Page 2 of Owned

Then she looks up, and our eyes meet.. Those big brown eyes hit me like a punch to the gut. I watch them widen as she stares back at me, and my cock hardens instantly. MINE. The word thunders through my mind.

I barely register Ken and Ryu’s knowing smirks or the sounds of the crowd. My focus is entirely on her. The way she moves, how her full lips part slightly when our eyes meet again, the slight tremble in her fingers as she tucks a loose curl behind her ear. Every little detail just makes me want her more.

I’m about to go claim what’s mine when one of our men bursts on the terrace, face tight with tension. He whispers something about an expensive pendant that was exposed for visitors and now is missing, but I barely hear him. All I can think about is getting to my woman before the chaos erupts.

The next few minutes are a blur of motion and shouted orders. Security protocols kick in. But while everyone else is focused on the theft, my only thought is keeping her safe. I cross the terrace in quick strides and pull her against me, feeling her soft curves mold perfectly to my hard body.

“Stay close to me,” I growl, fighting the urge to just throw her over my shoulder and carry her somewhere private. Somewhere I can keep her safe and make her fucking mine.

She stares up at me with her beautiful eyes, a mix of surprise and heat in her gaze. “I don’t even know you,” she protests weakly.

“I’m Riku. And you’re staying with me till this is sorted.” My toneleaves no room for argument.

“I have a name, you know,” she says with a hint of sass that makes my dick throb. “It’s Maryam.”

“Maryam.” I test it on my tongue, loving how it feels. Fucking perfect, just like her. “Now, come.”

I wrap my arm firmly around her waist as I guide her through the crowd. She fits against my side like she was made to be there. And now that I’ve found her, I’m never letting go.

Chapter 2

RIKU

Maryam tries to pull away, but I just tighten my grip. “I can take care of myself,” she insists.

“Not happening.” I guide her through the halls of the compound, ignoring her protests. All I can think about is getting her somewhere safe. Somewhere I can get my hands on her…

A few of the men appear with reports, but I wave them off. My priority is the woman in my arms.

“This is ridiculous,” Maryam huffs. “I was fine.”

“You’re safer with me.”

“Says who?”

“Says the man who runs security for the entire Watanabe organization.” That shuts her up for a moment. I use the opportunity to pull her into my private office and lock the door.

She crosses her arms, drawing my attention to her perfect tits. “So what now? You’re just going to keep me prisoner?”

“If that’s what it takes to keep you safe.” I lean against my desk, drinking in the sight of her. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.

“Why would I be in danger?”

“Because you were there. You might have seen something without even realizing it.” I step closer, drawn to her like a magnet. “Because you’re mine to protect.”

Her eyes go wide. “Yours? I just met you!”

“And?” I’m close enough now to smell her perfume, to see the rapid rise and fall of her chest. “You feel it too. Don’t deny it.”

She bites her lip, and it takes everything in me not to claim that mouth right now. “You’re insane,” she whispers, but she doesn’t back away.

“Maybe.” I reach out to brush my thumb across her cheek. “But you’re still staying with me.”

* * *

MARYAM

Okay, this man is officially crazy. Hot as fuck, but absolutely nuts. And the worst part? My body isn’t getting the memo about how insane this situation is. Every time he touches me, every time his dark eyes lock on mine, I feel like I’m going to combust.

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