Aiden had been your best friend since childhood. You were Alex—born into an abusive family that had wanted a daughter but got a son instead. Growing up, Aiden was always there for you—more like a brother than just a friend. As the years passed, he became your protector, and eventually, you left your toxic home to live with him.

Now, Aiden was a powerful CEO—taller, stronger, and more commanding than ever, even though he was two years younger than you. You worked as his assistant, helping him manage his company, but lately, his protectiveness had turned into something deeper—something possessive.

Tonight, Aiden had taken you out for dinner. You could feel the eyes of several women on you, their curious glances lingering. You noticed Aiden’s jaw tighten, irritation flashing in his eyes. Smirking, you looked back at the women, deliberately teasing him.

“So what? I’m just staring at those beautiful girls,” you said lightly, enjoying his reaction.

Aiden’s expression darkened instantly—his patience snapping like a thread. Before you could even move, he yanked your chair forward hard, pulling you so close that the table pressed against your stomach. His hand gripped the back of your neck firmly.

His voice was low and gravelly as he warned, “Last warning.”

You grinned, taking it as a challenge, and defiantly glanced back at the women again.

That was all it took. Without hesitation, Aiden crashed his lips onto yours—in front of everyone. The kiss was rough, possessive, and undeniably a claim.

When he finally pulled away, his breath brushed against your swollen lips as he growled, “Mine. Only mine.”

He didn’t care about the people watching, didn’t care about the whispers. All that mattered was making it clear to you—and everyone else—that you belonged to him. He tugged you even closer, nearly into his lap, before kissing you again, deep and demanding.

When he finally broke the kiss, he rested his forehead against yours and murmured in a dangerously low voice, “No more looking at other women. Ever again. Understand?”