His Ruthless Possession

Liora's chestnut curls tumbled wildly as she swayed in the dim bar, her fiery red minidress clinging to every curve. Her pale legs gleamed under the strobe lights, and her wide, doll-like eyes—usually bright with mischief—now shimmered with drunken haze. She giggled, the lollipop she usually had between her lips now replaced by the taste of sweet liquor.

The crowd writhed around her. A man who had been eyeing her all night pushed through the throng, pressing against her back as they danced. He spun her around, his handsome face inching closer. Liora staggered, blinking owlishly, before instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Whoa there, princess," he murmured. "Need some help staying on your feet?"

Liora tilted her head, processing his words at an almost comical delay. "Mmm… nah," she slurred. "I can stand… see?" She promptly tripped on her own heels.

The man chuckled, clearly emboldened. His hand slid behind her head—only to be abruptly yanked away by two hulking men in black suits and sunglasses.

Liora blinked in confusion, swaying unsteadily. Her daring outfit—so unlike her usual oversized T-shirts, jeans, and lollipop-sucking demeanor—left Ethan, watching nearby, torn between shock and irritation.

This little menace was going to be the death of him.

He had only meant to scare off the creep, but now, with an exaggerated sigh, he lunged forward just as she nearly collapsed.

"Hi there," she purred, blinking up at him with a sloppy, adorable grin. "You're way hotter. Let's… go to a hotel!"

Ethan's eye twitched. "Liora."

"Shh…" She buried her fingers in her tangled curls, pouting. "My head hurts."

Before he could finish scolding, her lips crashed into his. Her kiss was intoxicating, laced with wine, igniting a fire he couldn't suppress.

When she finally pulled back, she clung to him, murmuring, "Let's get a room…" With drunken determination, she dragged a stiff Ethan out of the bar, oblivious to the envious stares trailing them.

In the taxi, she sprawled across his lap like an oversized kitten, playing with the collar of his shirt. "Ethan…" she whispered, her breath warm against his skin. "You smell nice."

"You smell like a distillery."

She giggled, poking his cheek. "You're so serious. Loosen up a little." Then, without warning, she bit his lip.

Ethan swore under his breath, grabbing her wrist before she caused more damage. This woman was insane! Why was she destroying herself over that bastard Kieran?

She'd abandoned her dreams to become Kieran's bodyguard, nearly died protecting him, and now drowned her sorrows in alcohol. Fury surged as Ethan flipped her beneath him, his touch rougher than intended.

At the Orton Hotel, Ethan carried her to the bed, jaw tight. "What the hell are you doing?"

Liora kicked off her heels dramatically, missing the bed entirely and flopping onto the floor. "Oww…" She lay there for a moment, completely still, before peering up at him with watery eyes. "Stay… even you're bullying me."

He froze. The raw hurt in her voice—so unlike the fearless menace he knew—cut through his anger.

"Sleep," he muttered, yanking the sheets over her. "I'm not Kieran. I won't take advantage."

She clutched his hand, her grip surprisingly strong. "Don't go…"

The next morning, sunlight spilled through the curtains. Liora stirred, her head pounding like a war drum. She peeked out from under the covers, only to find Ethan lounging beside her, a cigarette between his lips.

"Morning, darling," he drawled, flashing a bandaged finger. "Care to explain this?"

Liora's eyes widened at the sight of his injured hand. "Did we…?"

"Relax." He flicked ashes into an ashtray. "You're still terrifyingly pure."

Her stomach dropped in horror. "Oh God. What did I do?"

"Well, let's see," Ethan mused, tapping his fingers against his knee. "You bit me. Tried to take off your dress while face-planting the floor. Insisted on wrestling with my tie like it was some kind of demon snake. Oh, and you cried because you lost your lollipop."

Liora groaned, covering her face. "Kill me now."

"Oh no." He smirked. "You owe me. Introduce me to your father."

"What?"

"Martial arts lessons. Friday. Don't be late."

Meanwhile, Kieran's fist slammed onto his desk, photos of Liora and Ethan scattering. They stayed all night?!

His assistant nodded nervously. "Confirmed, sir."

Kieran's chest tightened. For years, Liora had chased him relentlessly. Now her absence left a hollow rage he couldn't name.

Liora scrambled into Ethan's car, hair still damp. "If Kieran fires me, I'll haunt you."

Ethan tossed her a cherry lollipop. "Relax, savage. He won't ditch his best bodyguard."

As they drove off, her phone lit up:

12 Missed Calls — Kieran

She silenced it, throat tight. Last night's recklessness would cost her everything.