Aria’s POVTonight is the night.The thought ran through my mind, sending a shiver down my spine as I wrapped up the last of my work at Velvet Vibe. I glanced at Jessica, who was just as focused, her brow furrowed as she assigned tasks to our team members. We’d both worked late to ensure everything
Victor’s POVThe car came to a halt, and I stared out the window, taking in the scene before us. The Mirage Casino’s entrance was unmarked, nestled between two anonymous buildings in a part of town that would have seemed nondescript to anyone else. But thanks to Dr. Levine’s directions, we’d found i
Aria’s POVI stood a few steps behind Victor, watching him play his hand at the blackjack table. He was composed, focused, slipping effortlessly into the role of a casual gambler. But my eyes drifted over the room, taking in the grandeur of the place, the way everyone moved as if they belonged here,
Aria’s POVSamuel stood in the far corner of the lounge, blending into the scene so effortlessly he might have been born into this world of smoke, shadows, and secrets. The dim lighting softened the sharp angles of his face, casting an aura of mystery that fit right in with the room’s quiet elegance
I swallowed, knowing that his warning was valid. As much as I wanted to dismiss his concern, I knew he was right. “Noted. I’ll keep it light if I have to ask anything.”He gave a small nod of approval, and I felt his gaze soften just a bit. “Good. You’ve got a solid intuition, Aria.” Before I could
Aria’s POVI stood frozen, watching the scene spiral out of control. The man’s voice grew louder, filling the room with an anger that seemed to shake the walls. People inside the lounge were gathering around, drawn in by the spectacle, whispering in hushed, urgent tones.“Hey, calm down!” the dealer
Aria’s POVFabian held Jessica’s hand tightly as we slipped through the far side of the lounge, her steps shaky, her face pale. I could feel the tension radiating off her—she was struggling to keep it together, to put on a calm front, but I could see the cracks in her composure. Meanwhile, Victor k
Victor’s POVI watched as Fabian guided Jessica over to a nearby table, his arm still protectively around her shoulders. Jessica looked shaken to her core, her hands trembling as she tried to steady herself. Aria pulled a chair close, her voice soft and comforting as she handed Jessica a glass of ju
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