad again.

My sister eyed me, and she smirked when she saw me looking at her. She gave me a dirty look before chatting with our mother again.

So that's what they were talking about. Alethea will be married to the son of Papa's friend.

I sighed and headed to my room to change clothes. I had just come from school, and this is what I'm greeted with, washing the dishes.

I sat on the edge of my bed and took off my shoes. My gaze landed on a picture of my father. I smiled sadly before approaching it.

I held Papa's picture and smiled sadly at him. "If only you were here, Pa. Maybe they wouldn't treat me like this." I caressed the picture frame.

Ten years ago, my father passed away. Car accident. My family blamed me for his death. I ran away because they refused to buy me the clothes I wanted, so to make them regret it, I left for a while. I never expected that in searching for my father, he would get into an accident.

I grew up being spoiled by my parents, especially by my father. So when there were things I couldn't get back then, it was a big deal for me and I threw tantrums. I am the rebel daughter, while my twin sister is the golden child, even though I know very well the rotten attitude of my sibling.

Alethea and I were close before, but after the tragedy with Papa, her behavior and treatment towards me changed.

Now that I'm growing up, I've learned that not everything you want, no matter how much you desire it, can be obtained. The death of Papa had a significant impact on me.

I don't seek pity, nor do I allow myself to be oppressed. When someone bullies me, I fight back. The problem is, when it comes to Mama, I always let myself lose. Because until now, I feel like I need to make it up to her. I am the primary reason why Papa, her husband, is no longer with us. Until now, I carry the guilt of what happened. So even though sometimes I feel like my mother doesn't treat me like a daughter anymore and favors my twin sister Alethea, I don't complain.

"I'm jealous, Pa," I said to my father's photo. "I wish Mama would love me again like she loves Ale. I'm also her daughter, and I didn't want what happened to you back then. If only I can trade my life for yours, I would, Pa."

I hugged my father's photo.

"I miss you, Pa. There's not a day or night that I don't think, if only I didn't run away back then, you'd still be with us."

I skipped dinner because I lost my appetite. I just washed the dishes in the kitchen and decided to sleep.

I'm so tired today. I'm juggling school and work. Mama doesn't know that I am working. Our family is wealthy because of the businesses Dad left behind, but...I want to have my own money. I want to leave here and have my own life.

Sure, I love my mother and my twin sister even though they are like this to me, but I feel suffocated staying here. I want to create my own identity. Someday, I'll be a well-known model or actress! Maybe if that happens, I'll get Mama's validation.

I know Mama is against that. She hates that industry so much. She belittles modeling and acting, but for me, it is a work of art. Someday, I will make my mother proud.

Somehow, I feel lighter thinking about reaching my dreams.

I'm only in my second year of college while my sister is in her fourth year now. Why am I left behind? Well, in the past, I tried to intentionally sabotage my schooling. I kept changing courses and dropping out. I also attempted to rebel against my mother, just so she would give me her attention. I preferred her scolding me because it meant she noticed me. When she gets angry with me, I feel like I exist, but it's exhausting too. So now, I just comply with what she wants, even if I don't like it. I'll just finish the course I'm taking in college right now, and after that, I'll follow what I want.

I woke up early the next morning. I heard some noise, so I immediately went out of my room. I saw Mama with some luggage. My sister was emotional, and my mother was comforting her.

"I'll be back, dear. I just really need to leave. Probably for two to three months. You'll be fine here, right?" Mama said.

'Where is she going?'

"But Mama, I'm going to miss you!"

Mama hugged my crying sister. "Me, too, honey. Just remember what I told you, okay? Next week, you're going to the Locatelli's, and you're going to stay there for a while, so you can get to know your fiancé better!"

"Ma, where are you going?" I couldn't help but speak up. I walked closer to them and noticed her sudden change in mood.

"I'm going to Russia. I need to take care of our business there. There seems to be a problem." She looked at me and greeted me with her stern face. "You're going to be alone here, Thea. Alethea will go to the Locatelli's next week, and she will stay there for a while. I'll be in Russia. I'm leaving the house in your care. The head maid is here anyway, so there shouldn't be any problem."

She walked towards me. I remained standing by the door of my room.

"Don't cause any trouble, understood?"

I just nodded. Mama was escorted out of our gate, and I watched her car drive away.

As I was about to go back inside the house, I saw Alethea. She was crossing her arms and looking at me. When she noticed me looking at her, she smirked before turning away.

I sighed in frustration, thankful that I'm turning over a new leaf because I wanted to please Mama. Otherwise, I would have fought her a long time ago because of her attitude towards me.

Sure, sibling fights are inevitable, but Ale's attitude is different. Often because she knows Mama would take her side, she tests my patience and makes me look bad even though she's the one with the bad attitude.

After my part-time job shift, which my family doesn't know about, I went to the mall. I needed to buy some supplies for a school project. I went straight to the bookstore to get them.

I also wandered around for a bit and ended up in my favorite shop. My eyes immediately caught sight of the new display of bags that seemed freshly released by this brand. I was tempted to buy, but I quickly restrained myself.

I bit my lip. While I used to spend money recklessly before, since Papa's death, I've become more aware of things at a young age. Just because you can buy something doesn't mean you should.

I left the shop before my thoughts could change. There's something more important I need to allocate my money for.

As I was about to ride the escalator to go down to the ground floor, I heard a familiar voice, my sister's voice.

"It's your fault, you bitch!" I saw Alethea slapping a girl. The girl grabbed my twin sister's hair and forcefully pulled her.

I rushed over there and immediately intervened. "Ale, stop that!"

She lunged at the girl again despite my attempts to hold her back. She even scratched the girl's arm, a smirk forming on my sister's lips.

"Serves you right, bitch!" Alethea yelled.

Some people had started to notice the commotion. They were staring, and some were even calling for security.

"You're a boyfriend stealer!" the girl shouted.

"Is it my fault you're an ugly duckling and cheap that your boyfriend is replacing you-"

The girl grabbed her again in anger. I was pushed by the girl too. They started pulling each other's hair, and I could hear the voices of security approaching. I couldn't stand up because my hand hurt from when it got hurt earlier due to being pushed.

"You're a flirt!" The girl pushed my sister hard. Alethea's back hit a glass wall, which quickly shattered from the impact of her fall.

"Ale!" I stood up despite my sore bottom. The security tried to catch her, but Alethea fell to the first floor of the mall.

I immediately rushed my sister to the hospital. The doctor said there were no broken bones. It was fortunate, they said, that the distance between the second floor and the first floor of that mall wasn't too high, but my sister had some injuries that needed attention. They said she might not be able to walk for a few months.

The news that some glass shards had fallen on Alethea's face wasn't good either, which led to...

I heard my sister's loud scream. She had regained consciousness, and I found her looking at herself in the mirror.

"This c-can't be..." Alethea said. I approached her, but she quickly pushed me away.

Alethea had wounds on her face, and the outcome wasn't good. It would take a long time for Alethea's face to return to its previous state. The problem was, it could leave scars.

"This is your fault, Thea!" she yelled at me.

I was taken aback by what she said, but even though I was worried about her condition, I couldn't stop myself.

"Why me?! I just stopped you; I wasn't the one who pushed you!"

She kept crying. Bandages covered her face because of the wounds she sustained.

"If you hadn't stopped me, then I would have pushed her instead!" she shouted at me while sobbing. "I will tell Mama about this!"

I got alarmed at that. Even though I wanted to shout at Alethea for blaming me, my courage quickly faded. Whenever she mentioned Mama, my bravado disappeared. Perhaps because I knew she would believe Alethea and take her side over mine. Ale is her favorite daughter, and I am no one's favorite.

"I can't show up at the Locatelli's looking like this! They will surely be disgusted!" She cried even more. "My fiancé might dislike me! Oh, no!"

All I could hear in Alethea's room was sobbing. I tried to calm her down. I knew how excited she was to meet her fiancé, which is why she was like this.

"This is your fault, Thea! No matter where you go, bad luck follows you! Now what? I don't want to disappoint Mama! We've been waiting for this, and you're ruining it-"

"It's not my fault, Alethea." I calmed down, but I still argued that it wasn't my fault.

I just let Alethea express her feelings. Then I was surprised when she suddenly held my hand.

"Thea," she called. "We look alike, right? We're almost identical. Aside from some differences, it's not that noticeable if we switched places, right? Just temporarily, while I'm healing."

I slowly saw a smile forming on Alethea's face.

"Do you want to make up for what happened to me? Help me, then. I have an idea."

I furrowed my brow at what she said. Her eyes were fixed on me. I blinked because I felt like I was being put in a position where it would be hard for me to escape.

I stood in front of the Locatelli's house. Now begins the start of my pretending. Alethea said I should stay here until she recovers, and once her condition improves, we'll switch. I need to keep her updated on what's happening here.

I sighed. I didn't know why I was following her demands. In truth, it wasn't my fault that she fell from the second floor of the mall. If it weren't for knowing that if she made up a story, Mama would believe her, I probably wouldn't do this.

I took a deep breath. 'Just let it be, Thea. You wouldn't be doing anything during your vacation anyway. Just think that you're doing this as a good sister even if your sister isn't good.' I rolled my eyes at the thought and walked towards the door of the grand house.

The household staff greeted me when they saw me. An elderly woman instructed them to take my belongings. She smiled at me before introducing herself.

"Good morning, Miss Alethea," she greeted me. I almost cringed when she called me by my twin's name. I almost corrected her and said my name is Theana. Good thing I remembered why I'm here. "I am Mercy, the head maid of this mansion. We are pleased to have you here."

I gave her a tight smile. She led me inside the house, which I quickly observed.

The mansion looked beautiful from the outside, but the interior was even more stunning. It was spacious and clean. The furniture, if not antique, seemed imported from various countries. In the middle of the grand staircase hung a family picture of the Locatelli family who lived here. Aunt Adelaide's three children were still young in the picture. They all looked intimidating except for Aunt Adelaide and the female child who were the only ones smiling in the photo.

"Ma'am Adelaide, Miss Alethea is here."

I felt a jolt of surprise every time Alethea's name was mentioned. I wasn't used to being called that because I'm not Ale!

I saw a beautiful woman. I couldn't remember the last time I saw her, but I knew she was a close friend of my late father. She smiled sweetly at me and approached.

"Hello, Alethea." Aunt Adelaide hugged me as she approached. I couldn't return the hug because of how quickly things were happening. "How are you? It's been so long since I last saw you. You were just kids then. How's your mother?"

"My mother is okay. She's in Russia right now taking care of some matters, so I'm the only one who came today."

Aunt Adelaide nodded at me. "And your sister?"

My throat went dry. I quickly thought of what to say to her. Luckily, I'm used to lying. "My sister is also on vacation with her friends."

Aunt Adelaide is kind. I know that because I still vividly remember how Papa used to praise her when he was still alive. I remember the story of how they met back then.

"Are you hungry? The food is ready, but I'm still waiting for my husband and my children. You'll meet Taddeo soon."

Taddeo Locatelli. That's the name of the man Alethea is going to marry, the man I should socialize with and get to know.

I know the Locatelli family isn't fond of arranged marriages, so it's surprising that they're open to this now. Perhaps the wind has changed direction.

"Not yet, thank you."

"How was the trip, Alethea? Are you tired?"

"Call me Thea, Auntie." I prefer being called by my nickname rather than constantly hearing my sister's name. "The trip was fine, Auntie."

Auntie and I chatted for a while. We were touring the house together when she was called by Mercy, so she excused herself briefly. In the end, I was left alone to wander around their yard.

Their property here in their Beverly Hills house is vast. The scenery is beautiful, and the air is fresh. It's very different from Los Angeles. It's quite relaxing, especially when the fresh air brushes against my skin.

I stopped when I saw some men seemingly busy lifting heavy objects. I think they're working on a part of the yard, but I couldn't understand what it was. I just see a lot of equipment there.

"I'm done. You guys take care of the rest."

My eyes widened when a man walked towards me with no shirt on. I gulped. This wasn't new to me because often at our school gymnasium, basketball players undress there before going to their locker room. But it's different now.

Compared to the college boys' bodies I've seen, this man's physique is more defined. Clearly toned from various activities. His full-sleeve tattoo on his right arm is noticeable, and his tattoo extends to the right side of his chest. There are small beads of sweat on his body, and it glistens probably from the work he just did.

Is he a worker for the Locatelli family? Besides his attractive physique, I can't deny that he's handsome. It's the kind of attractiveness that's not just surface level. You really have to find the perfect word to describe him. And unfortunately for me, I can't think of anything other than god-like.

He stopped beside me. He ran his fingers through his damp hair, which obediently followed the direction he wanted. I gulped and kept my gaze on him.

He probably noticed me because he glanced in my direction. At first, his eyes looked expressionless as they met mine, but eventually, he smiled too.

I furrowed my brow, especially when I noticed him staring at my body. I'm wearing a decent dress, but I feel like I'm naked in front of him because of the way he's looking at me.

I stepped back because I felt like he was undressing me with his eyes, when suddenly he grabbed me and pulled me towards him.

"Watch out!"

I heard a noise of falling objects, so I looked around the room. I wasn't mistaken because some items fell, probably because they were dropped.

"Sorry, Miss." I saw the culprit of the fallen items. They quickly picked them up and took them to the yard they were fixing.

I breathed a sigh of relief but realized I was pressed against the man's body. Despite that, I could smell his fragrance.

"You, okay?" He tilted his head. My cheeks turned red when I realized how close we actually were.

I pushed him away out of embarrassment and blurted out, "You're sweaty."

I couldn't shake off the thought that he still smelled good despite being sweaty. Is that possible? That his sweat even smells good?

He was surprised by my remark, but eventually, he laughed too. I rolled my eyes, hiding my embarrassment.

"Ace!"

We both looked towards the voice calling him, and we saw Mercy. Perhaps she was looking for him and had something for him to do since he also works for the Locatelli family, right?

His name is Ace?

"Oh, you naughty boy! You're just here. We've been waiting for you since your mom's looking for you! We thought you weren't here yet. We only saw your car parked outside." Mercy jokingly scolded the man. She was just teasing him.

"Sorry, Mercy. I noticed the garden outside still needed fixing, so I thought I'd break a sweat first. They're looking for me? Are my brothers already here?"

I blinked rapidly as I heard their conversation. Wait, mom? Brother? Does that mean this guy is...

"Oh! Miss Alethea, you're here too. Let's go inside, Taddeo will be arriving soon."

I didn't pay much attention to Mercy because I was still staring at the man who was now putting on his t-shirt. He glanced at me after hearing what Mercy said.

"Alethea? Oh, so you are Alethea Saunders?" His grin widened. He approached me and observed me closely. "My brother's soon-to-be fiancée, huh? Nice meeting you."

"Oh, Arcel! Go inside the house first and take a shower! Don't face the beautiful lady with that appearance! You smell of sweat!" Mercy scolded him and pulled him away from me.

"Mercy, I still smell good."

They kept teasing each other until they entered the house. I couldn't forget that the man glanced at me again before they went inside. He grinned once more before disappearing.

I also entered the house, especially when Aunt Adelaide called me. She introduced me to her husband, Uncle Morgan. I also met their daughter Alice, and most importantly, Taddeo, who wants to marry Alethea.

Taddeo is intimidating. He didn't disrespect me earlier, but I could sense that he didn't want to see me or get to know me.

We were already seated in the dining area when Uncle Morgan spoke.

"Where's Arcel-"

"I am here." Another man entered the dining area. He sat across from me, making me nervous for no apparent reason. He looked at me, and from his serious expression, he suddenly showed a playful expression again.

I chose to avoid looking at him. I didn't know what to feel about him. I couldn't even decide who I preferred to interact with between the two of them, his brother Taddeo, who keeps giving me the cold treatment, or this Arcel, whom I can't figure out why he's smirking at me.

When Taddeo got busy with his food, that's when I had the chance to steal glances at Arcel. I can't read him, and I am not even sure if we can get along. Something tells me this man is dangerous.

This man has a playful personality yet is mysterious. He looks innocent but dangerous. Arcel Locatelli is the definition of an angel with a pair of black wings. You can't tell if he's a friend or a foe, if he's a good person or not. Because I can feel it in every fiber of my body, that behind his friendly image is a vicious man oozing with the deadliest venom.

I shook myself. I shouldn't be associated with him. He's not the one I should be getting close to, but his brother.

I glanced at Arcel again, and our eyes met. His gaze lowered to my lips then back to my body, he then, licked his lips using his tongue. I felt a strange heat from his action, and I couldn't explain it.