Miranda's POV
I woke up smiling like an idiot.
My face was still buried in the pillow, but the memory of his mouth on mine lit me up from the inside. Colton's kiss wasn't just warm—it was wildfire. My fingers brushed my lips as if I could replay it, taste him again.
"He kissed me," I whispered quietly, my voice still husky from sleep.
Then the smile cracked.
I sat up fast, heart hammering, the air in the room suddenly too sharp.
He hadn't said a word since. I hadn't seen him this morning. He didn't knock on the door either.
No I want you. No last night meant something.
Just...silence.
"You idiot," I muttered to myself, throwing the covers off. "You're supposed to be his...sex slave, not his damn girlfriend. But he hasn't tried to have sex with me? What if that kiss was just a game? A trick to keep you soft?"
But the thought didn't land. Not fully.
Because some traitorous part of me whispered, What if he wants you to be his?
And worse?
I wanted that. I wanted to be wanted—by him.
Shame twisted in my chest. No. I wasn't here to fall for him. He was a danger dressed in tailored suits and sin, and I'd let my heart slip.
I scrubbed my hands over my face. No more daydreams.
The cold tile under my feet grounded me as I padded into the bathroom. Colton's towel still hung on the hook from last night, its scent faint but distinct.
I swallowed the ache and turned away.
Kitchen. Coffee. Muffins. That was the plan.
Flour dusted my nose as I cracked eggs, humming to the low rhythm of the morning. The quiet helped. Measured scoops. Butter melting. I slipped into the comfort of domestic rhythm and silence.
By the time Emily walked in, coffee in one hand, sass in the other, I was halfway through baking.
She paused, narrowed her eyes at me. "Hmm. What's the new attitude?"
"What?" I asked, feigning innocence.
"You're glowing. Literally. Your face is screaming something happened and I'm living for it."
I tried brushing her off, but she stepped closer, eyes locked on mine. "Spill. Now."
I checked the hallway, heart racing. Then leaned in. "Colton and I... kissed last night."
She gasped so loud I slapped my hand over her mouth.
"Shhh! God!" I hissed.
Emily jumped like a baby kangaroo on a sugar rush as she screamed in her tiniest voice. "I told you! I told you he was into you!"
I bit my lip. "But he didn't say anything afterward. What if it didn't mean anything?"
Emily grabbed my shoulders. "Girl. A man like Colton doesn't kiss unless he wants to. That wasn't a pity kiss. That was possession."
The thought made my knees weak.
We were still laughing, shoulder to shoulder, stirring batter, when the kitchen door creaked.
Colton walked in. Barefoot. Gray T-shirt. Morning stubble. And still, somehow, the most dangerous man in the room.
My heart forgot how to beat.
He didn't say a word at first. Just walked to the counter, grabbed a muffin.
Emily froze. I froze. My entire bloodstream froze.
"Morning, Emily," he said casually, heading for the door.
I looked down at the floor, the muffins, anywhere but him. God, had I made it up? Was the kiss just a one-off?
Then—he paused.
Turned back.
His eyes locked on mine.
"Good morning, Miranda."
And then he was gone.
Emily waited until the door shut and then squealed. "Oh my god. He so wants you. Did you see that look?"
I tried to hide the grin splitting my face. I really did.
~
I was still floating hours later, folding laundry in the sun-drenched backyard when I felt someone behind me.
I turned to see Axel.
I glanced back as he grinned.
"You're in a good mood today," he said, leaning against the post. "Let me guess… muffins turned out perfect?"
"Maybe," I said lightly.
He stepped closer. "Or maybe someone kissed you senseless last night?"
I stiffened. "I'm just having a good day."
Axel's grin widened. "Interesting. I stopped by your room last night."
My heart dropped. "Why?"
"Just to check in. But it was locked. You and Colton were... having a private moment?"
I shook my head too fast. "He didn't do anything."
Axel cocked a brow. "I didn't say he did."
Then he leaned closer, his tone playful. "Wait... did you do something?"
"I—no!" I blurted. But my cheeks betrayed me.
He laughed. "Oh my god, you're so blushing. You did do something."
I was about to bury myself in the laundry pile when Emily came storming across the yard.
"Miranda. Colton wants to see you. In his study."
I blinked. "Now?"
Axel perked up. "I'll walk her."
"Nope." Emily grabbed his arm. "You're helping me with the hose. Right now."
"What? Come on—"
"Move it." She dragged him off like a pissed-off babysitter.
Axel threw me a wounded look. I giggled under my breath.
~
The hallway to Colton's study felt longer than usual.
I stopped in front of the double doors. Knocked.
No answer.
My pulse kicked up. I pushed the door open.
It was empty.
"Alpha Colton?" I called out softly. No one answered.
I stepped inside, eyeing the rich leather, the intimidating shelves lined with secrets. Everything about his study screamed control.
I drifted closer to the mahogany desk. One drawer was cracked open.
My hand hesitated.
"Just a peek…" I whispered.
I pulled it open slowly. Inside was something small and silver, nestled against black velvet.
The pendant.
The same one that had cut me days ago, sharp enough to draw blood.
I frowned as I picked it up and turned it between my fingers.
It was smooth now. Polished. Harmless.
"No edge," I murmured. "Did I imagine it cutting me?"
My thumb trailed the surface again. Cold. Beautiful.
Then—
The pendant pulsed.
I froze.
A soft, eerie glow bloomed from the center—blue, almost white, like fire trapped in crystal.
My heart lurched.
I wasn't imagining that.
The glow grew brighter in my palm, heat crawling up my wrist.
"What the hell…" I breathed.
Then the door behind me creaked.
I quickly turned around with the pendant still glowing in my hand.
My eyes widened as I saw Colton stand by the door with an expressionless look on his face. His eyes moved to the glowing pendant and his expression turned to shock.