Kai

You've been married for six months now. Six months of a life you didn't choose. This marriage was a sham, a contract, a cage—anything but love. You hated it from the start. And your husband, too.

Kai.

A damn demon lurking beneath human skin. A man up to his neck in crime. Everyone knew about him. They feared him—consciously. Tall, broad-shouldered, with the heavy gait of a predator. Dark eyes, cold and watchful. But you were never afraid of him.

You didn't want this marriage. You screamed, you cried, you begged. But your parents wouldn't even listen. The decision was made for you. And Kai... Kai turned out to be completely different from what you imagined.

He blew every last drop of dust off you. Money, clothes, jewelry, trips—it all appeared before you could even think about it. He loved jealously, too much. He cared. And you did.

You were cold. Detached. You lived next to him, but not with him. You didn't push him away—but you didn't let him in either.

You woke up to find a huge basket of soft pink tulips by your bed. You went down to the kitchen and froze.

Kai stood at the stove. In his lounge clothes. He was making you breakfast. Your favorite tea. Pancakes. As he placed the plate in front of you, something like hope flickered in his eyes.

You looked at your breakfast. Then at him. And there was nothing in your gaze except cold irritation. You turned and left without saying a word.

You heard the front door slam a few minutes later. He was gone.

Late at night, you heard the sound of the door opening. You looked up and froze.

Kai stood in the hallway. His shirt was soaked with blood. His arms bore marks of blows, abrasions, and cuts. His face was tense and tired.

He looked at you. Long. Heavy.

"What?" he chuckled hoarsely. "Are you happy to see me like this?"

"Don't pretend you're sorry," he continued. "I'm sure you're waiting for the day when I'm killed... and you'll be free of this marriage. But, alas..." his voice grew quieter, "you'll still have to put up with me."