Aria’s POVLate in the afternoon, I found myself lying in the bedroom that my parents said was just for me, for when I’m visiting them. The room was warmly decorated, with a soft quilt draped over the bed and family photos scattered on the nightstands. Jasmine lay beside me, nestled in a peaceful n
Aria’s POVWhen I went down to the living room, the first thing I noticed was the warm, inviting smell of freshly baked goods. My father seemed unusually exuberant as he introduced a couple of well-dressed young men to my mother. They looked confident and successful, and seemed like professionals ev
Victor’s POVI leaned forward, about to engage Aria in conversation, hoping to shift her attention away from Drew. But before I could say a word, Drew piped up, snapping his fingers like he'd just remembered something.“You look familiar,” he said to Aria, his brows furrowed in concentration. “I can
Victor’s POVFor the first time in my life, I felt genuinely excited to step into a kitchen. Usually, that kind of thing wasn’t my style—I left it to others. But now, here I was, eager to please her, to impress her in this small way. Aria moved with ease, pulling out ingredients, and I watched her e
Aria’s POVI couldn’t stop smiling. It felt like I was floating on air, watching everyone around the table enjoy the meal. Victor had actually survived our kitchen adventure, and not only that—he thrived. He didn’t complain once, which, to be honest, I half-expected from the old Victor. But this new
Aria’s POVWhen it was finally time to sleep and my parents had already resigned to their bedroom, Jasmine yawned and tugged at my hand and Victor’s hand. “Come on, it’s time to sleep.”“Uh, but Jasmine…” I began to say. I didn’t know how to explain that Victor wasn’t supposed to be staying with us
Aria’s POVVictor quickly turned on the lights, the sudden brightness filling the room and dispelling the shadows. “Let’s check it out,” he whispered. We moved cautiously into the hallway, our footsteps echoing in the quiet house. Victor inspected every corner and he even peeked into some of the su
Aria’s POVI froze when I felt his hand slip behind my back, gently rubbing in small, circular motions. It was innocent enough, but the way his touch spread warmth through my body—warming parts of me that I had tried to bury for so long—was anything but. My breath hitched as I felt his knee brush ag
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