Chapter 5 SHE'S NOT AFRAID TO DIE

Zaira quickly followed the man, intending to ask for something to eat before his mood could sour again.

But instead of answering her, he headed straight to the kitchen. She quietly sat down at the table, watching him work. She couldn't tell what he was cooking, and she was too embarrassed to say she was hungry. What if he just snapped at her again? Minutes passed, and he still wasn't done. Impatience started to creep in, and just when she was about to stand, the mouthwatering aroma of chicken steak filled the air.

Her stomach clenched. She sank back into her seat, swallowing hard. The scent grew stronger when he finally set the dish in front of her, with a steaming plate of rice.

"F-for me?" she asked shyly.

"No. It's for me. Didn't you see me put it right in front of you?" he replied with sarcasm.

She huffed. "Why do you always have to be grumpy? I was just asking. What if I start eating it and you strangle me afterward?"

"You talk too much. I thought you were starving?" he shot back irritably.

She glared at him but didn't bother arguing. Instead, she quickly dug in with her bare hands, which made him raise a brow. He scratched the back of his neck.

"Do you do that at home too? Eat without even washing your hands?" he scolded, making her freeze mid-bite. She looked at him like a child caught red-handed before sheepishly putting the food back down.

He hid a smirk as she shuffled to the sink like a scolded puppy.

"I washed my hands. Can I eat now?" she muttered, clearly annoyed at the interruption.

"Go ahead," he said flatly, already noticing how hungry she truly was.

"Eat slowly or you'll choke. What if it's poisoned? You'd die too easily."

Zaira clenched her teeth. She was two seconds away from punching him. The way he monitored her every move was infuriating. But she ignored him and kept eating. The chicken steak was too good to resist. Even if she didn't want to admit it, her hunger won over her pride. She ate until there was barely anything left on the plate.

"So, what degree did you finish?" he asked suddenly.

"I didn't finish school," she answered curtly.

"Stop lying. You graduated in business management."

Her eyes narrowed. If he already knew, why bother asking? How does he even know that?

"Starting tomorrow, you'll be working in my office," he said.

She almost choked on her water. "I can't. I already have a job," she said sharply.

"I know. You work at Monolithic Engineering Services. You're not going back there. Starting tomorrow, you'll be my new secretary."

She slammed her glass down on the table, glaring at him. How did this man know her background?

"No. I won't resign from my job. Find another secretary. I have no intention of working for you. We can't even get along now-why would I let myself become your puppet? Never."

"You have two choices," he said coldly. "Quit your job and work for me... or stay in your job, but remain locked in this house."

Her fists tightened. Every word out of his mouth made her want to tear her hair out. She hated being dictated to more than anything.

"Don't waste your time thinking about it," he added, his voice like steel. "After all, my decision will be the one that matters."

"No. I'd rather be locked in this house than spend every day as your secretary, following your every order like some puppet."

Bang!

The table rattled when Kade slammed his palm against it. He rose to his feet, eyes blazing, and grabbed her by the throat.

"Why is it so damn hard for you to obey me?! Have you forgotten? From the moment your father sold you to me, you became my property. Whether you like it or not, you will follow me-unless you want your father's enormous debt to remain unpaid. Because if you don't..."

"And if I don't, what? You'll kill me? Go ahead-save me the trouble!"

Kade froze at her defiance. Before he could react, her hand darted to the slicing knife he'd used earlier, and she raised it to her wrist. His reflexes kicked in-he grabbed it from her hand and hurled it away.

For a long, tense moment, they just glared at each other, hatred burning in both their eyes. Then, unable to contain himself, Kade crushed his lips against hers in a punishing kiss.

Zaira saw it coming and shoved him with all her strength before he could grab her again. Trembling, she slapped him hard across the face. The sight of him seething with rage jolted her into action. She spun around and bolted to her room.

She slammed the door shut and locked it just as he reached it. Pressing her back against the wood, she exhaled shakily. Her chest heaved. If I stay here any longer, I'm going to lose my mind. I'm getting tantrums more often now.

"Fuck! Zaira! Open this door!" he bellowed from outside, his kick shaking the frame.

"If you force your way in, I'll finish what I started!" she shouted back.

Silence followed, and she strained her ears for any sign of movement. Half an hour passed. Still nothing.

Did he leave? she wondered.