Handcuffs And Kisses (Series #1)

Chapter 8

Lilian Carson POV

The Agnor mansion was alive with movement. Guests arrived in waves, from businessmen to politicians, and even criminals dressed as gentlemen, each offering their congratulations to the Agnor family. It was an event before the actual engagement party, just to celebrate their growing power, their control. Something along the line of a charity. It was a night for people to show their allegiance, to shake hands with devils dressed in silk and diamonds. 

I had no choice but to be here. 

Standing in front of the vanity in my room, I let the maid fasten the laces of my deep red dress. The dress was Alexander’s choice. The silk clung to me, a perfect fit. Too perfect. I refused to let myself think about what it meant, about how every little thing, down to the color of my attire, was controlled. 

A pair of diamond earrings sat on the table. Another gift. Another leash. 

I didn’t wear them. 

Instead, I slipped on a simpler pair of studs, fastening them just as the maid stepped back, murmuring, “You look beautiful, Miss Carson.” 

I didn’t answer. Beauty was just another tool in this game. 

A sudden knock at the door brought me back to reality.

I already knew who it was before I turned.

Alexander stood in the doorway, dressed in black, his presence commanding the room without effort. His gaze swept over me slowly, taking in every inch before settling on my face. The approval in his icy blue eyes sent an unsettling chill down my spine.

"I knew this dress would look good on you," he murmured, his voice a rich drawl. "But I didn’t expect to want to ruin it so soon." 

I forced a neutral expression, though something sharp curled in my chest at his words. 

“Didn’t you?” I tilted my head slightly, feigning thoughtfulness. Then, with an all-too-sweet smile, I added, “I suppose red is the color. It does remind me of that redhead you were so…fond of.” 

His smirk didn’t falter, but I caught the briefest flicker of amusement in his eyes. 

"Fond of?" He stepped closer, his fingers grazing the necklace at my throat, lingering just enough to make my pulse spike. "Now that’s an interesting way to phrase it." 

I arched a brow, refusing to be the one to step back first. "Would you prefer I say it differently?" 

He chuckled, the sound rich and knowing. "No need. I rather like this version especially coming from you." 

His fingers trailed down, barely touching the bare skin just above the neckline of my dress. A shiver danced along my spine, but I held my ground. 

"You almost sound jealous, Lilian," he mused. 

I let out a soft, mocking hum. "And you almost sound like you wish I were." 

His smirk deepened. "If that were true, I wonder… would you give me what I want?" 

I leaned in just enough that our lips nearly brushed. "Not even in your dreams, darling." 

He laughed, unbothered, the teasing glint in his gaze making it clear he wasn’t convinced. But he let me go. 

For now.

The grand hall was bathed in a golden glow, chandeliers casting soft light over the sea of luxury. Crystal glasses clinked, expensive perfumes lingered in the air, and the steady hum of conversations filled the space.