CHAPTER 61: PAYBACK SUGAR

Chapter sixty one

I marched over to the electronics section and pointed at the most expensive phone on display. "That one."

"Excellent choice, sir," the salesperson gushed. "The latest model with all the premium features."

"As long as you like it, Pet," Kieran said, his voice carrying a note of approval that made my stomach tight "I want you to have the best of everything." His lips nearly brushed my ears and I flinched away just in time.

In public???

No. . . Not that I would allow it in private either!

He still had no reaction of concern about money. If anything, he looked pleased, like my expensive taste was exactly what he’d expected.

My competitive spirit kicked into overdrive. I bought expensive skincare products that promised glass skin, perfumes, and somehow ended up with things I didn’t even need.

"Planning to redecorate?" Kieran asked as I added a crystal tea kettle to my growing pile.

"Maybe," I said through gritted teeth. Why wasn’t he panicking?

Instead of complaining, he actually helped me pick things out, his hands occasionally brushing mine as he handed me items. Each touch sent unwanted sparks through my skin. Why did this feel like a date from a contemporary romance??

"This colour suits you," He said, pulling out a green-sleeved shirt "You should wear more things that bring out your eyes."

His taste was annoyingly good, and I found myself actually liking his suggestions, which only made me angrier.

When we reached the underwear section, Kieran deliberately picked up the tiniest pair he could find and held it up. "Perfect fit."

I bristled with fumes in my ears "Those are for children!"

"Are you sure?" He examined them with exaggerated concern. "They look about right to me."

I snatched a normal-sized pair and stormed toward the changing rooms, my arms full of designer clothes.

I found myself coming out to show him different outfits, because he had insisted.

"Perfect," he’d say, his gaze traveling slowly over my body in a way that made me feel simultaneously exposed and... Okay, I didn’t even want to acknowledge the other feeling.

"You look beautiful, Ollie. Everything looks good on you,"

I shouldn’t feel pleased by the compliment, but I found myself grinning.

"Pack everything," he told the sales person, and my jaw dropped. Was it too late to tell him I was only joking? My attempt at revenge only fired back at me because I was exhausted.

And the pile of things I’d bought wouldn’t even fit in his car. Just how rich was this guy?

"We can go," Kieran said casually. "Everything will be delivered to your house."

Panic shot through me as he escorted me to his house outside.

My house?! My mom will have a heart attack!

"Can I have them delivered to your place instead?" I asked desperately.

Kieran’s eyes gleamed with something cruel. The familiar glint whenever he was plotting something evil "Why would I keep your property at my house?" He stepped closer, backing me against his car. "Although, I’ve been thinking of getting a place. Somewhere private. Just for us."

The way he said ’us’ made my breath hitch. He was too close now; I had to crane my head to look at him.

"We could live together, I could take care of you properly."

"Kieran, stop joking..." I pressed my palm against his chest to set some distance between us, but it turned out to be the dumbest move. Kieran snatched one of my wrists before I could yank away.

"Now that you’ve gotten everything," he said, his eyes boring into mine with frightening intensity, "don’t you think you owe me something?"

His hand came up to cup my face, thumb tracing my cheek with deceptive gentleness. "After all, pets should show gratitude to their owners."

Without warning, he grabbed my butt, pulling me against his chest.

He squeezed my cheeks and I squirmed frantically. "You’re the one who wanted to take me shopping! I didn’t ask for anything! You said you wanted to spoil your pet!"

His hand unclenched my butt, and I could breathe again. What was this stupid obsession he had with grabbing me?

I looked around us to see if anyone had seen, thankfully they all seemed to be going about their business.

"Speaking of which, I got you something special."

I snapped my gaze back to him just in time to see him reach into a shopping bag and pull out a velvety box.

Was it a ring?

Was Kieran going to propose to me right here?!!!

Hehehehe

Is this the point where I slap him and tell him NOO?

My brows furrowed together in confusion, the box was simply too large to contain a ring.

Kieran smirked, opening it and I gasped in indignation.

It was a leather collar with a small bell attached.

When did he even—? My eyes went wide with horror.

"No! I will not be chained like a dog!"

"Pets should listen to their owners, I think you still need a bit of training to obey your master,"

This psychopath!!

My teeth gritted together as I saw red.

Master??

He could eat dust!

I quickly pointed behind him. "Look! Is that Amanda?"

The moment his attention shifted, I slipped away with the fluid movements of a feline animal and bolted back toward the shopping center, my heart pounding as I weaved through the crowds looking for somewhere to hide.

I released a long sigh.

Should I really call for that restraining order? Did that bastard actually take me as his pet??

I turned a corner near the jewellery section to see if Kieran was in sight, only to freeze.

That face. . .

A fist snatched my heart and I couldn’t breathe.

That man...

There, examining expensive watches with a woman I didn’t recognize, was a face I hadn’t seen in three years.

The man who had walked out on us without a backwards glance was standing twenty feet away, looking perfectly happy and well-dressed, like he hadn’t destroyed our family.

My legs felt like they’d turned to stone.