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 POVAs Jasmine and I walked through the door of our apartment, the smell of Chinese takeout wafted through the air, instantly making me feel more at home. Jessica had arrived earlier and was busy unpacking containers of food on the kitchen counter. She greeted us with a warm smile.“Hey, you
Aria’s POVI was in the middle of testing the latest batch of perfumes when I heard the door to my office creak open. My focus was so deep in the blend of scents—notes of jasmine, sandalwood, and a hint of bergamot—that I barely registered the sound at first. But then, a familiar voice pulled me out
Aria’s POV“Hold on tight, Jasmine!” I shouted over the clatter of the kiddie roller-coaster as it rattled up the first hill. The wind whipped through my hair, making me laugh despite my initial hesitation. Jasmine’s squeals of delight mingled with the clamor of the ride, and for a moment, the worri
Victor’s POVI walked into my favorite café, the one just a few blocks from my office, looking forward to a peaceful, relaxing brunch. I’d been dreading the thought of another dinner with Samuel, a topic my mother usually brought up whenever I was here. Thankfully, today she hadn’t mentioned arrangi
Aria’s POVI paced around my studio, the soft radiance of pendant lights casting a warm halo over the polished wooden floors. The rich, floral notes of Resilience Bloom, Creative Spirit, and Unbreakable wafted through the air, mingling in a symphony of scent that seemed to reflect the very essence
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