Authoress Crescent10

Chapter 66

[Warning: The following contains mature contents.]

Suddenly, Kaden kissed the back of her ears. He gripped her waist and lifted her onto the countertop.

Lina was finally at eye level with him. Albeit, he was still taller. She felt the iciness of the counter on her legs, but he slipped in between them, his hands resting on her knees. His hands were warm. She felt a thrill in her heart.

"Lina…" Kaden groaned.

His voice sent sparks through her body. When his hands slid up to hold her hips, she felt a pulse down below.. God, she wanted him so badly. He kissed an attentive line from her neck to her chin, then, her mouth. He captured her lips in a gentle caress. Softly, tenderly, their mouths were molded perfectly against each other.

Lina held onto the countertop for mercy, for his kisses drove her wild with desire. He ran his large hands under her shirt. Her breath hitched. In one smooth motion, he unzipped her dress and discarded it to the ground.

"Kaden," Lina realized.

"Tell me you want it," Kaden coaxed, whilst unhooking her bra. She shivered when he cupped her breasts in the same spots her bra was supposed to be.

The coldness nipped at her bare skin. Her stomach clenched at his request. A demand. His tone was commanding and she was his willing accomplice.

"Please…" Lina eventually relented.

Lina rolled her head back, eager for the sensation of his mouth. And it came. Goodness. His mouth was hot and wet on her twin orbs. The pleasure drove her crazy. He swirled his tongue on one of her peaks, squeezing the other breast.

Lina held back a moan, but it slipped out anyway. She could feel his hard er****on against the side of her thighs. Her breathing grew heavy. She wanted him. Needed him. All she cared about was him.

"God, you're so beautiful," Kaden rasped, pulling back to admire her greatly.

Lina could barely hear herself or think straight. "Don't stop," she told him.

Kaden's eyes flashed with warning, like a man watching his favorite dancer in a club. She was unnerved by how frightening his eyes were. He leaned back to admire her, his gaze sweeping over her bare upper body.

"A masterpiece, truly," Kaden said.

Lina's face went red. She was embarassed. She was in nothing but her underwear and he was fully clothed, with his black suit and tie. It gave a dangerous edge to him, a roleplay unlike any other.

"Now, spread your legs for me." His tone was rough and hard.

Lina couldn't deny him, not when his voice alone sent a spark through her heart. Like a good wife, she parted her legs for him.

Kaden slipped a hand into her underwear. He ran his thumb up and down on her bundle of nerves below. She cried out in shock, grabbing his arm, but he continued. He circled his rough thumb upon the sensitive bead, causing her thighs to shake.

"Oh my god," Lina moaned, throwing her head back.

Without warning, Kaden placed his other hand on her stomach. She understood his message and slowly lowered herself onto her back. The cold marble spread through her skin, but was quickly replaced by the flames of her body.

"You're going to kill me one day, I swear," Kaden growled.

Kaden yanked her body to the edge of the countertop until her legs were dangling from it. Then, he lowered his head. Lina didn't know what he was doing. That is, until he lapped at her c**t.

Lina cried out in pleasure. The ecstasy flooded her completely whilst he licked her like a lollipop. She was going to lose it. He feasted on her like she was the best meal of his life. Then, he stuck one finger inside. She clenched, and then he added another, and then another until three fingers were completely inside.

Lina groaned. He pulled out his fingers slowly, then plunged inside fast. Hard. She nearly choked at the intensity of his large hand and swift tongue. He licked her up and down whilst his fingers moved in and out of her.

Kaden took his sweet time. He enjoyed her twitches and trembling, like a small animal. He felt her pressure reach the peak. Her insides were tightening again and again on his fingers, eager for more. So, he gave her more. He fingered her quicker, rougher.

Soon, Lina was begging. Whether she was aware of it or not, he found it incredibly hot.

"Please, please," Lina breathed out. It was the only word leaving her mouth.

Kaden couldn't get enough of her. He continued, her sweet voice like a melody to his ears. He was so damn hard for her. He was practically throbbing. If she didn't come, he was going to just enter her without preparation. Then, he felt it. Her first or**sm of the day.

Lina let out a sharp cry, pulsing around his fingers and tongue until she froze. Then, he tasted sweetness. He let out a groan and lapped up her juices.

"Ahhh, wait—"

"F**k, you're so sweet," Kaden hissed.

Only when he was done tasting her did he raise his head.

Lina couldn't believe what he had just done. Her cries and lewd noises echoed in the kitchen. She couldn't even register what was going on until she felt something hard probing at her entrance.

Lina's breath stopped. With an intense need to have her insides full, she tightened her thighs until they were pressing at his hips.

Kaden was at his full height now. And she looked into his dangerous gaze that penetrated her soul. His eyes were possessive, everything in them screaming she belonged to him.

"F**k, I want to tear you apart," Kaden harshly said.

Before Lina even understood what he meant, Kaden thrusted inside. She gasped, attempting to sit up, but he kept her in place. He grabbed her hips and pushed deeper into her. She moaned at how full she felt, at how hard he was, and the pleasure that came from overstimulation.

Kaden's stamina was unmatched. He was fast and hard, his hips a blur of intensity. Suddenly, his body was pressed on top of hers. The silkiness of his shirt tickled her stomach, causing her to moan even more.

The intensity was so hot that she found herself rolling her hips for more. She tried to meet his thrusts. His pe*******on. She was desperate for all that he could give her.

"That's right… right there… such a good fu***ng girl," Kaden gritted out.

Lina opened her eyes haphazardly to look at him. He had risen to his full height again, his motions ferocious, and his eyes alarmingly wild. His expression, though, was calm. Too calm. She was writhing and crying out from pleasure, but he kept his emotions in control.

They made eye contact and she felt herself tighten again. He was dripping with desire. For her. He let out a growl of satisfaction, pulling out slowly, and entering in roughly.

"Ah!" Lina cried, climaxing quickly. He, too, came a few seconds later. Soon, her body stopped shaking and relaxed against the cold countertop.

Kaden let out a slow breath, keeping himself inside. Lina felt warmth within her walls, more heat than her burning body. Through her tired eyes, she saw him staring at her. It was the last thing she thought of before closing her eyes and relaxing.

Lina didn't realize how exhausted she was. She had closed her eyes on the cold marble counter and then woken up in a warm bed. When she opened her eyes again, it was already nightfall.

Lina knew it was because she hadn't slept the night before. But she wasn't complaining. Kaden was amazing at cuddling. His arm was snug around her waist, hugging her from behind. Even though his powerful body was built with muscles, his other arm served as a great pillow.

Lina hugged the blanket and snuggled into his embrace. He responded by tightening his grip. When she turned her head behind her to look at him, she saw he was still deeply asleep.

"Such a pretty Sleeping Beauty…" Lina mumbled to herself.

Lina admired him for a little bit longer. In the dusk of the moonlight, his features were enthralling. His brows were taut, his nose angular, his jawline sharp, and his lips the perfect thickness. You wouldn't think his features meshed well, but they did. Together, it crafted a man so blinding, her eyes hurt from looking at him.

Lina was particularly jealous of his long lashes. Why did men always have lashes longer than women? What was the purpose?! The Heavens must be trolling her.

"How nice," Lina whispered.

With a longing glance in his direction, Lina slowly rose from the bed. As much as she loved his warmth, she had to use the bathroom. With great wriggling and struggling, she slipped from his embrace.

Lina replaced her spot with a pillow. Then, she saw it. A glass of water was waiting for her by the nightstand. Next to it was the bottle of contraceptive pills resting on a silk handkerchief.

Lina's breath caught in her throat. She knew Kaden left this for her. He'd prepared the water for her to drink so she could take the pills when she woke up. He agreed with her decision, but why didn't she agree with herself?

"Right when I didn't think it was possible to fall even more in love with you," Lina said.

Lina picked up the bottle, where the plastic wrapper was still intact. She touched the plastic seal with her delicate fingers while she became engrossed with thoughts of the Heir Race. Did she truly want to become a Chairwoman? Was that her desire? Was this the path she had chosen for herself? Or was it something that people had tricked her into wanting?

It was Lawrence's plan after all. To corner her until she was forced to reach for power. But no one was pressuring her anymore. No one was trying to get her married off. No one was controlling her.

Lina's grip tightened on the bottle. With a final glance in its direction, she placed it down and went to the bathroom.

- - - - -

When Kaden woke up to sunshine and roses, he expected his wife by his side. Instead, he was hugging her cheap replacement. A damn pillow. His eyes snapped open. He let out a growl and flung the pillow across the room. Damn furniture.

At her lacking presence, Kaden shot upright. He frantically glanced around the room and didn't see her anywhere. His heart dropped. Who took her this time? Who dared to covet what was his?!

Kaden ripped the blankets off of the bed. But something caught his attention. A bright pink note. When he picked it up from the nightstand, he saw her handwriting:

'Downstairs

Chapter 65

Lina froze. All she heard was the sound of her heart plummeting in disbelief. Rina let out a horrified cry, followed by her staggering.

SMASH!

One of the vases was in Rina's way. When her hands violently flew back in shock, it knocked the porcelain over.

"YOU!" Rina shrieked, pointing an accusing finger towards her granddaughter.

Lina blinked. She looked behind her shoulder. What? Was there someone behind her? No one.

"Me?" Lina realized, placing a hand on her chest..

"Y-you—" Rina could barely speak. Her face suddenly became red with anger and anguish. She dramatically clutched her chest and let out an aggravated cry.

Not a second later, there was a loud commotion at the doorway. With a loud bang, the doors flew open. Kaden entered the living room, accompanied by Anakin and Sebastian. They were a sight to behold; a trio of? the most powerful men in all of Ritan.

Lina remained glued to the couch, her face drained of blood. Not from the news, but from the realization of who could've caused this. Kaden was the first to look at her. Anticipation knotted her stomach. She was unable to say anything.

"What are you doing here, mutt?" Rina demanded, furiously turning to the audacious man. "I should have you arrested for murder!"

Kaden said nothing to her. He stalked to the sofa, yanked Lina to her feet, and dragged her out of the living room. His grip was like iron on her hands. She winced as he pulled her towards the exit of the Main Mansion.

"Someone stop that man!" Lawrence roared. With a sweep of his hand, bodyguards rushed out from all corners. They surrounded the couple with pointed guns and laser dots.

Kaden didn't stop. He didn't even blink. Instead, his people reacted. Men in black swarmed the foyer with their pistols, machine guns, laser dots, and snipers drawn. It was a mess. No one moved. No one dared to breathe.

"Where are we going?" Lina demanded, grabbing Kaden's wrist to stop him.

Only when she spoke did something flicker on his hard face. He glanced at her and searched her expression. His eyes looked like they were ready to argue, but only sweet words came out of his mouth.

"Home," Kaden said in a low voice. "We're going home."

Lina's heart stopped. Home.

Seizing her silence, Kaden continued to take his wife towards the doorway.

BANG!

Kaden grabbed Lina and shielded her.? A bullet hit the ground, purposely missing both of them.? A furious expression twisted on Kaden's face. He had Lina in his arms, hiding her entirely. When he turned around, he saw who had fired the shot.

Lawrence. He had taken the gun from one of his people.

"Release my granddaughter," Lawrence snarled. "I will not hand her to a murderer like you."

Lina expected a gunfight. She heard the click of the safety trigger being unlocked. Soon, there were going to be gunshots. To her surprise, it was just the composed voice of Kaden.

"I've already taken her virtue. She wears my ring. Sleeps in my bed. She is my wife and you can't stop me," Kaden deadpanned.

Silence engulfed the entire house. There was deep hatred from Lawrence and fear from Rina. Suddenly, Rina's face went pale with shock. She clutched her heart, her eyes rolling back. Abruptly, she collapsed to the ground.

"Madam!" servants shouted, quickly rushing to her aid.

Rina fainted on the spot.

"Show him the contract," Kaden told Anakin.

"Yes, Boss," Anakin muttered, reaching into his briefcase to pull out the thick envelope.

Kaden didn't cast a single glance back. He took his wife straight to the car. Guns were still drawn. Neither party willingly dropped their weapons. Neither party decided to surrender.

When Lina glanced over her shoulder, she felt her stomach bubble anxiously. Lawrence's face was like a wild storm. She had never seen him so furious. He was disappointed. Disappointed and devastated.

"I'll be fine, Grandpa," Lina said in a small voice. It was her only reassurance to him.

Kaden's grip on her tightened.

Lina turned her attention to the front, where a car was already parked. Kaden yanked the door open for her. She willingly got into the vehicle. Then, he followed. Next, he slammed the door shut and motioned for his people to start driving.

"To the house," Kaden snarled toward Sebastian.

Sebastian said nothing. He was exhausted. After accompanying the man all night long, he could barely drive. Even so, he stepped on the gas and began heading out of the Main Mansion.

"Did you do it?" Lina asked in the middle of the suffocating silence.

The car smelled like Kaden. This was his personal one. She hated how strong his presence penetrated her nose. It tickled her senses, reminding her of how much she loved his scent.

"Did you?" Lina questioned in a harder voice.

Kaden said nothing. He glared out the window. His jaw tightened.

Lina glowered at him. Her gaze burned a hole through his head. This man had all the guts in the world. How was she going to survive him?

"You better start talking. After storming out like that, you have some guts to drag me home," Lina snarled.

Kaden stiffened. His entire body went rigid. His head snapped towards her. A silent storm brewed in his stare. He looked like he was going to twist her neck.

"Put on your seatbelt," Kaden finally said.

Lina was stunned. She was baffled by his stupidity. Then, he reached across and grabbed the seatbelt. She held her breath.

With his strong hand, he pulled the seatbelt over her.

Lina sat there like a child who had finished throwing a tantrum. Staring at the leather seat in bewilderment, she could only wonder what was going through his mind.

Lina jumped. Kaden had suddenly gripped her thigh. Her attention flew to him, but he was looking out the window. He didn't pay her any mind. So, she tried to pry his fingers off of her.

Kaden tightened his grip. His fingers squeezed her soft flesh until it turned pale. She winced, and he released her. Suddenly, he began to massage the pain.

"All black… such a great color to hide blood splatter," Lina spat out.

Kaden gritted his teeth.

Black suited Kaden. She could never admit it. She could never say it. Kaden was dressed like a predator. One of the richest men in the entire city, and he was her husband. One of the most frightening men in this country. Her eyes burned with the realization.

Lina could never run from him. She could never flee. Even if she cheated, he wouldn't care. His words rang in her head. He'd f**k her again and again, until her insides were molded to his shape.

"We're not done with our discussion from yesterday," Lina finally said to him.

Kaden's jaw twitched. She said nothing else after that.

Once the car came to a stop, Lina threw the door open. She didn't wait for him. She unbuckled and climbed out of the car like it was on fire. She knew he was behind her. His footsteps were lethal and quiet, but she felt his presence.

Lina stormed all the way into their house. She had done nothing wrong. All she did was visit her grandparents. Yet, he was throwing a hissy fit like she had committed the gravest crime. Instead of walking to their bedroom, she stomped into the kitchen.

"Lina."

Now he wanted to acknowledge her? The audacity.

Lina pretended she didn't hear him. She stalked to the kitchen, took out a glass, and poured herself iced water. She needed it to cool her boiling blood. She was furious at him for leaving. For not coming back. For ignoring her. She stood by the marble kitchen counter and gulped down the icy water, even though it stung her lungs.

Suddenly, something slammed down next to her. When she glanced down, it was a bottle of pills. All her blood vessels froze.

"What's this?" Lina demanded. "Poison?"

Kaden dragged his vicious gaze from her face to her stomach..

"Contraceptive pills," Kaden snarled.

Lina paused. What?

"How—"

"From your weight and height," Kaden gritted out. "It'll stop your monthly period."

Some birth controls allowed for monthly cycles whereas others gave the option to stop the bleeding. She was surprised he thought to such an extent.

"And with your medical history," Kaden deadpanned. "You don't have diabetes, heart or cholesterol conditions, liver or gallbladder issues, or a blood clot disorder. This is the best kind for you."

Lina didn't want to know how he got her medical history. She could only assume it was from her parents due to patient confidentiality. Staring at the supply of birth control, she didn't know what to say. She could only look at it with disbelief.

"Thank you," Lina uttered in a small voice, grateful for his kindness.

Lina reached for the bottle, but he snatched it from the counter.

"Give me a date," Kaden demanded. "A date for when we will have children."

"When life becomes stable…"

Kaden's fingers curled around the pills. His expression was grim.

Lina lowered her gaze to the ground. She felt like she had done something wrong, but knew she hadn't. It was the way he looked at her; pained and frustrated. She already gave her two cents. Where was his opinion?

"F**k." Kaden angrily loosened his tie. He was glaring at the bottle in his hand.

Lina raised her head to see the action in time. He rested his free arm on the kitchen counter. She saw his muscles flex when he braced the cold stone. He tore his eyes from the bottle to her. Her heart skipped. His eyes were burning.

"Come here," Kaden seethed.

Lina's stomach twisted with anxiety. No one in the world could deny him when he said it like that. She shook her head.

"Lina." His patience was hanging on by a thread. "Now."

Lina wasn't some child to be commanded. Yet, when he looked at her like he was going to screw her brains out, she could barely speak. She simply gawked at him. A familiar pulse between her thighs came to life.

"Do you think I don't want children?" Lina suddenly asked.

Kaden threw her an incredulous look. The hand gripping the birth control had turned white with anger.

"I want kids as well!" Lina yelled at him. She could feel her emotions bubbling and threatening to explode.

"I want to hold our child in my arms! I want to hug them when they cry, laugh with them when they giggle, and chase after them when they run! I want to do everything that a mother does, but we're not ready for children right now! Especially with our unstable relationship. One minute we're angry at each other and the next we're madly in love!" Lina screamed at him.

Kaden was shocked. His voice was stifled by her raised voice. He saw the emotions on her face. The hatred in her eyes. The pain in her expression. She wanted what he wanted. But not now. The present-day wasn't the right time.

"I want us to get along before having children, so that we do not fight like cats and dogs in front of them. Do you really think having a kid will solve anything? I can promise you it'll only make things worse!" Lina reprimanded.

Lina placed a hand on her chest. "My parents were on the verge of breaking up when it was suddenly announced that my mother was pregnant with me. They stayed together for my sake, but for all of my childhood, I watched them fight, yell, and break things in front of me!"

Lina didn't forget her traumatizing childhood. Two people who should've divorced were forced to stay together. It was a miracle neither of them murdered each other. They only settled down for the sake of Milo, but not for the sake of Lina. Why? Because Milo was a son.

"We will wait," Kaden forced out.

Kaden was surprised by the three words that voluntarily left his mouth. He was initially unable to understand where she came from. Now, he did. She wanted a stable relationship and life before they proceeded with children. It was the only way. This wasn't a fairytale where children magically solved the problem. The responsibility of fathering and mothering a child was a privilege and a huge commitment that would be life-changing.

"We will wait." Kaden made up his mind. They would have kids when it was the right timing. Whether that was next week, next month, next year, or in a decade, he'd wait for the perfect moment.

"So come." Kaden tried again. "Come here, dove."

Eventually, Lina obliged. She closed the space between them. Immediately, he grabbed her nape and buried his lips in her hair. He kissed the side of her head, then dropped his face to her neck. She felt something probing at her fingertips. The bottle.

Lina slowly wrapped her hand around it, then placed the pills onto the countertop. He pressed a kiss on the spot that her neck met her shoulders. She jumped, her fingers digging into his arm. At this, he let out a deep groan of desire.

Lina could feel it in her stomach. She could feel it in the entrance between her legs. She shivered as his fingers curled around her neck. He kissed a line up to her chin, then, her mouth. He captured her lips in a searing kiss, one that'd be burned into her memory forever.

"I love you, dove," Kaden hoarsely whispered against her mouth.

Lina's words were caught in her throat. Instead of responding, she grabbed his belt loop and yanked him closer.

"I love you," Kaden repeated, pressing his lips to her cheek.

Lina could feel her heart crumble from his adoration. This man was going to ruin love for her. He was going to ruin romance for her. There would never be another man. Another lover. Even if there were, none of them could ever compare to Kaden.

He, who waited a millennium for her. He, who sacrificed so much. And she, who fought everyone to stay with him. A love like this was difficult to find.

"I love you, Kaden," Lina admitted.

Lina's fingers curled around his belt loop. Her chest was pressed against his hard body. She could feel the power of his arms as they snaked around her lower back. He was doing all he could to bring her incredibly close. Not even a piece of paper could fit between them.

It was the last thing she thought of before cupping his cheeks and kissing him. She brushed her mouth against his and slid her tongue inside. A masculine noise vibrated through his chest, sending shivers down her spine. She felt an emotion deep in her heart—adoration for no one but Kaden.

Once they pulled apart, Kaden began to cook her breakfast. He knew she hadn't eaten anything the entire day. The fact that she was still standing was a miracle. He rarely ate food, but he knew humans were weak. It had been centuries since he last experienced humanity, but he recalled her fragile stature. She looked like the wind would blow her out of the room.

As Kaden took out the pans and ingredients, Lina glanced at the pill bottle. It was large and had a six-month supply. There was a clear protective plastic coating on it. She ran her finger over the plastic whilst being lost in thought.

"How is your progress for Yang Enterprise's Race of Heirs?" Kaden asked from behind.

Lina placed the bottle down and turned to him.. She admired this man in front of her. He had rolled up his black sleeves, revealing his toned arms. His skin was unmarked and smooth, but lightly tanned from the sun.

"I'm thinking of collaborating with Krystal Elit and Atlantis," Lina mumbled.

Suddenly, Lina was beginning to question everything. Her gaze swept over to the bottle.

If she was to become a chairwoman, would she be an attentive mother? Would her time be plagued by the company? Would she care for the child or arrange nannies? Her stomach twisted uncomfortably.

Lina didn't want her child to be raised by strangers. If not strangers, then who? Herself? But how? With a job she didn't want in the first place?

The more Lina thought about it, the faster her heart began to plummet. Her breath was caught in her throat. She touched her stomach, an overwhelming realization setting in.

Lina wanted to raise the children as a hands-on mother. She wanted the child to hug only her and no other woman. At this, she knew things must be sacrificed. Things like her career.

"Yeah?" Kaden muttered as if he didn't believe her.

Lina's heart stopped. She realized Kaden was staring at her the entire time. His gaze flickered to her palm, resting on her stomach. His grip tightened on the knife. His skin went white with anger. She felt the knife twist deep into her chest, until it bled out.

Guilt. It was guilt.

Lina dropped her hand and touched the bottle again.

"Medeor Corporation produces this…" Lina realized, turning the bottle around and peering at the label.

Lina stared at the directions. "They're one of Ritan's best medical suppliers. There's a larger company in the west, Claymore Conglomerate, but their pharmaceutical section has only just begun," she said to him.

"You sure know your facts," Kaden responded.

Lina pressed her lips together. This kind of information came easy to her. She memorized things easily. Unable to look at the bottle that she requested, she pushed it away.

"Let me help," Lina said to him.

Lina turned around and approached him. Kaden didn't even look at her. He continued slicing the vegetables. She watched his expert fingers get to work.

"Kaden…" Lina mumbled, wrapping her arms around his waist. She buried her face into his back.

Kaden's entire body went rigid. The knife loudly clattered onto the kitchen counter. She felt every muscle in his body clench.

Lina tightened her grip on him. She rubbed her face into his shirt, adoring his warmth. For a Pure-Blood, he sure was warm. She heard humans that were turned into Pure-Bloods retained qualities of humanity like warm-blood. Those who were born Pure-Bloods didn't have such qualities, for their skin was cold as ice.

Kaden let out a sigh. He shook his head in disapproval and grabbed her wrists. He attempted to pry her off of him. Her pulse raced with fear.

"Kaden…" Lina attempted, suddenly feeling as if he lost hope for her.

Kaden said nothing. The silence was deafening. All she could hear was her quickening heartbeats. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Lina pressed a kiss to his back. She could feel the hardening of his muscles. His body was stiff as a rock. She loved how comforting he felt. There was no other protection in the world than him.

"People always claimed to love me," Lina suddenly said to him. "My grandparents said they cherished me and then tried to marry me off. My Uncles claimed to adore me and then used me. My parents swear they loved me and neglected me."

Through her fingertips, Lina felt the clench of his abdomen. She softly stroked the spot.

"I don't know how to show love, for I was never given it," Lina admitted. "I do not know how to love."

Kaden let out a harsh breath. His grip tightened on her wrist. He yanked her off of him. Her shoulders lifted with fear. She could feel tears prick her eyes. Suddenly, he embraced her tightly.

"I know, dove, I know." Kaden's voice was like a soft lullaby to her trembling heart. She was terrified she had lost him for good. She was too attached to him. Too addicted to his adoration. She couldn't bear the thought of his departure. It'd rip her soul in half, for he possessed half of it.

"I'm sorry for being difficult to love," Lina whispered. "I don't know how to express it."

Kaden's grip only tightened. He remembered. He remembered her love clearly. In their first lifetime, where he took it for granted.

"You were naive and a hopeless romantic in your first life," Kaden rasped like it hurt him. "And I took advantage of it. I didn't show you the same love you showed me. Perhaps your inability this lifetime was because your heart closed itself. It's payback for how I treated you. For how horribly I abused your love."

Lina's eyes watered. Indeed, she remembered it. The pain carved into her chest from the unchangeable past. She recalled loving him so much, her heart could burst. But did he love her? He claimed he did. Then, he flirted with Priscilla and neglected her.

Lina knew. She knew her reaction in the present was from fear. Her heart had learned to not love so easily. To not trust so easily. She had raised walls around herself and he was trying to scale them, even though he used to have easy access.

"I will show you," Kaden promised. "I will show you the love you previously gave to me, but I returned too late."

Kaden suddenly kissed her neck. Then, her throat. She could feel her heart beating back to life. Beating back for him. Only him.

"You loved me too much and I loved you too late," Kaden hoarsely said against her skin.

Lina could feel the regret. She could feel it in the way he tightly held onto her, for he had lost her before. She hated to dwell on the past. She hated the memories from it.

Now that they had addressed the final part of it, Lina was relieved.

"Let's put the past behind us," Lina offered. "No more mentioning it. No more memories."

"No more," Kaden agreed. "Let us focus on the present and nothing more."

Lina smiled into his chest. She felt warm and giddy on the inside. It was a pleasant feeling.