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Chapter 16: Betrayed and Back
Last Updated:
2025-03-09 23:15:49
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The Mafia Debt Chapter 17: Midnight Confessions
AriaI couldn't sleep. Thirst gripped me, leaving my mouth dry and longing for water. The digital clock on the nightstand glowed 2:17 AM in harsh red numbers that seemed to make fun of my restlessness. I tossed the sheets aside and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my bare feet meeting the cool hardwood floor.I ventured out of my room then paused at the top of the grand staircase, listening for any signs of movement. Nothing. Just the distant ticking of an antique clock."Kitchen," I murmured to myself. "Downstairs and... left? Right?"Quietly, I descended the stairs, wincing each time a step creaked. The last thing I wanted was to alert anyone to my midnight wandering. As I reached the bottom, I hesitated, trying to orient myself in the floor plan.A faint gleam of stainless steel caught my eye from a doorway to the left. I headed toward it.The kitchen was massive—all gleaming countertops and professional-grade appliances. It looked barely used, like a showroom rather than a
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I became acutely aware of how close we were—him standing between my knees as I perched on the counter, his hands still resting lightly on my bandaged foot. The kitchen felt suddenly smaller, the air between us heavier.With a gentle step, I descended from the counter, closing the distance between us as I took a few steps towards Cassian. My hands instinctively moved towards his chest, feeling the rapid thud of his heart beneath my touch. Our eyes locked, and I felt myself getting lost again in the intensity of his gaze."Your heart's racing," I observed, surprised by my own boldness."Adrenaline," he replied, but his voice had dropped an octave, taking on a rough quality that sent a shiver down my spine.As I leaned in, closing the gap between us, I could sense his eyes drifting towards my lips. I hesitated for a moment, waiting for a sign from him, a permission to bridge the final space with a kiss.Time seemed to suspend itself. I could feel his breath, warm against my lips, could s
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AriaThe next day, I woke up feeling utterly foolish for my failed attempt at kissing Cassian. I stared at the ceiling, replaying the humiliating scene in my mind—his hands pushing me away, the shock in his eyes, the coldness of his rejection. The bandage on my foot was another physical reminder of my stupidity."What were you thinking?" I muttered to myself as I dragged my body out of bed. "Stockholm syndrome? Really, Aria?"I dressed carefully, selecting a plain white blouse and dark jeans—nothing that could be seen as trying to attract attention. My reflection in the mirror looked tired, shadows under my eyes testifying to my restless night.As I descended the stairs, my bandaged foot still tender, I heard Cassian's voice drifting from the study. He was engrossed in a phone call, his back to me as I hesitated in the doorway."Babe, you can come around tonight," he said to the person on the other end of the line. "Wear that little outfit we talked about. I've got everything ready."
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Aria I made a show of getting comfortable in the armchair, crossing my legs and taking another sip of whiskey. "I was here first. Well, technically, you were, but I live here now, so I think that gives me priority." Cassian's patience visibly snapped. He strode over to the sound system and turned off the music with a forceful jab. "This is not the time for this nonsense Aria. Can't you see I'm busy?" he snapped, his voice icy with controlled rage. With a nonchalant shrug, I retorted, "I heard voices and I felt lonely, so here I am. The prisoner seeks company, especially when it sounds like someone's having a good time." Cassian responded with a dismissive wave, "As you can see, I'm with someone, so get lost." Veronica, curious, glanced between us. "Who is she, Cassian?" she asked, her voice dripping with affected sweetness that barely masked her irritation. Cassian's gaze went to me momentarily before he coolly replied, "Nobody." The word stung more than it should have. Raising
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But even through the thick wood, I could hear his heavy footsteps coming up the stairs and down the hallway. Each step felt like a countdown to my doom. "Shit, shit, shit," I muttered under my breath, frantically looking around the room for something—anything—to barricade the door. The dresser was too heavy to move alone. The chair would barely slow him down.The footsteps stopped outside my door. The silence that followed was somehow worse than the approaching thunder of his stride.Three sharp knocks broke the quiet."Aria." I could hear the underlying current of rage. "Open the door."I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to remain calm. "Go away, Cassian. I think we've both said enough for one night.""I disagree," he replied. "We've only just begun this conversation. Open the door.""The conversation is over," I called back, edging away from the door and toward the bed. "Go back to your evening. I'm sure you can find another...companion...on short notice."I heard a sharp intake of
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Cassian POVHer mouth opened under mine, inviting me deeper, and I gladly accepted, tasting the sweetness that had haunted my dreams for weeks. One hand tangled in her hair, angling her head to deepen the kiss while the other pressed into the small of her back, eliminating any remaining space between us. This would teach her a lesson.I broke the kiss only to trail my lips along her jawline, down the column of her throat, feeling her pulse jump beneath my mouth. The plan had been to show her who was in control, to punish her for interrupting my evening, for daring to challenge me in my own home. But something was going terribly wrong. Instead of maintaining my dominance, I was falling into her, drowning in her scent, her taste, the soft sounds escaping her lips."You have no idea how long I've wanted this," I murmured against her skin, my voice betraying me with its raw honesty."Cassian," she breathed my name like a prayer, her fingers digging into my shoulders.The sound of my name
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AriaI slam the bedroom door shut, or at least try to—the damaged door barely closes after Cassian's broke it down. My hands are shaking with rage and humiliation. How dare he kiss me like that, like I meant something, only to pull away with such cruelty?"I’m such a fool." I mutter again, pacing the length of my room. The worst part isn't even his rejection—it's how easily I fell into his arms, how readily I responded. How my body betrayed me completely.I press my fingers to my lips, still feeling the tingling sensation of his kiss, and immediately drop my hand. I should have bit him. Hard. I should have made those perfect lips bleed. I should have kneed him between his legs until he screamed. That would've taught him not to toy with me. Instead, I melted like some lovesick teenager at his first touch.A sudden burst of laughter coming from downstairs freezes me mid-step. A woman's voice, high and breathy, followed by Cassian's deeper tones hushing her. My stomach drops as realizati
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Cassian's POVI pulled back, a strange uneasiness settling over me. Something felt off, and it wasn't just my lack of enthusiasm for the naked woman beneath me."What's wrong, baby?" Chloe purred, reaching up to trace my jawline. "You seem distracted. Is this about her? That girl you're keeping upstairs?"The mention of Aria only heightened my awareness of a sound that didn't belong—a soft thud, followed by what might have been a muffled voice."Did you hear that?" I asked, already pulling away.Chloe reached for me, misunderstanding my concern for some kind of game. "Hear what?" she asked coyly, her fingers trailing down my chest as she tried to pull me back. "Come on, don't leave me hanging now.""Shut the fuck up!" I snarled, throwing her hand off me. The playful look on her face evaporated instantly, replaced by shock."Excuse me?" she gasped, but I was already moving.Instinct drove me toward Aria's room, my heart hammering against my ribs as I sprinted down the hallway.The brok
Last Updated : 2025-03-15
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The Mafia Debt Chapter 88: The Beginning of Retribution
Cassian's POVI stood in the armor room, strapping on my holster and checking my weapons. The weight of my Glock felt reassuring against my ribs.Viktor entered, his face grim. Blood still caked his fingernails from the last interrogation. "Everyone's ready," he said. "The meeting room is set up."I nodded, adjusting my jacket. "Good. Let's get this done.""How's Aria?" he asked, following me into the hallway."Sleeping. Shadow's watching her." I paused, running a hand through my hair. "She doesn't know what I'm planning. Better that way."Viktor shot me a skeptical look. "You sure about that? Last time you kept her in the dark—""Don't." I cut him off. "Just... don't."As we walked through the mansion's corridors, my thoughts turned to the men I was about to meet. Each of them carried a beast inside, a dormant force that could be unleashed if provoked. It was a dangerous game, but one we were all willing to play.We entered the meeting room where Shadow, Dom, and the others were alre
The Mafia Debt Chapter 87: In the Arms of a Killer
Aria's POVCassian’s arm was draped over me protectively, but his body was rigid, muscles coiled tight like he was ready to spring into action at any moment.I turned to face him, placing a gentle hand on his chest. "Cassian, what happened tonight wasn't your fault," I whispered.He didn't respond, just stared at the ceiling with a haunted look in his eyes."Hey," I said, tapping his chest lightly. "Don't go all silent brooding on me now."That got a tiny reaction—the corner of his mouth twitched."Cassian, look at me," I urged, my hand moving to cup his cheek.Slowly, his gaze shifted to meet mine."I should've been there sooner," he said, voice gravelly. "I heard you scream and it was like... fuck, Aria, it was like someone ripped my heart out."I shook my head, my fingers tracing the stubble on his jaw. "But you came. That's what matters.""When I saw his hands on you..." His voice cracked. "I've killed men for less than breathing in your direction, and this piece of shit had his h
The Mafia Debt Chapter 86: Blood and Vows
CassianAria was still struggling in Ronald's grip when something inside me shattered.I'd been in dangerous situations before. I'd faced death more times than I cared to count. But nothing—nothing—had ever filled me with the raw, primal terror that seized me as I watched Ronald violate the woman I loved.His hands were on her throat, on her body. Her nightgown all torn up, exposing her trembling flesh to his greedy eyes. And I was fucking handcuffed, watching it happen."Look at your man now," Ronald taunted her, forcing her face toward me. "Not so powerful anymore, is he?"The metal cuffs bit into my wrists as I strained against them, blood trickling down my hands. But I didn't feel the pain. All I felt was rage—white-hot and all-consuming."I want him to see everything I'm going to do to you before I put a bullet between his eyes," he growled, his breath hot against her neck.Aria's eyes met mine—wide with terror but somehow still trusting. Still believing I would save her, even as
The Mafia Debt Chapter 85: Terror at Midnight
A shadow moved between security lights , avoiding the pools of illumination.The guards never stood a chance.The first one died without a sound—a soft pfft from a silenced pistol, and he crumpled against the wall. The second had just enough time to reach for his weapon before a bullet tore through his throat.The intruder neutralized each security point. One by one, Cassian's men fell, their bodies carefully dragged into shadows to avoid immediate detection. The masked figure checked his watch—twelve minutes since he'd scaled the eastern wall. Right on schedule.Inside the mansion, Aria slept fitfully in the guest bedroom. The sedative Dr. Martinez had given her kept her under, but her dreams were filled with slithering shapes and dark snakes. Across the hall, Cassian sat at his desk, surrounded by papers and maps, plotting his revenge against Kaiser. The snakes had been just the beginning—he knew that. Kaiser wasn't the type to strike once and retreat.The intruder moved through the
The Mafia Debt Chapter 84: Snake in the Closet
"ARIA!" I shouted, breaking into a sprint.The front door was unlocked—a bad sign already. I drew my gun before entering."Aria!" I called again, taking the stairs two at a time.The bedroom door was open, but the room was empty. My heart slammed against my ribs as I swept the room, checking every corner.Then I saw it—movement from the walk-in closet.I approached cautiously, gun raised, and what I saw sent ice through my veins. Aria lay motionless on the floor, and surrounding her body were at least a dozen snakes—copperheads, from the look of them—slithering across the carpet around her still form.Without hesitation, I fired three precise shots, taking out the snakes closest to her body. I rushed forward, kicking the remaining reptiles away from her."Aria," I breathed, kneeling beside her, frantically searching her exposed skin for bite marks. "Baby, can you hear me?"There were no visible bites—thank god—but she was unconscious, her face pale and clammy. I scooped her up in my a
The Mafia Debt Chapter 83: Devil Strikes Home
CassianMaybe it was the whiskey clouding my judgment, or maybe it was Viktor's insistence that we needed a "guys' night" to clear my head. Either way, there I was, slouched at the bar, staring into my fourth glass like it might somehow contain answers."She'll come around," Viktor said, clapping me on the shoulder. "Women always do."I shot him a look that could've curdled milk. "This isn't just some argument.""All I'm saying," Viktor continued, flagging down the bartender for another round, "is that she's probably just PMSing or something. You know how women get.""Don't," I warned, my voice dropping an octave. "Don't talk about her like that."Viktor raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. But seriously, brother, you need to relax. One night away won't kill either of you. She’ll be alright."I muttered, “I very much doubt that.”“Let’s have more shots,” he offered, trying to lighten the mood.I shook my head. “I’m going home soon.”“Come on, just a couple more,” he urged. “It’
The Mafia Debt Chapter 82: Snakes in the Grass
CassianI slammed the car door shut, rage boiling in my veins. What the hell did Aria mean by "I hope she's worth it"? Who did she think I was meeting?"I take it by the look on your face, Aria's pissed at you," Viktor chirped from the driver's seat, his voice laced with amusement."Shut the fuck up," I snapped, my teeth grinding together in frustration. Just minutes ago, I'd been in bed with her, telling her I loved her. Now she was accusing me of—what? Cheating? After everything we'd been through?Viktor wisely switched topics. "So, what do you think we're walking into?""I don't know, but it better be worth my time, or I will shoot the fucker."Viktor chuckled, a dark sound in the enclosed car. "Shoot him anyway. The guy's a snake."I checked my watch. We'd been driving for twenty minutes, heading deeper into the industrial district. Kaiser's choice of meeting location didn't inspire confidence."Remind me again why we're trusting this asshole?" I muttered, staring out at the passi
The Mafia Debt Chapter 81: She Must Be Worth It
AriaThe afterglow still tingled across my skin as Cassian broke off our kiss, his breath warm against my lips. "Let me take a shower," he murmured, a mischievous glint in his eyes that made my heart flutter. I watched him disappear into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him.I stretched languidly across the rumpled sheets, feeling pleasantly sore in all the right places. He drives me crazy was my only thought.The incessant vibration of his phone pulled me from my thoughts. My eyes drifted to the nightstand where it buzzed against the wood. I shouldn't look. It wasn't my business.But after everything we'd been through, after him abandoning me at the restaurant and our fight this morning, something made me reach for it.A text message glared back at me from the screen.Hi Cassian, the table for two is booked for tonight. It's at Delluna. Don't be late haha.xMy stomach dropped. I could clearly see the picture of a woman on the profile—striking ginger hair, pale skin, prett
The Mafia Debt Chapter 80: Night for Forgiveness
CassianI pulled into the parking garage beneath our building. The bouquet of blood-red roses lay on the passenger seat—a peace offering that seemed pathetically inadequate after everything that had happened. But it was a start.The elevator ride up to the penthouse felt endless. I'd fucked up—again—and I wasn't sure if she would even want to see me now.When the elevator doors finally opened, I stepped into the quiet apartment. No lights in the living room, no TV noise. For a moment, I worried she might have left, but then I noticed a soft glow coming from the bedroom.I set my keys down silently and made my way toward the light. When I reached the doorway, I froze.Aria stood with her back to me, completely unaware of my presence. She was folding clothes on the bed. But it wasn't what she was doing that stopped me dead in my tracks—it was what she was wearing.An oxblood red lingerie set clung to her curves like a second skin. The lace bra pushed her breasts up enticingly, while mat
