Chapter 13-Blackmailed in the Name of Love Selene's POV: The rest of the drive passed in tense silence. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Aaron stealing glances at me now and then. I didn't respond, keeping my gaze fixed on the road ahead, irritation. simmering beneath my skin. This man actually had the audacity to blackmail me under the guise of "love." Really? Did he think I was that naive? If I believed this was what love looked like, then I must be insane. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. Controlling my temper was a challenge, but as my grandmother always said, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." I refused to waste any more energy on him. Still, whether I liked it or not, he was right about Lars. There was no doubt Lars posed a real threat. If he caught me, I shuddered to imagine the hell he would put me through. He might even coerce me into marriage again for money. Until things settled, I couldn't stay at my home. That didn't mean, however, that I would become Aaron's obedient little roommate, a plaything for his whims. I would move in, yes-but only under a contract to restrain his behavior. I would leave my mark on his domain-starting with some artistic graffiti on his walls, even if I wasn't Picasso. The kitchen? Total chaos awaited. I had pranks lined up, enough to make him pay the price for blackmailing me. An hour later, a castle-like villa emerged in the distance. I gawked as towering trees framed the manicured gardens and the expansive lawn stretched toward the distant woods. Aaron parked the car and led me to the entrance, and I was still dumbfounded by the sight before me. It looked like a classic English countryside manor, yet stepping inside, I was immediately overwhelmed by a dazzling modern luxury. I felt as though I had wandered into a fairytale that had somehow detoured into the 21st century. "Is this... your house? Or are you just renting?" I asked, incredulous. Could a taxi driver and a wanderer really afford this? "It's actually my parents' house; I inherited what little remained," he replied. Ah, so it was his parents' home. That explained it. "Do they still live here?" I asked, curiosity piqued. His expression shifted, eyes dropping. "No. They died in a fire. My brother did too." I blinked, stunned. "I... I'm so sorry," was all I could manage, my thoughts stolen by shock. Aaron smiled gently. "It's alright. Come, let me show you around." He reached for my hand lightly, and I didn't resist. Walking through the hall with his warm touch made my heart race. 35.14% "My mother was a vampire," he explained, gesturing toward the ornate artwork on the walls. "She loved castle-like houses, so my father built this for her. The art comes from all over the world, carefully selected to suit her tastes." "You're... a hybrid?" I gasped, again taken aback. He nodded. "Yes, but not fully. My father's genes dominate, so I have almost no vampire traits." "I see..." I murmured, digesting the revelation. As we wound up the spiral staircase to the second floor, I noticed every corner was immaculate. I couldn't help but wonder how much effort-or money-was required to maintain such perfection. "This is the study," Aaron said, opening a door. "You're free to read, write, or work. Everything you see is for you." My gaze swept the room. Spacious, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lush greenery outside. Shelves of exquisite woodwork lined the walls. I knew I could spend countless hours writing here and never grow bored. The thought of wrecking his house felt absurdly distant now. "This is your bedroom; mine is right next door," he added. Wait-they weren't sleeping together? Why? I was taken aback, first by the thought itself, then by the smug smile curling his lips. That's when I realized I'd voiced my thoughts aloud. He slowly backed me against the cool wall, never breaking eye contact. Leaning down, his lips brushed my ear as he whispered in a husky voice, "Trust me, angel. I've restrained myself from overwhelming you right here and now. I promise, I won't stop until I've left you aching, screaming my name, begging for mercy." Damn! I nearly gasped. What spell had he cast on me? I should feel offended, yet I was flushed with anticipation. His eyes darkened, his Adam's apple bobbing as nerves tingled with desire. "But not now. I want you to know that, for me, this isn't just lust. I will court you the old-fashioned way, winning your heart," he declared. My cheeks burned. His bold confidence stirred my pulse. He stepped back, predatory gaze roaming over me. "I've prepared some clothes for you in the dressing room-over there." He pointed across the room. "You can change or rest, whatever you wish. Little one, be at ease. I need a cold shower myself to calm the fire you've ignited." He smiled, then turned toward his bedroom. In the dressing room, my brain finally began to function again. Inside, one closet held neatly hung men's suits and shirts; the other contained women's clothing of various styles. < Chapter 13 Blackmailed in the Name of Love Get 5 Menu Did he pamper all his women this way? The thought ignited jealousy and anger within me. Kill those butterflies, Selene. These pristine clothes proved he had set a trap long before my arrival. No more being fooled. Remember why you came here-he was skilled at hiding his nature. I quickly changed into a crewneck sweatshirt and leggings, then headed to the study to draft our contract. If he thought a smile and a wink could manipulate me, he was wrong. I would make him understand: I was not a toy for his amusement. I refused to become his golden canary, and I promised myself that I wouldn't. Leave a comment 14 35.14%