Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 25: The caring brother-in-law

Ruelle sat rigid in her seat, her gaze flitting between Ezekiel and Hailey. She wasn’t the type to seek attention, and she prayed Ezekiel wouldn’t treat her differently because she was his wife’s sister. But then his eyes shifted from her to Hailey.

"Miss Elliot, if you would be kind enough to join me," Ezekiel said, his voice assured. Hailey, with a mix of nerves and excitement, rose from her seat. The room was filled with curiosity, with every student—including Ruelle—wondering what this exercise was going to be about.

Ezekiel’s smile was calm, almost disarming, as he turned to address the class. He said, "Today’s exercise will focus on something simple but often overlooked: the way a pair greets each other in formal settings. There is always an unspoken exchange—a delicate balance of power."

He extended his hand towards Hailey, his movement slow, drawing every pair of eyes in the room. His fingers were steady, waiting for Hailey to place her hand in his, which she did, though her fingers trembled slightly at the touch.

"The key," Ezekiel continued, his gaze sweeping over the students before settling on Hailey, "is control. There’s a balance between dominance and respect, an unspoken negotiation in every touch. It is to know how much to give, and just when to pull back." He lifted Hailey’s hand, just enough to bring her knuckles close to his lips, brushing them with the faintest kiss—a mere whisper of contact.

The gesture was elegant and controlled. The subtle tension in the room increased, the girls watching with a mix of envy and fascination. Hailey’s face flushed a deep red, the heat in her cheeks visible for all to see, but she held her composure, her smile shy as she stepped back.

"A woman’s response dictates the course of the interaction. She must accept the gesture, but not at the cost of her own agency. Vulnerability, when wielded with awareness, is not weakness—it’s a form of power," Gemma added to the class.

Hailey’s nod was faint; her face was still flushed, but her smile was more confident than before as she took her seat.

asked, her tone light, but the

One by one, they each took their turn, entranced by the way Ezekiel guided them

the class came to an end with the toll of the bell tower, the students began stuffing their notebooks and quills into their bags, the room gradually filling with the shuffle of movement. Ezekiel, ever composed, gathered a few stray papers

written assignments from your classmates

course," Ruelle replied softly

room, a few girls lingered by the door, casting coy glances in Ezekiel’s direction. They whispered to one another, their words barely audible but filled with admiration for the new assistant instructor. One of the girls giggled

polite nod, but his expression

all the students and the head instructor

want the other students to think I was showing favouritism towards you." His words were deliberate,

taken aback by the change in his demeanour. A little unsure, she replied, "I

his voice softening. "It’s important

a moment. The contact was fleeting, but it sent a ripple of discomfort through her. She quickly pulled her

said carefully, her curiosity getting the better of her as she straightened her posture. "Did you tell Caroline about this? I thought you

just a job—a necessary step before I can move up. Some of us don’t have everything when we start out and need to work hard for it. In fact, she said she feels better knowing

here, and when I went home we were busy with the wedding preparations," Ruelle

wavering, and said, "I’m sure that’s all it is. She has been worried