OWNED IN THE DARK

CIARA

Maggie's eyes narrowed as she took in our dishevelled state-mud-caked shoes, rain-soaked clothes, and the undeniable scent of sex clinging to us like a second skin. I instinctively stepped back, crossing my arms over my chest as if that could hide the evidence of our encounter.

"Well, isn't this cosy?" Maggie's voice dripped with venom as she smoothed her designer dress, looking utterly out of place in the chaos we'd created. "Matthew darling, you've been playing in the rain without me. Trust you had fun? Hello Ciara"

"Maggie, what are you doing here?" Mathew's voice was tight, and I could see the muscle working in his jaw.

She laughed-a cold, calculated sound that sent shivers down my spine. "I came to check on you after the storm but it seems I interrupted something... intimate." Her gaze flickered to me as she walked towards me "You're soaked darling should I be concerned?"

"Watch your mouth," Mathew warned, stepping between us. "Ciara's not-"

"She's exactly what she looks like," Maggie interrupted, circling us slowly. "The orphaned little rich girl who thinks she can squish her way into our relationship. Do you really think he'd choose you over me?" She stopped before me, her face inches from mine. "If there's anything between you two, he'd use you for his amusement, Ciara. Nothing more."

I wanted to slap her, but Carlista's footsteps approaching from the hallway stopped me.

"Maggie! What a surprise!" Carlista's voice was falsely cheerful as she entered the room. "I didn't know you were stopping by."

Maggie's expression transformed instantly into one of sweet innocence. "Just checking on my fiancé after that dreadful storm." She looped her arm through Mathew's, her nails digging into his bicep. "We were just having a little chat with your... friend."

Carlista's eyes widened slightly as she took in the scene, but she recovered quickly. "Ciara was a bit down when she came over but she decided to work in the garden and got caught in the rain."

"Is that what the kids are calling it these days?" Maggie's laugh was sharp as glass. "Well, I should be going. Matthew, we need to discuss our honeymoon arrangements." She kissed his cheek deliberately, her eyes never leaving mine. "Try not to get muddy again without me."

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving silence thick enough to choke on.

"I'm going to kill her," Carlista muttered, turning to face us fully. "What the hell was that about?"

Mathew ran a hand through his wet hair. "She's just being Maggie."

"No, she was a mean bitch who was unnecessarily disrespectful for no reason at all."

Carlista's gaze shifted between us. " I'm sorry this happened Ciara but do I need to be concerned girl?"

"Carlista, absolutely not-"

"Don't you dare lie to me," she snapped, pointing a finger at Mathew. "I don't know what's happened but keep your fiancées evil eye off my best friend."

"Yes ma'am." Mathew chuckled "You're so protective, won't you also protect me?"

I felt tears pricking the corners of my eyes and turned away. "I need to have a bath and change my clothing, please excuse me."

Carlista approached me, her expression softening. "Ciara, I'm sorry. I had no idea this was going on." She hugged me tightly. "I know my brother has been an absolute nightmare to you.'

I pulled back, wiping my eyes. "I'm fine Carlista thank you."

I walked away and moved to my room then into the bathroom and soaked in a hot bath when I felt his presence before he even spoke "I love you Ciara, you know I do."

"Then why her?" I demanded, my voice cracking. "Why propose to her if you love me?"

"For the investigation," he said quietly. "Her family's involved in my brother's death. I needed to get close to them."

I scoffed. "Then investigate all you want but leave me out of your damned mess."

"I'd solve it soon babe. I swear I will."

The door handle rattled, making me jump.

I tried to stand but Mathew took my hand. "We need to talk about the baby, Ciara. And our future."

I shook my head. "There is no our future, Mathew. Not like this."

I pushed him away and wore my robe as I moved outside the door and found Carlista waiting with a package "This came in for you Ciara."

I took it, my hands trembling as I tore it open. Inside was a photo of me, obviously pregnant, walking outside the university. Below it, typed words chilled me to the bone:

We know about the baby. And we know it's not the only secret you're keeping. Come alone to the old warehouse at Docklands tomorrow at noon if you want to protect what's yours. I thanked Carlista and quickly walked back into the room.

Mathew peered over my shoulder. "What is it?"

I folded the letter quickly. "Nothing important."

His eyes narrowed. "Ciara, don't lie to me. Not now."

"Like you haven't been lying to me?" I snapped back. "I need to go home."

I didn't wait for a response, grabbing my bag and heading for the door, my heart racing with fear I hadn't felt since the night I learned my parents were gone. Someone knew about the baby and they weren't afraid to use it against me.

The door to the room opened after a while and I almost screamed as Carlista eyed me suspiciously "Why are you so jumpy Ciara?" I exhaled as I tried calming my unsteady heart. "I'm fine....I was just lost in thought."

She nodded. "Get dressed babe. Matthew has a big fight tonight, let's go watch."

I chuckled "You don't even like watching him fight Carlista so why are we even going there?"

She shrugged nonchalantly as she moved to the wardrobe and brought out a short black micro mini shirt and tank top with black boots replicating exactly what she wore. "This idiot has been making all sorts of idle noise and I'd just take so much pleasure in Matthew beating him to a pulp plus you look like someone who needs to be cheered up.

I laugh as I changed and we both move out. Matthew left a while ago. As we climbed into the car, my phone alerted me for a message "You can't hide forever Ciara....leave him alone if you don't want to be dead." I shivered uncontrollably.