Bound by Fire

Chapter 1: Igniting the Flame

The door slammed shut behind me, the echo ricocheting through the cavernous foyer of the estate. I could feel Maxwell’s piercing gaze before I even turned around, his presence a storm brewing in the silence. 'Answer me, Amelia. Where are you coming from, dressed like this?' His voice was a low growl, his eyes raking over the tight, crimson dress that hugged every curve of my body like a second skin. The heat in his stare was undeniable, a crackling tension that set my nerves alight.

'None of your damn business,' I hissed, my voice betraying a slight tremor as his thigh nudged between my legs, igniting a fire I’d fought to suppress for far too long. 'You don’t get to play the jealous husband while Camilla’s been warming your lap.' I met his gaze head-on, defiance burning in my chest. 'Just like you, I went looking for some friction. It was so wild, I lost track of time.' I ran my fingers through my hair, feigning exhaustion, but the smirk on my lips was pure challenge.

His eyes darkened with fury, a storm ready to break. 'You remember you’re married to me? Only I have a right to your body. Do you?' he roared, his voice vibrating with possessive rage.

I laughed, sharp and cutting. 'Oh, I didn’t know. But does that rule apply to you, dearest husband? Because I’m mirroring every damn move you make in this sham of a marriage. If you fuck around, I’ll extend the courtesy.' My words were venom, dripping with intent.

'I suggest you pick up that contract and read the rules you signed. Let this be the last time you waltz in here late. Next time, you’re sleeping outside, and the guards won’t open the gate for you to leave this estate,' he warned, his tone icy.

I flashed him a wide, mocking smile. 'Fine, sir. I’ll just bring him home with me. Even if you lock the doors and trap us in, it’s a win for him—and me.' My words were a dagger, and his eyes flashed with raw, unbridled anger. He slammed his hands against the wall behind me, caging me in, his breath hot against my skin.

'Are you jealous?' I taunted, my voice a sultry whisper, daring him to crack.

He sighed, a smirk curling his lips in that infuriating way of his. His hand slid up my hip, gripping me with a possessiveness that sent a rush of heat straight to my core. 'Jealous? I’m not the one who stormed out like a scorned lover to find some random man to fill her desires. I bet you were thinking of me while he touched you.' His lips hovered over mine, his breath a tease. 'Just a second of my touch, and you’re already wet.'

I bit my lip, fighting the wave of need crashing through me. Five years without real sex had left me fucking horny, my body betraying my mind. 'Don’t act like you’re not dying to get your hands on me every chance you get. I bet you fucked Camilla with thoughts of me in your head,' I whispered, my voice laced with accusation and desire, my pussy already dripping with need despite my bravado.

'Beg me to give you what you’re craving right now,' he rasped, his voice hoarse and sexy, a command wrapped in velvet.

I batted my eyelashes, my tone dripping with sarcasm. 'Please, I beg you… to fuck off.' I pushed against his chest, but he didn’t budge, his frame an unyielding wall of heat and muscle.

'We’ll see about that,' he growled, and before I could fire back, his mouth crashed into mine, hungry and demanding. I didn’t hold back—despite every instinct screaming to slap him, I kissed him with equal ferocity, our tongues battling for control. The taste of him was intoxicating, a forbidden thrill I’d denied myself for too long. My hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer as the world around us dissolved into raw, electric need.

We broke apart, gasping for air, our chests heaving. His eyes were dark with lust, and I knew mine mirrored the same. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot. Whatever game we were playing, the stakes had just gotten dangerously high.