Aria’s POVAs we entered the private room, I felt a creeping sense of dread, like we were stepping into the lair of a dragon. The walls were dark, soundproofed, with a single, dim light casting an ominous glow over a large wooden table in the center. The staff member who’d led us here gave a curt n
Aria’s POVI took a deep breath, a spark of nerves running through me as I thought of Victor listening in on every word through the discreet device he’d planted on me earlier. The stakes of this conversation were high, and every move had to be calculated. I could almost feel his silent presence, his
Aria’s POVSamuel’s voice was low and urgent as he leaned in. “Come on, Aria. We need to go.”The trader only shrugged, his smile fading. “I’m sorry I can’t help you further,” he said, a trace of amusement coming back into his eyes, as if he enjoyed watching our frustration.I felt Samuel’s hand on
Aria’s POVMy heart seemed to be pounding in my ears. I felt like we’d just reached a dead end, and I hated it. Everything we’ve sacrificed to come here would be for nothing!Just then, the overhead lights came on, flooding the space with a harsh, sterile glow. I blinked, adjusting to the brightnes
Aria’s POVVincent pulled out an electronic tablet, tapping through files in silence. After a few moments, he reached into his jacket and produced a sleek data stick, using it to save the data.Samuel, Drake, and I watched in silence, waiting patiently. Finally, after several minutes, Vincent hande
The idea left a sinking feeling in my stomach. “So, either it’s Shane being Shane, or it’s Lucciano trying to break into a new market… or both.”We looked toward the trader. “Isn’t there any information about this, like who’s really giving such orders to Troy?”Vincent shrugged. “No such records.”
Victor’s POVEach word coming through the device felt like a punch. Troy turned out to be a pawn in something much darker. And Shane—how far was she willing to go? Revenge, greed, some twisted combination of both? It seemed like there was nothing she wouldn’t do to get what she wanted.Unbelievable.
Victor’s POVI checked my watch. It was getting quite late. They were supposed to have come out. A prickling anxiety grew in my chest, tightening with each passing moment, as I glanced at the small receiver for the listening device I’d placed on Aria. Nothing. Just static. I adjusted the dial, che
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