Over-Standard Work Hours

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It was 7:30 PM when Valentina arrived home from work, the sun dipping below the horizon. She had clocked in way over standard hours, but her Mustang made the long drive worthwhile.

The sleek car was her pride and joy, a gift from Kayden for her twentieth birthday. She loved its speed and the thrill it brought—every cool, fast sports car sparked a sense of freedom in her.

After a quick dinner, she retreated to her room, which was decorated in soft pastels and adorned with fairy lights, giving it a cozy, inviting glow. Plush throw pillows decorated her bed, and colorful artwork filled the walls, reflecting her playful, feminine side.

But tonight, she felt the urge to embrace a different aspect of herself. She changed out of her office attire and slipped into a fitted black top, high-waisted leggings, a stylish leather jacket, and her favorite black boots.

The transformation made her feel bold and empowered; she loved the allure of the color black, a stark contrast to her usual style.

Yet, as she glanced in the mirror, a pang of guilt struck her. What would Kayden think if he saw her like this? Would he still love her if he knew she had this rebellious side? The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

Sometimes, she felt bad for hiding this part of herself, but she was scared of the consequences. What if he became angry or disappointed? What if it changed everything between them?

Kayden often returned late from clubs or parties, and Valentina, wanting to be the supportive girlfriend, let him enjoy his nights out. She didn’t want to feel like she was holding him back—after all, she wouldn’t want to be held on a leash herself.

Plus, she wasn’t his wife, at least not yet. Tonight, she planned to take advantage of his absence to finish her own work without him knowing she wasn’t home waiting for him.

But a nagging worry crept in: Did she worry he might cheat on her? Which girlfriend wouldn’t? Yet, Valentina had connections.

Her friends were well-informed about the party scene and would likely keep her in the loop if something were amiss. That was one of the perks of knowing so many people, though she knew that rumors could twist the truth.

When Kayden was out, Valentina found herself at a crossroads. This was her chance to explore the darker, more complex aspects of her life. How had she become involved in such things? It wasn’t because it was fun; she was motivated by a desire to protect her family and friends, even if that meant treading into dangerous territory.

Her life had taken an unexpected turn during her second year with Kayden. After yet another argument over him forgetting her birthday, she had stormed out of his apartment and found herself sulking on a park bench beneath a sprawling tree.

The park was quiet that night, with only a few cars passing by. She had parked her Mustang in a far corner, her thoughts swirling in frustration.

That night marked a turning point. She had let her guard down, exposing herself to the unknown. In her moment of vulnerability, a black car had pulled up, and before she knew it, she was swept away. It wasn’t a negotiation; it was an abrupt change in her reality.

The car sped off, and as Valentina looked out the window, she felt a rush of fear. She had no phone, no money, and no way to reach out for help. Her mind raced as the unfamiliar scenery blurred past.

Eventually, they stopped in front of a large mansion. The figures who had taken her ushered her inside, and she felt a chill run down her spine as a man awaited her in one of the rooms.

His presence radiated an unsettling energy that made her resolve waver. Despite her tough facade, tears began to slide down her cheeks as she struggled to maintain her composure.

They sat her down in front of him, and with a simple wave of his hand, he dismissed her captors. He approached her slowly, his eyes piercing through her defenses.

“Listen carefully,” he said, his voice low and commanding.

“You’re in a situation now. You can either help me with certain tasks, or I can make things very difficult for the people you care about. It’s your choice.”

Valentina felt a knot tighten in her stomach. “Who are you?” she demanded, hoping to regain some control.

He leaned closer, his smirk unsettling. “You’ll find out soon enough. Let’s just say I’m someone who can help—or hurt—depending on your choices.”

Her heart raced. “But why me? There are so many others you could choose from.”

As soon as the question left her lips, he delivered a sharp punch to her gut, the sudden pain leaving her breathless. “Doesn’t your mommy tell you not to ask too many questions?”

She glared at him, struggling to maintain her composure despite the pain. “Didn’t your mommy teach you not to hit a girl?” she shot back, defiance creeping into her voice.

He chuckled darkly. “My mother was a badass before she became a mom. She taught me that strength is everything.” His tone was icy, and Valentina felt the weight of his words.

In the following days, as she was thrust deeper into the gang’s world, she asked trusted members who he was. They whispered his name in hushed tones, revealing he was the notorious leader of the Black Rose gang.

“He’s someone you don’t want to cross,” one of them warned. “Just do what he says, and you’ll be fine.”

As time passed, Valentina found herself caught in a world she never expected. She had become a Hidden Killer, trained to navigate the dangerous underbelly of the city.

How many lives had she taken? She couldn’t even count. She had become skilled at her craft, operating in the shadows with a small network of trusted gang members who knew her true identity.

The police were under the control of the Black Rose gang, the very organization she now worked for, and they never mentioned her to their allies.

Her connection to the gang had become both a blessing and a curse. They paid her well for her work, but any mistakes were met with swift consequences. After rigorous training that had pushed her to her limits, those punishments felt like a small deal.

She had agreed to take on the work with one condition: she would be the only one doing these jobs for him.

“You’re the best at what you do, Valentina,” he had said with a smirk when she made her demand. “And I wouldn’t dream of having anyone else. Deal?”

“Deal,” she had replied, sealing her fate.

Now, with each mission, she danced on the edge of danger, torn between the life she wanted and the darkness she had to embrace. In a world filled with secrets and shadows, she was determined to keep her loved ones safe—even if it meant losing a part of herself along the way.

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