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 POV“So… What exactly happened earlier?” I asked, hoping the shift in conversation would calm the electricity pulsing through me from Victor’s lingering touch. His eyes, once warm and playful, turned serious as he withdrew slightly with unease. He took a deep breath, glancing down for a mome
Victor’s POVThe glow of the suite felt almost hypnotic as Aria and I shared what remained of the red wine, the silence between us charged with a blend of anticipation and tension. We had already gotten closer to the secrets of this place than I’d expected, and yet, something told me we were only at
Aria’s POV“Isn’t it a little strange that they gave us a suite for free, too?” I asked, glancing down at the extravagant basket of treats. “Maybe Dr. Levine arranged it?”Victor’s brow furrowed as he considered the possibility. “Maybe. If his contact here is as connected as he suggested, they could
Aria’s POVVictor cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “I mean, I can just sleep on the sofa. It’s comfortable enough, and I’ll have the whole ‘living room suite’ to myself,” he joked, flashing a grin, though his tone held an edge of uncertainty.I couldn’t tell if he was j
Aria’s POVA tense silence came upon Victor and me as we each tried to fathom what the invitation might lead us into. Just then, a sudden knock jolted us both, and I felt my pulse race. Before either of us could react, the door creaked open, and in walked Jessica and Fabian. Immediately, I noticed
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