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Chapter 2: The Devil’s Game

Author: Inpeaceplace
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-17 20:33:06

Elena Romano had spent years preparing for this moment—to return, to reclaim her power, to destroy the man who had once destroyed her.

Yet, one encounter with Killian Graves, and already, her past was trying to claw its way back into her bones.

She refused to let it.

Pacing her penthouse, she clenched her fists, forcing herself to focus.

Killian wasn’t just a man.

He was a calculated predator, a king in a world of wolves, a man who had turned his enemies into dust beneath his polished Italian leather shoes.

And now, he was coming for her.

Her phone vibrated again.

This time, a message.

Killian: Don’t run. You won’t get far.

A rush of rage mixed with something far more dangerous coursed through her veins.

How dare he?

Elena’s grip tightened around her phone before she forced herself to calm down.

Killian wanted her to react. He wanted to see her shaken.

She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

Instead, she walked over to the marble bar and poured herself a glass of whiskey. Neat. No ice.

She took a sip, letting the heat burn its way down her throat, steadying herself.

Two could play this game.

If Killian wanted to remind her who was in control, then it was time for her to show him that he wasn’t.

Elsewhere in New York…

Killian Graves leaned back in his leather chair, swirling a glass of bourbon in his hand.

The city skyline stretched before him through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his private office, but his mind was elsewhere.

On her.

Elena.

She had been his.

Once.

A lifetime ago, when he was still capable of feeling something real.

And now?

She had walked back into his world with a fire in her eyes and revenge dripping from her lips.

He should have expected it.

But what she didn’t understand was that he had been waiting for this moment, too.

For six years, he had searched for her.

For six years, he had wanted to know if she was still alive, still breathing, still his.

And now that she was back?

Killian had no intention of letting her go.

“Boss,” a voice interrupted his thoughts.

He turned to see Axel Carter, his second-in-command, stepping into the office.

“What is it?” Killian asked, swirling his drink.

Axel hesitated. “There’s been movement. A new player in the city. Someone with serious money and influence.”

Killian smirked. “Let me guess. Raven Black?”

Axel exhaled sharply. “Yeah. She’s been making moves, aligning with your enemies.”

Killian chuckled, taking a slow sip of his drink.

“She wants to destroy me,” he murmured. “How cute.”

Axel’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t a joke, Killian. She’s not the girl you knew before.”

Killian leaned forward, his expression turning sharp.

“I don’t need her to be.”

Axel hesitated. “And if she actually becomes a threat?”

Killian smirked, his dark eyes flashing with something wicked.

“She won’t.”

Because Elena might think she was in control, but what she didn’t realize was—

This was still his game.

And he never lost.

***

The Next Night – The Auction House

Elena walked into the private auction dressed to kill.

A long black gown clung to her curves, the slit riding high up her thigh. A statement. A warning. A weapon.

Eyes turned as she walked in, curious and hungry, but she ignored them.

Tonight, she wasn’t here for them.

She was here for one man.

She spotted Killian the moment she entered.

Seated at the VIP section, a glass of whiskey in his hand, his dark eyes already locked onto her like a predator stalking his prey.

Elena smirked to herself. Let the games begin.

The auctioneer stepped onto the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Tonight, we begin with a rare acquisition—an exclusive property worth over two hundred million dollars in the heart of Manhattan.”

Elena barely listened.

Because across the room, Killian lifted his glass toward her.

A silent challenge.

Her fingers curled around her bidding paddle.

She raised it.

The auctioneer’s voice boomed.

“Bid placed at two hundred and ten million!”

Killian smirked.

Then, he lifted his paddle.

“Two hundred and twenty million.”

Elena’s heart pounded.

This wasn’t about real estate.

This was about control.

She lifted her paddle again.

“Two hundred and thirty million.”

Killian’s smirk deepened.

“Two hundred and fifty.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

But Elena didn’t hesitate.

“Two hundred and seventy-five.”

Killian’s eyes darkened with something dangerous.

Then—

“Three hundred million.”

Silence.

The room held its breath.

Elena’s pulse raced, but she knew when to strike—and when to retreat.

She lowered her paddle.

The auctioneer’s gavel slammed down.

“Sold to Mr. Killian Graves!”

A round of applause filled the room, but Killian wasn’t paying attention to anyone else.

His gaze remained locked on her.

You win this round, she thought.

But she wasn’t done yet.

Not even close.

She turned and walked away, knowing he was watching her every step.

Let him watch.

Because soon?

She would make him beg.

***

Later That Night – Killian’s Penthouse

Killian stood by the glass window, his mind replaying the auction.

Elena thought she was in control.

She thought she was playing him.

But she didn’t understand something crucial.

She was still his.

And soon, she would realize it.

His phone buzzed.

A message.

Elena: Enjoy your win, Killian. It’ll be your last.

Killian smirked.

Oh, sweetheart.

The real game hadn’t even started yet.

To Be Continued…

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