Predatory Marriage (Web Novel)

Predatory Marriage Chapter 4 – Red-light District

Kurkans were rarely called by their names. Most continents despised them, perceiving them as barbarians or beasts. This is because their race was known to have inherited the blood of beasts—their nature inhumane and indecorous. They are impulsive, indulgent and instinctive dangerous beings.

But there was one thing humanity envied from them—their physical ability and beauty. What monstrosity that lied underneath their skin could not dim their outstanding appearance bestowed by the Gods.

This disparity gave them popularity. In fact, among slaves, the best class was always Kurkans. Even in Estia, where slavery is illegal, they were secretly traded.

In fact, Princess Leah herself had seen several Kurkans sold as slaves but this was her first to see a Kurkan with an imposing aura.

Her mind was in a haze, but she was sure of one thing. The man in front of her wasn’t fit for sex slavery nor for humor. Rather, with his every cell exuding authority, she could imagine him looking disdainfully from above.

“…”

Her body moved on its instinct. Leah stepped back, but soon she felt her back touching the wall. A hard, chilly sensation ran down her spine with her sudden entrapment.

The man from the corner watched her with amusement dancing in his eyes. Slowly and leisurely, he crossed the distance between them. He went very close that their bodies touched. Instantly, Leah felt suffocated, but could only stand rigid in her place. At this moment, she found breathing a rather laborious job.

With one long finger, the man flipped Leah’s cap, from her head. He was a being with supreme senses and there was nothing queer he could not possibly miss. He frowned at the stiff, cheap brown wig that Leah was wearing, and tore it off right away. With nothing restraining it now, Leah’s dazzling silver hair softly rolled down her waist with a faint glow.

His golden eyes squinted at her. His skimming, smoldering gaze seemed to be stinging her exposed skin, boring holes to places he set them. Although she was wearing clothes, she felt naked.

Slender nape, collarbone slightly exposed through the tousled clothes, and the small chest that rises and falls while she breathed laboriously, the man studied these all. It was not hard to realize that the lady he cornered was no commoner.

“I can’t believe that a lady of your standing visits the red-light district. Is something with the aristocrats shaky, I assume?”

Leah straightened her tensed shoulder. Instead of refuting, she calmly opened her lips and said what reeled in her mind. “It seems that you do not know my purpose in following you…”

She stared up at him and felt herself die inside. She got the wrong man! But, how would she ever explain to him her mistake by not revealing who she is?

“Purpose?” His lips twisted into a mocking smile, understanding fully her motives.

“What’s wrong with that? I was only looking for fun while making sure my identity is hidden.”

“….”

He was speechless. It’s not every day an aristocrat, with a failed attempt in disguising, graces this kind of place. She is hiding something.

Though he got more questions he wished to be answered, he did not press her any further. On the other hand, his silence made Leah thoroughly flustered, her heart racing madly against her chest. She knew that at this moment, her face resembled a fat tomato.

In embarrassment, she was forced to lower her eyes. Perhaps, the man was looking for some entertainment tonight which in the current circumstances, was granted. She, who assumed that he was a prostitute, must have piqued his interest. His body language told her he didn’t have the heart to let her go any time soon.

Silently, Leah finally decided on her next course of action. She would never see him again, anyway. If this is one of the prices for ruining the royal family’s purity, then the means she had to do must no longer matter.

With trembling hands, she clutched the edge of her skirt. From the start, she was determined to do this even if she knew that she could die. Hence, at this point, there was no reason for her to be scared.

As she slowly looked up and caught his searing gaze, she noticed that his golden pupils slightly thinned and her jaw instantly fell. To witness this peculiarity in this proximity was awe-striking.

Deeply enthralled, she lost track of the seconds that ticked by, but a deep, throaty chuckle brought her back to her senses.

Leah then pushed the man’s chest inaudibly, trying to make room between them. However, the strength of her frail arms was feeble—the man was hardly moved. Instead, his smirk grew as he watched her struggle.

He is sure enjoying this, she glared at him.

“Don’t act presumptuously. I was only looking for someone to pay and have s*x with.” She spat out with irritation evident in her voice. In his eyes, she was no modest woman so why would she act like one?

The man only laughed hoarsely at her bluntness. He asked back with great amusement. “So, should I call you master?”

This man sure is cocky. She gritted her teeth and untied the knot of her dress with trembling hands.  She just wanted this to be over. While she tried to remove her clothes, the man whispered in her ears, making her fumbling hands freeze.

“I should be the one to do that.”

Before she could protest, large hands lifted her body effortlessly. The man handled her as if she was only a mere child!

Cradled in his arms, she looked at him, brimming in embarrassment.

“Are you scared?” asked him.

Her answer wasn’t heard because as soon as he said so, he tossed her to the bed and climbed sleekly on top of her. The bed creaking underneath his weight.  His slender fingers grabbed Leah’s chin and thumb rubbed her plumped lower lip.

“Why did you dare come to this place?”

The voice that resonated in her ears sent small shudders to her body. Yet, his intimidation could not shatter her resolve in keeping the reason of her visit and therefore, her identity, to herself.

“Just do what I told you to do.” She raised one brow and feigned courage. “Don’t worry. I promise to pay you.”

Hearing this, the man whispered in a gentle voice; his eyes shone with mischief. “Open your legs.”