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
Victor’s POVFrom where I was hiding, I saw the guards haul Troy into the room, his face pale and sullen, his hands restrained but still trembling from the scuffle outside. I could feel his desperation radiate from across the room, an instinctive terror that sharpened the longer he stayed in the pre
Victor’s POVThe laughter started the moment we arrived at the theme park and never seemed to stop. Jasmine darted ahead, pulling us toward the entrance with uncontainable energy, her small hand gripping mine tightly. The park was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds—twinkling lights, cheerful music
Aria’s POVThe ride home was quiet, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Victor’s hand rested on the gearshift, his fingers brushing mine occasionally. Each accidental touch sent a warm ripple through me, leaving me feeling both nervous and giddy. My heart was still dancing from the events of the night befo
The next morning, The sunlight streaming through the curtains was the first thing I noticed as I stirred awake. As I blinked against the light, memories of the previous night surged back like a wave, crashing over me with startling clarity. My breath hitched, and I sat up quickly, clutching the blan
Aria’s POV"Victor," I murmured breathlessly, barely recognizing my own voice. "Aria," he whispered back, his tone filled with a hunger that matched my own. His lips found mine again, urgent and unrelenting.We stumbled together through the hallway, his hands sliding beneath my blouse, fingertips s
Aria’s POVI jumped from the table, my heart still pounding in my chest, and headed toward the studio door. “Stay here,” I said softly, though my voice wavered with some nervousness and the remaining heat. The air between us still sizzled, making it almost impossible to think clearly.Carefully, I o
When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly swollen, and her eyes—God, those eyes—shone with an emotion I didn’t dare put a name to just yet.I rested my forehead against hers, trying to catch my breath as I spoke. “Aria… you’re everything to
Victor’s POVThe entire evening had been a cascade of emotions—love, happiness, nostalgia—and now, standing here, my heart felt like it might burst. I looked at Aria, her expression a mix of hope and nerves as she waited for my reaction. The painting, the bottles, the thought behind it all—it was ov
Aria’s POV“Still thinking of work at this hour?” he teased, his tone light and playful. “Should I be worried you’re pulling me into a midnight brainstorming session?”I glanced back at him, rolling my eyes with a laugh. “Trust me, it’s not that. Just wait. You’ll see.”We reached the entrance of my
Aria’s POVThe party was everything I didn’t know I needed. Laughter rang out like music, echoing through the beautifully decorated terrace. Friends and family filled the space, their joy infectious as they mingled, shared stories, and celebrated together. Even Jessica, who normally claimed she hate