Aria’s POVThere, I’ve said it. It felt like a heavy, splintered shard had been pulled from my chestWe both sat there, the enormity of what I had just revealed hanging between us, creating a silence that was almost suffocating. The atmosphere felt charged, as if the very air around us had shifted,
Victor’s POVDamn! I shouldn’t have driven her away like that. I buried my head in my hands with great frustration. The argument with Aria replayed in my mind, a relentless loop of angry words and hurtful accusations. I’d been so focused on proving my point that I hadn't stopped to think about what
Aria’s POVI pulled into the parking lot of Jasmine’s preschool, the engine’s low rumble fading as I turned off the car. The school playground was still alive with energy as the few remaining kids ran around and delightfully screamed on the swings and seesaws. I couldn’t see Jasmine yet, but I knew
I smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “I’m sure he can help you with that someday.”Jasmine’s eyes lit up again, and she practically bounced in my arms. “When? When? When can I see him? Can we visit his company?”I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Jasmine’s excitement was so obvio
Aria’s POVA few days had passed, and I’d thrown myself into work, trying to keep my mind off the awkwardness of that last conversation with Samuel. But no matter how busy I got, his reaction to Jasmine’s innocent comment kept gnawing at me. I felt a twinge of guilt every time I thought about how I
Aria’s POVVictor’s expression mirrored my own shock as he saw Shane, clearly not expecting her to show up. Before he could find his voice, Shane stepped forward, her eyes flickering with something I couldn’t quite place.“Oh, I didn’t know you had visitors…” she began, her voice sugary sweet but la
“This was a great idea,” I admitted, glancing at Victor.“I’m glad you think so,” he said, his eyes following Jasmine as she moved to another exhibit. “I just wanted her to have fun today.”“She’s definitely having fun,” I agreed, feeling the warmth of the moment.Jasmine’s enthusiasm was infectious
Aria’s POVThe question hung in the air, freezing both Victor and me in place. My heart jumped, and I could feel the color draining from my face. This wasn’t how or when I had imagined this conversation would happen.Victor’s eyes widened, his gaze snapping to mine, searching for some kind of explan
Aria’s POVLucciano’s smile widened as he noticed the subtle shift in my expression. “Yes, you’ve found yourself an ally in me—for now. But remember, Aria, alliances are built on trust and value. I have no time for people who squander opportunities.”Victor, seated beside me, leaned forward slightly
Aria’s POVAbandoned? Shane’s no longer under anyone’s protection?Victor’s expression mirrored my disbelief, though he masked it quickly. “You’re saying Shane has been left to fend for herself?”Lucciano leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as he studied us. “That’s precis
Victor’s POV“Right this way,” the staff member said, his tone brisk but polite as he gestured toward the elevator. I placed a hand on the small of Aria’s back, guiding her forward. Her steps were hesitant, and I could sense the tension radiating off her. My own pulse thrummed with anticipation—and
Aria’s POVThe room for the luncheon was grander than I’d imagined, an opulent space bathed in soft golden light that glinted off crystal chandeliers. Classical music played in the background, adding to the atmosphere of quiet sophistication. It felt like stepping into a different world once again—o
Aria’s POVI woke up to the late-morning sunlight streaming through the cracks in the curtains, the warmth on my face coaxing me out of a deep, dreamless sleep. For a moment, I lay still, blinking against the light.Something felt different.The weight of exhaustion was gone, replaced by a lightness
I turned, gasping for breath, and there they were—those piercing eyes again, watching me, burning through me. The shadowed figure stepped closer, towering and faceless, its voice a guttural whisper that sliced through the air: “You’ll never escape.”My chest tightened, the air around me growing heav
Aria’s POVI stretched out on my side of the bed, positioning myself as close to the edge as I could without falling off. My back was turned to the other side, the empty space where Victor would soon be. I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing my body to relax even though my mind was a whirlwind of nerves.
Victor’s POVI’m so glad we’re calling it a night already. It’s been such an eventful day here at The Mirage Casino. And I’m even more glad that Samuel’s not staying with us in the suite. Samuel’s jaw visibly tightened, but he held his tongue, his composure barely intact. “I’ll call you tomorrow,”
Victor’s POVI stepped forward, my hands raised in a gesture of calm. “Troy, listen. We’re not here to hurt you, and we’re not here to force you into anything you don’t want. We just want to make a deal.”Troy’s eyes narrowed, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he glanced between us. “What kind o