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
Aria’s POV"Where’s Victor? Isn’t he the one who told us to stick together?” Jessica’s voice was barely a whisper, her gaze fixed on the bar in front of her as she clutched her glass with trembling hands. She was obviously still on edge, and was now worried that something could have happened to Vict
Aria’s POVA part of me wanted to suggest calling it a night—this entire evening had already veered into a dangerous direction. But just as I was about to voice the thought, Victor appeared, slipping quietly into the lounge. He looked disoriented, his face drawn and serious, and he seemed to pause w
Aria’s POV“It looks like the night’s just getting started,” I remarked to Jessica, watching as the lounge filled up around us. A live band had taken the stage, their jazzy tunes setting an upbeat yet intimate vibe for the growing crowd. People were chatting, laughing, clinking glasses. More guests
“Yes, sweetie. I’ll be back to pick you up tomorrow,” I reassured her, feeling the warmth of her joy even through the phone. “I just had a little work to do. Are you having fun with Grandma and Grandpa?”“Yes!” she giggled, and I could practically see her bright little smile. “Grandma made cookies,
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