Dancing with a stranger

Chapter |7✨

Kian's POV
Goddamn it. What is wrong with me? I could've killed her—multiple times—and this feud could be over. But I still couldn't get over those green eyes, the way they sparkled. Get your head straight, Kian. She's part of your family's enemies.

I leaned against the doorframe, hands stuffed in my pockets, trying to shake off the thoughts swirling through my head. My father's world had always demanded control, distance, and a steel-cold heart. But sometimes... sometimes I couldn't ignore what I was feeling.

"Hey, Devin," I started, voice lower than usual, rough with hesitation. "Can I talk to you about something? Maybe... you could help. Because you know how my father would react."

Devin looked up from the paperwork, calm but perceptive. "Sure, son. What's on your mind?" He gestured to a chair, and I sank into it, gathering my thoughts.

"It's about her," I said quietly. "The girl I'm supposed to hate. The one my father despises."

Devin didn't flinch. "What about her?"

I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. "I can't stop thinking about her. I should hate her. I should keep my distance. But every time I see her, I feel... like I'm losing control. She's not just an enemy. She's real. And she's in danger—because of me."

The words hung in the air, heavy with a truth I wasn't supposed to admit.

Devin leaned back, thoughtful. "You're walking a dangerous line, Kian. Let emotions get in the way, and it'll cost you everything. I've seen what happens when personal gets tangled in business."

I nodded, defiance flickering in my chest. "I know. But I can't ignore it anymore."

"You need to decide what kind of man you want to be," Devin said. "Because this... what you're feeling... it could make or break you. And if your father finds out, you're not just putting yourself at risk—you're putting her in danger too."

"I know," I muttered. "But I can't just walk away. Not after everything."

Devin gave a slow nod. "Be careful. If you're serious about her, you need to be ready for the consequences. Once you cross that line, there's no going back."

I stood, jaw tight, the weight of his words settling over me. I didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: I was in deeper than I ever planned.

⸻

Later, I found myself wandering into Grace's room. "Grace," I said, flopping onto her bed. "Welp, there's no easy way to put this..." I sat up, running a hand through my hair. "Guess what my stupid father did while you were gone? I was part of his meeting today... and he arranged a marriage for me. With the Red Rider's son. And there's no way out."

"What the hell is wrong with him?" Grace yelled, crawling onto the bed beside me. "He has no right to do that to you! I'm sorry, Stells."

I half-smiled and side-hugged her. "Thanks. They're having a party at their house so I can officially meet him... I want you there."

"Of course. I'll be there. I've got to support my best friend."

⸻

Sitting at the table with my father and Grace, I finally spoke up. "Why did you decide I should marry someone I barely know? And why do I get no say?" I slammed my fork down.

"Honey, it's good for you... and good for the business," he replied, calm.

"What would happen if Sean were still here? Would you make him do the same thing?" I asked, voice rising.

"Honey, that's a different story," he said.

"How is it different? Just because I'm a girl? Sean gets a choice!" I screamed, storming out of the room.

⸻

I sank into my desk chair, knees to chest, tears streaming as I stared into the mirror. Why do things always happen like this in our family? I grabbed my headphones, threw on shoes, and walked out the door. No destination, just moving.

Somehow, I ended up in a shady part of town. Two men were beating another man in an alley. My legs froze as they turned toward me. Then came the words that made my stomach drop:

"Come here, pretty lady. I'm going to beat the shit out of you. Let me—"

The fight instinct left me. I tried to push them off, but there were too many, and I couldn't escape.

Then chaos. Heads slammed together, bodies fell. I blinked, and there he was—Kian. My heart skipped.

"We really need to stop meeting like this," he said, grinning despite the tension. But his eyes scanned me with concern, and I felt a flicker of relief.

He handed me his shirt. "Here... you okay?"

"Thanks," I muttered, still processing.

He drove me, quiet, focused, and when I asked, "Your house?" he just gave me that look—unshakable, unreadable.

The gates loomed, massive. He guided me inside, hand steady, sure. "Thanks," I whispered. "You didn't have to do this... especially since we're supposed to hate each other."

"I don't know about the hate part," he said lightly, but his eyes held depth. "I'm not leaving you out there."

I went to the bathroom, bruised and bloodied, letting the hot water soothe my mind. I sat under it for what felt like an hour, hugging my knees, crying.

When I emerged, Kian was lying in his bed, messy wet hair, shorts. "Take a picture... it'll last longer," he laughed lightly.

I noticed my phone was gone. Everything had spiraled out of control. But for now, I was safe. That was enough.

He shifted, awake. "You okay?"

"Yeah... just... a mess," I admitted, shaking.

He placed a hand over mine. "Rough night."

I nodded. "I don't know how to deal with any of this... my father, the marriage... my life isn't mine anymore."

"I get it," he said quietly. "People like us... it's how it works. Not fair, but real."

I glanced at him, catching the understanding in his eyes. For all the chaos, the violence, the secrets... there was something else. Unspoken, undeniable. He cared, and in that moment, it made everything a little easier to bear.

"Thanks," I whispered.

His hand tightened around mine. No words needed. Just the quiet. Just... safety.

Eventually, I drifted off, not feeling so lost for the first time in a long while.