Bought by the Dangerous Billionaire Free Preview

Elena’s POV:

I spent three hours getting ready.

Because today was the one-year anniversary of my marriage to Lysander Thorne.

The candlelight flickered on the dining table, casting shadows on the empty chair across from me.

The bubbles in the chilled champagne slowly died out, just like the last pathetic flicker of hope in my heart.

The TV on the wall was showing the news.

The screen switched, and the camera caught a glimpse of my so-called husband.

Lysander. My husband.

He was dressed in a tailored suit, gently putting a coat over the shoulders of the woman sitting across from him.

The reporter’s voice buzzed with excitement: “Thorne Group heir spotted dining late with famous ballerina Olivia—rumors of a romance going public…”

And here I was, still hoping he’d come home.

Even though in the past year, I’d barely seen him.

I knew he liked Olivia, but still, I kept playing the role of Mrs. Thorne.

And me, this so-called wife, after a whole year of marriage, was still a virgin.

I didn’t even cry. I just felt exhausted.

I turned off the TV and collapsed on the couch, too drained even to pull off this expensive dress. I just fell asleep like that.

…Until a hand touched my calf.

I jolted awake, staring into a pair of unfamiliar eyes in the dark.

A tall man had somehow appeared in my bedroom.

He was half-kneeling on the couch, my nightgown hiked up to my upper thigh.

“Who the hell are you?! Get out! I’m calling the cops!” I screamed, backing away.

“Calling the cops? Mrs. Thorne, I’m the man your husband sent,” he sneered, a creepy smile spreading as he lunged at me.

Panic clamped down on my throat.

I pushed him with all my strength, stumbling out of the bedroom and curling up in the shadows of the living room, shaking all over.

I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe what he said.

Lysander would never do this to me!

Time passed, though I had no idea how long.

Then the front door opened.

It was him! Lysander was home.

Almost instinctively, I threw myself into his arms like a drowning woman clutching a lifeline, gripping his suit jacket tight, my body trembling like a leaf.

“Lysander… there was someone in the room. I was so scared…”

My words tumbled out, voice shaking with fear and relief.

He hesitated for a moment, didn’t push me away right away.

Then he bent down, leaning in like he was going to kiss me.

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.

Was this comfort? Did he still care about me after all?

For a long time, the love and desire I’d been bottling up, mixed with the fear from just moments ago, completely clouded my judgment.

I shut my eyes and leaned in, hoping to grab some warmth and a sense of safety from his kiss.

But just before his lips touched mine, he stopped.

“Elena,” his voice hissed like a snake ready to strike, “you’re fucking disgusting.”

I froze instantly, like all the blood in my body had turned to ice.

“I give you a little kindness, and you’re already on your knees licking my boots,” Lysander said, gripping my chin hard, his eyes dripping with mockery. “That guy? He’s the one I brought in to sleep with you.”

He shoved me away, his disgust plain as day.

“Do you really think I’d touch you otherwise?”

I shook my head in disbelief. “Why… Lysander? Why would you let another man—”

“Because all my grandpa cares about is the seed inside your belly. I don’t want to touch you at all!” He cut me off with a cold laugh. “You filthy bitch almost killed Olivia! You don’t deserve to be touched by me!”

My whole body stiffened as he stepped closer.

“Listen up. Your only worth is your womb. You’ll pop out the heir, take the money, and get the hell out of the Thorne family.”

So close, I could see the dark red lipstick mark just below his shirt collar—some sloppy, intimate kiss.

In that moment, every bit of love, every ounce of hurt, every desperate urge to explain shattered under his look of pure contempt, like I was trash.

That’s what it feels like when your heart dies.

This marriage? It was nothing but a joke.

I stared at him, my eyes burning red, but somehow my trembling body steadied.

“Fine. As you wish. I’ll get pregnant.”

He narrowed his eyes, sizing up my sudden submission.

I met his gaze and used the last bit of strength I had to hold onto my pathetic shred of dignity. “But who I get pregnant by? That’s my call.”

No surprise—he agreed.

Because he never gave a damn about me. Not one bit.

That night, I sat in a members-only club called Elysian.

I came here to find a man, but all I could do was keep drinking.

The hard liquor burned my throat but couldn’t warm my frozen heart.

After all these years, my love, my faith—they finally crumbled.

My feelings for Lysander? They were done.

I staggered to my feet, planning to wash my face in the bathroom, but just as I headed for the stairs, my high heel twisted sharply.

My body suddenly lost balance, but a strong arm shot around my waist and steadied me without a wobble.

The heavy buzz from the booze and a spike of fear made me instinctively grab the edge of his jacket. Slowly, my mind cleared a bit.

I looked up and locked eyes with a pair of deep, intense eyes.

His features were sharp and rugged, and the suit he wore showed off a damn good physique.

Yeah, I’m gonna keep a man!

And he’s the one.

“It’s freezing tonight. Wanna keep me warm, handsome?”

His eyes darkened for a second, like he was at a loss for words.

“You know me?”

“Nope. But I figure we could get better acquainted in bed.”

I didn’t let go. Instead, I grabbed the expensive collar of his shirt tighter, leaning in on his strength. Drunk but crystal clear, I declared:

“It’s you… I’m gonna keep you.”

Elena’s POV:

I grabbed Kairos by the collar and kissed him hard. Pulling back just a bit, Kairos asked, “You don’t regret this, do you?”

Without hesitation, I slipped my hand under his shirt and felt the hard planes of his abs. A satisfied smile spread across my face. “You’re perfect. I’m not gonna regret this for a second.”

Without warning, Kairos scooped me up in his arms like I weighed nothing and carried me upstairs to the bedroom. Our lips met again, hungry and desperate. But just as things were heating up, Kairos pulled away. “I’m gonna take a quick shower first.”

I smirked, teasing, “Look at you, Mr. Model, all professional and shit.”

I didn't understand why he would do that, and he was taking forever while I just laid here, hot and bothered.

At one point I just couldn't wait anymore so I took off my clothes completely. I wanted more kisses, more touches, more of a man as I couldn't get enough but when I opened the door, my eyes almost rolled out of their sockets.

Like in the cover of a magazine, Kairos stood tall, surrounded by steam with the most perfectly sculpted body, groaning and rubbing his cock as he rinsed off soap from his body.

The faces he made like he was restraining himself from losing his mind, made me lose mine.

My throat went dry. I've never seen it this close, and it scared me. It carried heavy veins, fat and long. I grew wetter, my thighs clenched as I watched.

“Come here, you nasty slut. Who permitted you to watch me?” He raised his head up just then, a smirk spread across his face as he locked eyes with me.

I haven't taken time to appreciate such a beautiful man, I just let my legs guide me shamelessly, now weirdly intimidated from nowhere.

When I got to him, he took one of my hands and placed it on his heavy cock. My mouth watered as he wrapped his hands around my neck and forced his tongue down my throat, kissing me in a vicious manner, like he hated me, while he had me stroke his cock. ‘More, more.’ I almost cried out, but apparently, it was just the beginning.

“You're a virgin, aren't you? You're so scared. I promise not to hurt you, if you want.” He teased, sucking my lower lip into his mouth.

“I won't be clingy. Do whatever you want.”

I guess that was his invitation, because from nowhere, I saw myself on the wet ground, a corner away from where the shower poured so it wasn't touching me, and before I could recover, this beast of a man was on top of me, a hand around my throat, and he nudged my thighs apart.

“You know what I want you to do?”

I shook my head innocently, so excited I was going crazy.

“I want you to be a good girl and take it all.” I just knew I'll start seeing this man in my dreams.

He didn't pity me. He didn't go slowly and gently. He just impaled me and stretched me so hard, a scream tore out from my throat and I saw red. He kept going, right until the pain got replaced by pleasure.

I shuddered, cried, begged, but it's almost as if he turned into a monster as he kept thrusting in and out of me. I held onto him so tightly, not wanting him to stop anymore, sure I'll die if he even reduced pace by a second. He attacked my skin with teeth, leaving hickeys anywhere he could, still whispering dirty things that made me leak on.

I didn't know what happened until it happened, but this bubble of intense pleasure built up from deep inside me and it burst right outside, having my legs tremble, making my soul itself vibrate as I tried to ride through what was clearly my first orgasm.

I thought it couldn't get better than that until this man spilled thick, warm cum deep inside me after fucking me like an animal, grunting hard, breathing harshly.

After the first time, Kairos didn't understand the concept of stopping. While the water poured over us, he took me again, over and over until I passed out.

The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, and I was the first to wake up.

The man beside me was still asleep, his arm draped across my waist.

Up close, his body hit me harder than it did under last night’s dim lights—broad shoulders, narrow waist, muscles flowing with power like a masterpiece carved by years of brutal training.

Gotta admit, this deal? Just judging by looks alone, I totally scored.

Just as I was silently admiring him, those deep eyes snapped open—clear and sharp, not like someone who just woke up.

He flipped over smoothly, casting me into his shadow, and leaned down, about to kiss me.

I raised my hand, pressing it against his lips, feeling the warmth of his skin through my fingertips.

“Really that dedicated?” I raised an eyebrow, trying to hide the sudden quickening of my heartbeat.

He chuckled low, his breath brushing my fingertips with a teasing edge. “Last night, someone threatened to try seven times in one night. That’s a no-go?”

“I was drunk last night,” I admitted coolly, my fingers sliding down his sharp jawline, grazing his Adam’s apple, and finally resting on those rock-hard abs. “Wasn’t thinking straight, just chasing a quick thrill.”

I looked up, meeting his curious gaze, and laid out my sober decision: “But now that I see you—this face, this body… you’re top-notch. Just once? That’s a damn waste.”

“Stick with me. Fifty grand a month,” I said.

Elena’s POV:

He stared at me in silence, his eyes dark and unreadable.

I figured he thought the money was too little. Guys coming out of Elysian don’t come cheap.

“100,000,” I raised the offer, trying to make the deal sound fair. “I get the looks, you get the cash. We’re a perfect match.”

Suddenly, he smiled—a sly, half-smile. “You think I’m only worth 100,000?”

I squared my jaw. “150,000! 100,000 is kinda low for you just tagging along with me.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he threw out a number: “500,000.”

Half a million… My heart skipped a beat.

Lysander usually hands all his money to Olivia. I didn’t have much cash on me.

Pulling out half a million in a short time? Yeah, that was gonna be tough.

“I can’t come up with that much right now.” I grabbed my phone and motioned for him to add me. “Hit me up later.”

He didn’t ask any questions, just smoothly typed in his number.

After leaving the club, I drove straight to Thorne Tower.

When I pushed open Lysander’s office door, he was sitting behind his massive desk, brows slightly furrowed.

“What are you doing here? I told you not to come to the office.”

“Three million,” I cut straight to the chase, no beating around the bush.

He looked up like I’d just told him I wanted to buy the moon. “What do you need that much money for?”

“To keep a man.” I said it flat, like I was talking about the weather. “I’ve got my eye on one. A million a month, paid upfront for three months.”

The usual cold mask on his face cracked just a bit, full of disbelief. “You want to keep a man and you’re asking me for money? Elena, are you out of your mind?”

“I’m wide awake.” I stepped forward, hands planted firmly on his desk, looking down at him. “You won’t touch me, but you want me to get pregnant. Lysander, sorry to break it to you, but I haven’t figured out how to reproduce without sex yet.”

He snorted, leaning back into his leather chair, eyes dripping with contempt. “So after all this circling around, you still want me to touch you? Dream on.”

“Want me to touch you?” I mocked him with a laugh, just like he did. I circled the desk, stood next to him, and let my fingertips brush the collar of his suit. I felt his body stiffen instantly.

“Lysander, there are plenty of ways I want you to touch me. After all, we’re legally married. And your grandpa… he’s dreaming every night about holding a grandson, isn’t he?”

He suddenly grabbed my wrist with a hard grip. “You’re pretty good at faking it. How come I never saw this side of you before?”

I pulled my hand back and straightened up. I said clearly, “Back then, I liked you. I treated you like my whole world. But now, I don’t like you anymore. From now on, this is how I’m gonna treat you. You better get used to it.”

He stayed silent, but his face darkened like thunder.

I leaned in close again, almost brushing his ear, my breath warm against his skin. “If you’re too stingy to give me money, fine. Then give me your body. Pick one.”

He jumped back like I’d burned him, his face turning ashen.

The next second, he grabbed his phone and started tapping furiously.

My phone dinged. Three million just hit my account.

“Remember,” I stared at the cold numbers on the screen, then looked up at him with nothing but ice in my eyes, “the money means from now on, we’re just business partners. Not husband and wife. And you’re the one who gave up on me first.”

With that, I turned and walked away without a shred of regret.

When the door shut behind me, I could almost picture him sitting in his office, brow furrowed tight.

He’d definitely check up on where I was last night, dig into that guy’s background.

But that’s none of my business anymore.

Walking down the hallway, my heart felt like a barren wasteland—calm but empty.

I’d finally cut the fragile thread called “marriage” that tied him and me together.

I’d tried. Used up every ounce of passion and patience I had.

I got in the car, took a deep breath to steady myself, then dialed the number I’d saved that morning.

“I’m sending you an address. You can move your stuff there first. During our partnership, that’s where you’ll stay.”

I kept my voice as businesslike as I could.

A low chuckle came through the phone. “Missing me already? Didn’t I just satisfy you?”

“I’m about to send you money,” I ignored his teasing tone, “and we need to talk about the details of this partnership. Can’t keep meeting up in hotel rooms every time.”

I hung up and sent him the villa address, then took a deep breath and started the car.

When I got to the villa complex and stepped out, a tall figure blocked my way. The light was behind him, so I couldn’t tell who it was at first.

“What’s up?” He leaned down close, warm breath brushing my ear. “You don’t recognize me just because I’m wearing clothes?”

Hearing that voice, I knew for sure—the tall, handsome guy standing in front of me was the model from last night.

My face flushed red in an instant, especially when I noticed some passerby nearby staring over with curiosity.

I practically yanked his wrist right away, lowered my head, and hurriedly dragged him through the front door of the villa.

The door slammed shut behind us, cutting off all outside eyes.

I hadn’t even caught my breath when he started shrugging off his jacket like no one else was around, then began undoing the buttons on his shirt.

“What the hell are you doing?!” I quickly grabbed his hand to stop him.

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze openly roaming over me. “You dragged me in here so fast—doesn’t that mean you want it?”

Elena’s POV:

“Wait,” I grabbed his hand as it slipped under my skirt, my breath shaky. “We only talked about the price this morning. We haven’t gone over the terms yet.”

“Go on,” he said, biting my earlobe, while his other hand was already undoing the top button of his shirt.

“First, you gotta be on call anytime I need you. And during that time, I’m the only one who pays you.”

“Second, I call the shots on when it starts and when it ends.”

His warm tongue traced the curve behind my ear. My legs went weak, but he caught me firmly.

“Third…” I gasped, grabbing his hair, “No photos, no videos, and no telling anyone about us.”

He chuckled low and straightened up, looking at me seriously. “Anything else?”

“No digging into each other’s past or personal stuff,” I said, trying to steady my quick breaths. “Can you handle that?”

“Being on call 24/7 might be tough,” he said, fingers tracing my wrist. “I’ve got other gigs… but nothing emotional.”

“You’re not a full-time escort?” I blinked, surprised.

“Nah, this is just a side hustle. Got other work too.”

Didn’t expect this handsome guy to be such a hard worker.

I nodded, showing I got it.

“But,” he grabbed my wrist and pulled me close, “if I bail on you, I’ll make it up with double the time. How’s that sound?”

“Deal.”

Honestly, that compensation plan didn’t sound bad at all.

Suddenly, his hand slipped inside my shirt, fingers tracing over my chest.

I hooked my arms around his neck and laughed softly. “You’re thirstier than your sugar mama.”

He smirked, hot lips pressing against the pulse at my neck, voice husky. “I’m going on a business trip for a few days tomorrow… so tonight, I gotta pay back everything I owe you—principal and interest.”

I grabbed his wandering hand. “I’m not that greedy.”

“Really?” He stopped moving, then suddenly grabbed my hand and forced it down onto his tight lower belly.

The muscles under my palm were hard as steel, clearly defined, rising and falling with his breath, radiating heat.

That feeling made my knees go weak. A ridiculous thought popped into my head, and I almost laughed out loud: “Are you secretly flexing those muscles?”

A sexy chuckle rumbled from his throat. He gripped my wrist and, without giving me a chance to pull away, guided my hand down past his waistband, resting it on the bulge hidden beneath his pants.

“Wanna feel it?” His lips brushed against mine, breath mingling with mine. “There’s something even harder… wanna check it out?”

Before I could say a word, his fiery kiss crashed down on me, swallowing up any chance I had to say no.

His tongue pried open my teeth, tangling fiercely with mine.

One rough hand yanked my shirt open, and his lips and tongue slid down, sucking and nibbling at the hard nipples standing proud on my chest.

“Ah…!” The intense pleasure made me arch my back, my fingers digging deep into his solid arm.

Lost in the haze of desire, I collapsed into his arms, completely drained.

Right then, my phone shrilled sharply from the pile of clothes scattered on the floor.

I was about to hang up, but then I saw the name: Lysander.

Suddenly, all the heat radiating off the man vanished in an instant, and his movements froze.

His eyes caught that name, turning ice-cold and sharp like a hawk locking onto its prey. His hand clenched tighter around my waist.

“You’re married?”

I pressed down on his hand and took a deep breath.

“Don’t move. Let me finish this call first.”

I hit the answer button.

“Lysander, what’s up?”

The moment the call connected, Lysander’s annoyed voice came through: “Where are you? Why aren’t you home?”

I leaned back on the couch, feeling his lips trail along my neck, trying to keep my voice steady. “Aren’t you the one who wanted me to stay away? Now I’m not home, and you’re still not happy?”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” He sneered. “Reminder: you’re going to the old house tonight to have dinner with grandpa.”

I froze for a second, then remembered that monthly routine.

Usually, I barely saw Lysander. We lived apart, only meeting mid-month to go to the old house and keep grandpa company.

“You go ahead. I’ve got some stuff to handle. I’ll be there later.”

The man beneath me kissed a trail from my neck down to my chest, then suddenly bit down on my nipple.

The sharp sensation made me let out a soft whimper.

“Ah, easy—”

There was a pause on the other end.

“What are you doing?”

“As you wish,” I stopped hiding it, my voice thick with desire and huskiness, “I’m in bed with another man.”

Elena’s POV:

Lysander’s breathing got heavier, but his tone was still dripping with doubt. “Trying to mess with me again using this trick? Elena, even if you hired someone to act, I don’t give a damn.”

His hand slid between my legs, pressing against my sensitive spot through my underwear.

I bit my lip but still let out a soft moan.

“Did you hear that?” I let my voice go, letting my breaths get ragged. “Or do you think… this is all just an act too?”

Lysander sneered, “Don’t think I’m dumb—panting a bit on the treadmill doesn’t fool me.”

“Fool you?” The man was already kissing down my waist. I laughed lightly and grabbed his hair. “Then just think of it as me performing a one-woman show.”

“Elena!”

I didn’t want to hear another word. I hung up on him.

Just as he was about to pull off my underwear, I grabbed him, eyes blazing. “You did that on purpose?”

He didn’t back off. Instead, he grabbed my waist and pulled me closer, his gaze sharp as a blade. “You’re married? Then you shouldn’t be out playing around. I’m not interested in other people’s married games.”

“I am married,” I met his eyes without flinching, “but in a way, it’s like I’m single.”

His eyes flickered, like he suddenly got it. The tight line of his lips softened, and his whole expression relaxed. “No wonder… I’m your first man.”

I knew he was talking about last night.

“You don’t have to carry any guilt.” I reached up and smoothed down his slightly wrinkled collar. “My husband’s got someone on the side too. If he ever comes looking for trouble, I’ll take you to catch him red-handed. Don’t worry, you won’t get the short end of the stick.”

He chuckled low, his chest shaking, then bent down to find my lips again.

This time, I flipped the script, pushing him hard onto the couch.

“Quit messing around,” I said, straddling him and yanking open his half-buttoned shirt. “Let’s get this over with. I’ve got to go eat at the old family house later.”

“As you wish, boss.”

His hands expertly slid off my underwear, then he entered me with force. I couldn’t hold back, tilting my head back and letting out a short whimper, my nails digging deep into his muscles.

He seemed damn pleased with my reaction, pounding into me hard enough that the couch groaned under the strain.

At the peak of sensation, with my mind going blank, I bit down hard on his shoulder to swallow back the scream that was about to burst out.

After it was over, I rushed to take a quick shower and slipped back into the neat dress I’d worn earlier.

Then I headed straight to the old family mansion.

Outside the mansion, I spotted Lysander’s car.

He was trying to fake the image of a happy couple—just like he had all year.

He stepped out of the car and gave me a once-over, eyes dripping with mockery. “I actually thought you had the guts for once. Turns out it’s just another stunt to get my attention.”

I snorted, not bothering to explain, grabbed my purse, and walked in first.

The moment I stepped into the Thorne family mansion, a heavy, suffocating vibe hit me like a wall.

I nodded slightly at the lady sitting in the living room. “Mother.”

My mother-in-law, Catherine Thorne, lifted her eyelids and shot me a cold glare. “You look like you just lost your husband or something.”

I was momentarily speechless, but then Grandpa Caspian’s sharp voice came from the stairs. “Catherine! How can you curse your own son?”

Catherine slowly set down her teacup, eyes flicking over Caspian with a venomous edge. “What’s the rush? You don’t have just one grandson, do you? Oh right, there’s that bastard from the mistress too. Shame he’s six feet under—can’t hear your insults anymore.”

Caspian’s face went stone cold, but he bit back his anger.

I knew exactly what she meant—this was the Thornes’ debt to her.

Years ago, there was that explosion. Lysander’s father, Nathaniel, died clutching his mistress and illegitimate son. But the family spun it as a heroic sacrifice to save the whole building.

Catherine lost her husband and was forced to play the grieving widow forever, barred from remarrying. Meanwhile, the Thorne family soaked up the fame and fortune, growing stronger by the day.

At the dinner table, Caspian stabbed at his steak. “Elena, you’ve been married a year. Still no baby? Is it you, or is Lysander the problem? If there’s an issue, get it fixed already!”

Catherine jumped in with a nasty smirk, “Maybe the family tree just won’t bloom because all the seeds got scattered outside—just like his old man.”

The old man slammed his fist on the table, glaring at Lysander. “You got someone on the side?!”

Lysander was on the spot, face darkening, and instinctively looked at me for help.

I sneered inside but kept a sweet smile on my face. I spoke softly to Caspian, “Grandpa, we’ve actually been using birth control. If you want a great-grandchild, we’ll… make arrangements soon.”

Only then did the old man’s expression soften a bit.

After dinner, Lysander and I strolled side by side through the garden, playing the loving couple in front of Caspian.

Just then, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

He pulled it out, and the name flashing on the screen was none other than Olivia.