Chapter 6: In the Devil’s Embrace

Chapter 6 - In the Devil's Embrace –Livana– A private plane. Perfect. I never expected him to be so... resourceful. After I slipped in the bathroom, he completely overreacted—insisting I get checked for broken bones. The doctor prescribed painkillers, cold and hot compresses, and that was that. The soreness from the fall still lingered, but it was nothing compared to the ache he left between my thighs after our night together. I exhaled slowly, listening to the audiobook streaming through my headset. I was surprised he had it ready. Not just that—he had the braille versions of the physical books, too. Of course he did. The hum of the aircraft blended with the narrator's voice, a low, soothing cadence. I could feel the gentle vibrations of the engines through the floor, the faint scent of citrus and leather in the air. Damon had made sure we had a private partition—a room to ourselves. I sat nestled into a plush sofa, my legs draped over his lap as he massaged my feet. His fingers pressed into just the right spots, almost annoyingly perfect. It was going to be a long flight. Despite my calm posture, my chest swirled with anxiety. Doubt slithered beneath the surface like an unspoken truth I couldn't look at directly—not that I could look at anything. Was I making the right choice? I wasn't sure. But if it meant protecting my assets from my own family... from her... then maybe it was. "I want you to sign something," I said quietly. "Mmm? What is it?" He didn't pause, thumbs kneading the arch of my foot, finding a pressure point that made my leg twitch. "I want to leave everything to Laura. No one else." "Even if Laura betrays you?" "Yes." My voice was firmer this time. "Even if she betrays me. Even if she kills me. As long as it doesn't go to my mother's sister—my so-called stepmother." He didn't say anything for a moment, and then I felt it—a slow smirk in the air before the press of his lips against my ankle. "As you wish, my dear." I could hear his grin. "I've been a good boy, Livana," he murmured, voice dipping lower. "Do I get a treat?" I gritted my teeth and yanked my foot back, giving him a light kick. "I'm not drunk enough to give you whatever you want." He chuckled. "Fine with me." I pulled the blanket over myself, hoping he took the hint. A few seconds later, I heard the soft hiss of the door sliding closed. I let myself relax, sinking into the cushions, eyelids fluttering shut. Turbulence jolted the plane suddenly. My breath caught. I removed my headset and set it aside. My hands groped for my walking stick, the familiar texture of it grounding me. I was just about to unbuckle when the door slid open again. "We were just discussing your gown," Damon's voice came. "But Laura said she wants to talk to you about it herself." "It doesn't matter what I wear." "It matters to me," he replied smoothly. I could feel his presence even before he got close. His scent drifted toward me—minty, sharp, with a hint of something smoky. Cigarettes? But I didn't think he smoked... or maybe I was wrong. I raised a hand, reaching in front of me. He chuckled and took both of my hands, guiding them. "This is where my neck is," he said, lowering himself. I traced his neck slowly, fingertips brushing over smooth skin and the faint throb of his pulse. I tightened my grip just a little. He was bigger than I remembered—two hands weren't enough to circle his throat. "You should hold it tighter," he whispered, his voice reverberating against my skin. "I wonder what they're doing right now," I murmured, letting my hand glide to his jawline. My fingers met a faint stubble. His aftershave lingered—a woodsy scent I always found intoxicating. "Maybe my father's already sent people to look for me." "Probably," he replied, his voice low and husky. He unbuckled my seatbelt in one smooth motion and lifted me into his arms. "You know I won't let them ruin our wedding." I felt the shift of fabric as he laid me on the bed. "I'm injured," I reminded him. "I'll be careful." "Damon," I said, tone edged with command. He responded easily—he always did. Maybe it was because he was obsessed with me. Or maybe he simply knew how to play the game. "Yes, my Goddess?" His lips brushed over my wrist, then my palm. "I want to get rid of someone," I said. "The nurse. The one they paid off. She's still assigned to me." "What did she do?" He moved off me, but I stayed where I was, lying still beneath the blanket. "She wore my clothes. My jewelry. Set up small accidents—trying to make it look like I was clumsy or forgetful." "She deserves more than torture," he growled. "She may have stolen from me too," I added, my voice quiet. "But I wouldn't know. I'm blind... I can't see what's gone." Silence. Then his voice again, serious now: "You know someone's life has a price, right?" I smirked to myself, catching the innuendo instantly. "I doubt it'll cost me that much," I said as he tucked himself in behind me. He nuzzled his nose into the curve of my neck, breath warm against my skin. "Let me nap with you for a bit," he whispered. "Tap me if you need anything." He shifted closer, his body pressing into mine, and I stared into the darkness behind my eyelids. This was annoying. And deeply uncomfortable. *** –Damon– The moment we landed in Hawaii, I powered on my phone and called Kai. The reception was patchy, but I could make out his voice, saying he was already waiting near the private jet hangar. I glanced down at Livana, her face serene, lips slightly parted in sleep. She looked fragile—but only to the untrained eye. To me, she was anything but. Still, I gently rubbed the back of her neck, soothing the tension I knew I was responsible for. I hadn't exactly let her rest since the night we left. I couldn't help myself. She drives me insane in the best kind of way. As soon as the jet came to a full stop, I ended the call. The door slid open, and Laura's voice broke the quiet. "Liva!" she squealed. "We're in Honolulu!" Livana stirred, a soft moan escaping her lips as she sat up, fingers moving to her temples. "Good for you," she muttered. "I won't enjoy it much. I can't exactly see the place, can I?" She sounded bitter. Defensive. I hated that edge in her voice, the result of everyone treating her like porcelain or, worse, a burden. But Laura, ever the optimist, kept her tone light. "Just remember how it felt the last time we were here." Laura gave me a look—a silent sign that something was up with Damien. I nodded. "I'll let Laura help you settle," I said, reaching to tilt Livana's chin toward me. But her hand shot up, catching me right in the face. A clean, sharp reflex. Or maybe just pure instinct. I froze for a second. Then I smiled. That's my Silver Goddess. Without a word, I turned and left the cabin. Laura quietly closed the door behind me. I made my way down the steps where Damien was already waiting, arms crossed, frowning in place. "There's chaos back home," he said. "Creighton's and Braxton's people are sniffing around. They're actively looking for the sisters." "Did Laura make contact?" "Left a voicemail. But from the looks of it, they're trying to tighten control over Livana—probably speeding up the wedding process." My jaw clenched. "Oh?" I said coolly, lips curving into a slow, dangerous smirk. "Too bad for them. She's marrying me first." I walked toward the cockpit. The pilot and co-pilot greeted me with professional nods. "We'll be flying back in five days," I told them. "Until then, enjoy the islands." "Thank you, Boss," they replied, clearly thrilled with the unexpected vacation. As I turned back, Kai entered the jet. His skin was darker than usual, tanned from the sun, his muscles taut and visible beneath a thin tank top. No shirt. No care in the world. "Damon! My man!" he greeted, pulling me into a rough hug and clapping my back like we hadn't just entered the middle of a brewing storm. "Damien! What's up, bro!" He pulled him into their usual handshake. But my attention was already on the door as it slid open again. Laura emerged first, helping Livana step down carefully. Even though she couldn't see, Livana walked with that same spine-straight grace that made people stop and stare. Kai turned to me with wide eyes, voice loud enough to echo through the tarmac. "You're kidding me, right?" he said, practically pointing at her. "You're marrying her?" "Hello, Kai," Livana said calmly. She tilted her head toward the sound of his voice—she remembered him. "Livy," he began, voice softening. "This doesn't feel right. If you want out, I'll book you a flight home to the Philippines right now. Just say the word." I narrowed my eyes. Was this bastard trying to steal my bride? In front of me? But before I could speak, Livana replied, voice cold and laced with a touch of venom. "Kai, it's better to marry the devil... than burn in hell." God, she was magnificent. I bit back a smirk as pride swelled in my chest. That's my girl. Kai looked like he'd been slapped. His mouth hung open before he turned back to me. "Okay, well—before we get too comfortable, I need to warn you. The Creightons and Braxtons have people hunting the sisters down. Oh—and Knox is in the mix too. Which means..." He looked between Damien and me. "You two are officially suspects for kidnapping the heiresses." I let out a low, dangerous laugh. "Good," I said. "Let them come. They'll never reach her." Let them try. I'd already claimed her. And if they thought they could take her back from me, they'd better come prepared to die trying.