Chapter 258 - Never

Before Lina could even breathe, Kaden placed her to the ground. Instantly, he grabbed his phone out of his pocket, and called his people. She watched in horror as his face became deathly still. With his broad shoulders turned to her, he conversed stealthily with his people. Despite this horrible news, no one was panicking. Was she the only one?

"How could this have happened?" Kaden calmly asked, his fingers pale as ice on the phone. His grip tightened at Sebastian's response.

"The Chief Executive of the news reporting company isn't picking up our phone calls. Just yesterday night, it's reported he was seen with Chairman of Medeor Conglomerate—"

"Expose the Chief Executive for all his crimes. Leave no stone untouched." Kaden heard rustling behind him. He swiftly turned around to see Lina scrambling past him to her phone.

Kaden grabbed her by the wrists, forcing her to stop. They were at arm's length, her eyes wide and worried. His was sharp and cunning.

"E-even the sexual assault?" Sebastian managed out.

"Even the children."

Sebastian's face was drained of blood. He didn't know the Chief was into that. He turned to his people, who all heard the same exact thing. If such allegations were to surface, the news reporting companies' stocks would plummet and they may never rise again.

"Especially the little boys."

Sebastian choked on air. "Y-yes, Boss."

Kaden hung up the phone. He studied Lina's paling expression. Her pupils were dilated, a cold sheen of sweat on her forehead, and her face were akin to ice. She was trembling, but not from fear.

"You don't have to employ your forces," Kaden slowly said. His gaze swept over her beauty. Even amid fury, she was stunning. It made her even more charismatic, her eyes like a fire trailblazing through the forest floor.

"It must be my grandfather," Lina said. "It—"

Lina stopped herself. What would her grandfather gain from this? And how would Lawrence know of Kaden's immortality? Her breath stopped right in her throat. She knew who it was. They both knew.

"Atlantis," Lina muttered.

"The Chief Executive was seen with him last night," Kaden responded indifferently.

Lina didn't know what to feel or speak. Her heart fell to her stomach. For some reason, she had faith in him. She didn't think Atlantis would target Kaden. She didn't know why she was this foolish. With quivering lips, she turned to look at him.

"By ousting the Chief Executive of the news company.. you've gutted a big fish and hung it for everyone to see what'd happen if they support Medeor's Chairman," Lina realized.

Kaden's gaze flickered with pride. He glanced at her wrist, thin like branches. She was a frail little thing. He could snap her in two. But that brain of hers was no joke. She was intelligent.

"I can see why everyone favors you as the next Chairwoman," Kaden murmured, releasing her.

Lina touched her wrist, unable to say or admit anything. She could only glue her attention to the ground. Atlantis deliberately attacked Kaden. Twice. A man like Atlantis had everything to lose, but he attacked Kaden anyway. Why?

"Atlantis, he—"

"Will you take his side?" Kaden asked.

Lina's head shot up. She heard the soft threat in his voice. His tone was gentle, but his eyes were violent. His sharp jaw ticked. The air around them grew heavy. His gaze resembled the glint of a predator before it shredded its prey. She let out a slow breath.

"Did his words yesterday move you, dove?" Kaden pressed darkly.

Lina shook her head once. She hugged her wrist to her chest, peering up at him. He was tall. His body loomed dangerously over her. Even so, she was not afraid. She looked him dead in the eye, neither one of them breaking contact.

"Shall I get on my knees and beg the same way he did?" Kaden snarled, grabbing her wrist. She pressed it tightly to her chest, refusing to let him hold her.

"What did he say again?" Kaden insisted. "Something along the lines of—"

"You're scaring me," Lina blurted out.

Kaden dropped his hand. He brushed his thumb across his knuckle. Through his hardened eyes, he peered at her. She was staring at him with accusation that he'd do something to her.

"The thought of losing you scares me more, dove," Kaden said to her, his voice as intimidating as always.

"I told you, it won't happen—"

"You won't leave willingly," Kaden gently noted. "But others can take you by force."

"They won't," Lina insisted. "They—"

"Who's they?" Kaden remarked.

Lina realized she had fallen straight into his trap. Her expression dropped. She let out a small breath, unable to fathom how he'd tricked her like this.

"Whoever you think 'they' are," Lina countered.

"Is that so?" Kaden shot back.

Lina refused to continue this conversation. She shot him an irritated glare, went to the table, snatched her phone, and turned to leave. When she brushed past him, he grabbed her elbow.

"Let me go—"

Kaden crashed his lips upon hers. Her eyes grew wide. She staggered back, to keep distance, but he snaked his arm around her. His mouth sought her furiously, his kiss passionate and punishing. He was warm.

Kaden yanked her body towards his. She molded against him perfectly. Her softness against his hardness. She moaned into the kiss, reaching to touch his face, but he grabbed her wrist, holding her in place. Their lips fought tenderly against each other until eventually, he thrust his tongue inside.

Lina was startled. She whimpered at the sudden assault, tapping on his chest for air. He didn't give it to her.

Kaden quite literally stole her breath away. Only when he felt her go weak in his arms, did he pull back. By then, she was panting. She glared up at him, but he didn't stop there. He kissed her on the jaw, the chin, the nose, and everywhere she'd let him.

"What was that for?" Lina demanded.

"I just wanted to." Kaden's hand slid up her nape, grabbing her by her head. He bent down, his eyes flashing wickedly.

"Does it hurt?" Kaden gently asked, referring to her bright red lips.

"I should've bitten you."

"I would've liked it," Kaden mused.

Lina was irritated because she knew he really would. Regardless of the human qualities he showed her, she knew what he was. A Pure-Blood vampire. One, who had never requested to drink from her. She frowned at the thought. If he asked, would she let him? To allow him to feast on her.. it was a sign of ultimate trust.

Drinking human blood was banned centuries ago—when the first Vampires emerged into society. Now, they relied on iron and animal blood supplements to suppress their urges.

historical

For Lina, a human girl, to trust a Pure-Blood.. It was a test of love. Kaden could lose control and suck her dry. She'd drop dead in an instant.

Almost as if he knew what she was thinking about, Kaden released her head. With his thumb, he brushed her lips, the color of rubies.

"Never," Kaden murmured to her. "I may crave you like a starved man in a desert, but I will never take what I should not."

Kaden's gaze flickered to her mouth again. Heat radiated off his muscular body. So much so, she leaned closer to him, seeking his comfort and strength.

Before Lina could respond, Kaden dropped his hands and stalked off. Lina was left breathless. His shoulders were confident with each step he took. The world stopped for him. They'd bend the knee if they could. One of the most powerful men in the world, and he was leaving.

Lina could do nothing, but watch his departure.