Chapter 9: Confrontations

Indignation blazed through my veins as the chaotic scene unfolded before me. Four men had invaded my sanctuary—three unwelcome, while the fourth, Ara, had been engaged in activities I'd been thoroughly enjoying until this interruption.

When Carl yanked Ara away from me, I snapped out of my paralysis. Rising with the blanket clutched to my body, fury etched itself into my features.

"Stop this right now!" My command sliced through the tension. "Who gave you permission to barge into my home?"

Carl's expression darkened as he fixed me with a domineering stare. "Return to your bedroom," he commanded, his baritone sending an unwanted shiver down my spine.

"Absolutely not." The firmness in my reply visibly shocked Devin and Barry. The thunderous look on Carl's face made it clear he wasn't accustomed to defiance.

"What did you say to me?" he questioned, contempt dripping from every syllable.

Standing my ground, I lifted my chin. "You heard perfectly well. Ara and I were content before you stormed in uninvited. Remove yourselves from my property."

"You know what, princess..." Devin suggested cautiously.

"Shut the fuck up! I don't want that!" I shot him a furious glare. What the hell was that fucking princess about?

The atmosphere crackled with tension.

"Lina, there are things you're not aware of—" Devin began.

"No, you don't get it," I countered. "I'm not some subordinate you can order around. I'm a grown woman making my own decisions. If I choose intimate time with Ara, that's my business." I paused. "All of you need to leave—including you, Ara. The moment's ruined."

Ara's expression fell, hurt flashing across his features as he struggled against his brothers. "Lina, please..." His voice carried tenderness that contrasted with his struggle. The muscle in his jaw twitched as he shot a venomous glance at Carl, resentment radiating in palpable waves.

"This isn't your decision to make," Ara snarled at Carl, his normally gentle demeanor replaced by barely contained rage. "You've overstepped following me here."

Carl didn't acknowledge his brother's challenge, keeping his glacial focus on me. This dismissal intensified Ara's frustration, his body tensing with fury.

"I want everyone out," I repeated, my voice steadier than my racing heart.

Reluctantly, Devin and Barry escorted a protesting Ara toward the door. As they dragged him away, Ara's gaze remained locked with mine—an unspoken promise that this interruption was temporary. Beneath lurked something more profound—a growing rebellion against his brother's authority crystallizing in this moment.

Once they exited, Carl remained, his imposing presence dwarfing my living space. His penetrating stare made me feel simultaneously outraged and inexplicably drawn to him.

"Maintain distance from me and my brothers," he stated with dangerous softness. "Whatever you're searching for, you won't discover it with us."

His dismissive assessment hit me like a physical blow. The implication I was merely seeking casual entertainment ignited something primal within me.

Snatching my clothes, I hastily dressed and followed them outside. They'd only made it partway across the lawn when I appeared.

"Let me make something clear, you arrogant jackass!" I shouted. Carl's expression hardened as he turned. "I'm not pursuing whatever twisted notion you've concocted."

Despite my petite frame, I felt imposing, fueled by righteous indignation. Moonlight accentuated Carl's severe angles as he stalked toward me with predatory grace.

"You're forgetting yourself," he stated with deceptive calmness that carried more menace than a shout.

Devin moved to intercept me. I pushed against his restraint. "Let me through. I've had enough of his superior attitude!"

Devin froze. Carl's attention shifted to where Devin's hands contacted my skin. Something unreadable flickered in his expression before he commanded, "Release her and get inside. All of you."

Devin complied. Before following, Ara cast me one final heated look—desire, apology, and newfound determination—then disappeared inside, shoulders rigid with anger toward Carl.

Suddenly, only Carl and I remained in the cool night air, engulfed by tense silence until he advanced, cold and calculating.

"Let me clarify matters since you failed to comprehend." My body betrayed me with an involuntary tremor as he approached.

"Don't," I whispered, retreating.

"Silence," he commanded, his tone a velvet-wrapped threat. "You will not engage with any of my brothers. Understood?"

"Yes," I whispered, eyes downcast as my defiance evaporated in his overwhelming proximity. His scent enveloped me like an invisible current.

"Your routine will be simple: work, home, remain in your cottage." Before I realized, I found myself backed against my door, Carl's palms slamming against the wood on either side of my head. "You will not defy me, Lina."

Words failed me. I could only nod as his harsh expression flickered momentarily with uncertainty. Then he abruptly pushed away and strode into darkness, leaving me breathless.

I'd never experienced such a disorienting blend of intimidation and attraction.

My anger dissipated entirely, replaced by confusion and undeniable desire. Some primitive part of me yearned to surrender to his dominance in ways I couldn't articulate. A shuddering breath escaped me as tears threatened.

Back inside, I surveyed the chaos. Cushions strewn about, blankets tangled, furniture askew. The physical disarray mirrored my emotional state.

And worse still, I felt even more intense frustration than before Ara had touched me.

"Why is this happening?" I whispered. I needed to confide in someone, but hesitated to burden my mother.

As if the universe heard, my phone rang. Jessica's name illuminated the screen.

"Hey there," I answered, attempting normalcy.

"Checking in after today's craziness. You okay?" Genuine concern colored Jessica's voice.

Collapsing onto my sofa, I exhaled heavily. "Everything's a mess. Things escalated, and now I'm more confused than ever."

"Tell me everything," she insisted.

Her enthusiasm drew a reluctant chuckle. "Ara showed up unexpectedly and we were—"

"Were what?!" Jessica's excitement vibrated through the phone.

"Let's just say things got heated," I admitted, feeling warmth color my cheeks.

"I knew it! Those California men are delicious," she giggled.

"We barely started," I explained. "Carl and the twins burst in and physically separated us."

Recalling Carl's intimidating stare sent another conflicted shiver through me. The man was clearly dangerous.

"What a jerk! What gives him the right?" Jessica's outrage provided welcome validation.

"He ordered me to stay away from all of them. Like I'm some desperate hookup artist."

"Are you serious?!" She sounded appalled.

"Completely. I'm already exhausted by him, and my first week isn't even finished."

"You know what you need? A night out," Jessica suggested. "FaunaSphere is hosting their quarterly mixer Friday. Open bar, great food, networking disguised as fun. Clara and Scarlett are coming. We can start with drinks at my place."

A company party... While I typically avoided such gatherings, the suggestion suddenly seemed appealing. After all, Carl had commanded me to maintain a restricted existence. Breaking his rules held newfound appeal.

"You know what? I'm in," I replied with renewed resolve. "Count me in."