Aria’s POVThe room felt smaller, quieter, as if nothing else existed but the two of us. I didn’t move. I couldn’t. My heart pounded in my chest as he leaned in, closer and closer, until our faces were inches apart. His lips hovered near mine, a breath away, and for a moment, I thought he was going
Aria’s POV“Jessica, I’ll be fine,” I assured my best friend, forcing a smile. “I can handle this.”“Are you sure you want to meet with him? All by yourself?” she asked again. “Yes, I’m sure. It’ll be okay.” I gave her shoulder a squeeze before heading back to my office. “Aria, I’ll be right outsi
Victor’s POVAs soon as I saw Pierre standing in Aria’s office, heat flushed through my veins. I could sense the anger rising inside of me. The urge to punch him was almost unbearable. My fists clenched at my sides, knuckles whitening as I imagined breaking his nose.Pierre smiled like he owned the
Aria’s POVAs I listened to his meaningful words, I could feel my cheeks reddening and my heart beating so fast. It seemed like he wasn’t only talking about the smart perfumes. For a while, I was speechless. I cleared my throat, gathering myself. “Thank you, Victor,” I said. “This will do so much f
Victor’s POVArriving at the sprawling suburban house, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The place was impressive, as I’d heard it would be. I heard that Aria’s parents had bought it years ago, a retirement home that clearly spoke of their success and financial recovery. I parked be
Aria’s POVEveryone was quiet for a while, including Jasmine who looked confused. My heart was racing as I realized I’d just stood up for my ex-husband in front of my parents. I didn’t even understand why I did it. To my surprise, Mom suddenly forced a smile and said, “Of course, you’re welcome to
Aria’s POVI saw the shift in Victor’s expression as soon as my mother entered the kitchen. His eyes, which had been warm and relaxed, turned cold and stiff, his entire posture going rigid.Before either of us could speak, my mother turned on her heel and left the room without a word. I felt a rush
Aria’s POVVictor's face went pale, and he looked at my dad with wide, apologetic eyes. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Everhart! I didn’t mean to—”My dad held up a hand, cutting Victor off. “It’s okay,” he said, his voice low and controlled. Trying to defuse the situation, I took a deep breath and stepped for
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