As we stood there, inhaling the fragrant mist, our eyes locked, and for a heartbeat, the world around us seemed to fade. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I took a small step closer. She looked beautiful in the soft, diffused light, and the desire to close the distance grew stronger.“Ima
Aria’s POV“Why did I let myself fall behind like this?” I muttered to myself, tapping away at the keyboard. The deadlines loomed like storm clouds, and I could feel them about to crash down on me.“Looks like you’re not the only one burning the midnight oil,” Jessica said, her voice soft and slight
I walked over and pulled her into a hug, feeling the need to protect her even though I knew I couldn’t control everything. “Take care, okay? And tell Fabian to drive carefully. Stay alert, both of you.”Jessica pulled back slightly, giving me a reassuring smile. “I will, don’t worry. Fabian’s always
Victor’s POVI slowly withdrew my hand, clearing my throat, trying to break the tension before it could turn into something more. “I, uh... figured chocolate might help you power through,” I said, my voice coming out rougher than I intended.She glanced at the sandwich in her hand, a flicker of amus
Aria’s POVI rubbed my tired eyes and stretched my arms above my head, feeling a satisfying pull in my shoulders. Finally, I thought, finally caught up. It was past midnight, and the exhaustion clinging to me was almost pleasant, knowing I’d cleared a mountain of paperwork and perfected the new sc
Aria’s POVVictor’s hand slipped beneath my blouse, his fingers exploring the curve of my waist. I felt his lips trail along my neck, and a soft moan escaped my lips, surprised by the need that flooded over me. I clung to him as we stumbled down the darkened hallway, his body pressed firmly against
Victor’s POVI noticed Aria staring past the cars, her gaze locked onto something, or someone, in the shadows. I followed her line of sight and saw him—a tall, broad-shouldered figure standing completely still, just watching us. An icy wave of protectiveness surged through me as I heard Aria’s voice
Victor’s POVAs we sat in the dark alley, waiting for the all-clear from the bodyguard, my mind raced. I glanced over at Aria—her shoulders were tense, and she was staring out into the darkness, her lips pressed into a thin line. Just then, my phone buzzed again. The bodyguard.“Troy’s car is close,
Victor’s POVI stood outside my mother’s door, holding Jasmine’s hand as I knocked twice. She shifted beside me, her fingers fidgeting with her sweater.The door opened, and Alicia stood there, surprise flickering in her sharp blue eyes as she took in the sight of us.“Victor,” she said, then her ga
Aria’s POVI swirled the glass vial in my hand, watching as the pale amber liquid coated the sides before settling again. The scent profile still wasn’t quite right, but I was close—so close I could almost taste it.The Velvet Vibe lab was quiet except for the soft hum of the air filtration system a
Aria’s POVI watched Victor, his face an impenetrable mask, his hand still holding mine. My heart ached for him, but to my own surprise, I felt something else too—pity for Alicia. For years, I had harbored resentment toward her, believing she had always looked down on me, dismissed me as unworthy o
Victor’s POVConfusion, anger, and apprehension swirled inside me, an unyielding force I couldn’t contain. I had no idea what I was walking into, but I knew one thing—I needed answers.As we pulled up in front of my mother’s house, I saw the glow of light through the living room window. She was stil
Aria’s POVThe revelation settled over us like a looming storm cloud, dense and unrelenting. Antonio Greco wasn’t just some powerful mafia boss—he had been the one controlling Shane. That alone was unsettling enough. My mind spun as I connected the dots. Shane had spent years trying to tear down Th
Victor’s POVThe moment we stepped into The Mirage, the air seemed to constrict around us. It felt as if we were being watched every step of the way.Overhead chandeliers sputtered in their golden glow, illuminating the velvet walls in fractured patterns, as if the very light was hesitant to linger
Victor’s POVWhen I arrived home, I found Aria in the garden, staring off into space, her arms wrapped around herself as a cool evening breeze swept through. The soft rustling of leaves was the only sound, the usual laughter of Jasmine absent. I knew she was in the playroom with the nanny, giving Ar
Victor’s POVI wasn’t going to let Aria face this alone.The moment I left our last conversation, I knew I had to take action. If there was a leak in my company, I needed to root it out myself. I refused to let this drive a wedge between us. She had to see that I was on her side, that there was no r
Aria’s POVI paced the length of the lab, arms crossed tightly over my chest, while Jessica sat on the stool near the counter, watching me with concern. The vials of stolen work still sat between us, a silent testament to the treachery lurking in our midst, waiting to be exposed.“We need a plan,” J