Aria's POV I sensed him before I opened my eyes. Despite wanting to keep pretending I was asleep, curiosity won out. I cracked my eyes open just enough to see him standing there, staring at me without blinking.The bruises on my body throbbed with each heartbeat. It’s been hours since he'd rescued me from Lion, and everything still hurt.Will I ever be free? The thought hit me like a punch to the gut. Would there always be another ordeal waiting for me? Another psycho ready to use me as leverage against Cassian or my father?Why did he save me anyway? Was I just property he needed to recover? Or did he actually care? God, I was so tired of not knowing where I stood.Before I could stop them, tears spilled down my cheeks. I heard his footsteps coming closer, but I couldn't hold back the sobs anymore. Everything hurt—my body, my heart, my trust.The bed dipped as he sat beside me. His voice, usually so commanding, went soft in a way I'd never heard before."Please don't cry." He reache
AriaCassian drove in silence as I stared out the window. The coastal road curved upward, climbing a steep cliff that overlooked the ocean. Eventually, he pulled over at a lookout point where the entire coastline stretched out below us."Come on," he said, getting out of the car.The wind whipped my hair around my face as I followed him to the guardrail. The view was breathtaking—endless blue water meeting the horizon, city lights looking just like stars.We stood there, not speaking. The crash of waves against rocks hundreds of feet below was all I could hear."If you could go anywhere in this world, where would you go?" Cassian asked suddenly.I glanced at him, caught off guard. "Why are you asking?""I want to know." His eyes stayed on the ocean.I turned back to the view, thinking. "I’ve always been drawn to the ocean," I finally said. "A bit quieter than this. A little house where I could wake up and see the water every morning."He nodded. "Sounds like a place of peace.""Yeah."
AriaThe safe house was surprisingly homey for a place owned by someone like Cassian. Overstuffed furniture, wooden beams across the ceiling, large windows overlooking the ocean. If circumstances were different, it might have been romantic.Minutes later, he returned with a plate of sandwiches and a glass of orange juice. "Here you go. This should tide you over."I took the plate, our fingers brushing. We both pretended not to notice. "Thank you," I said softly. I meant it for more than just the food.He nodded, taking a seat across from me instead of beside me. "I ordered Chinese takeout. It should be here soon.""That sounds great." I took a bite of the sandwich, suddenly ravenous. It was simple—turkey, cheese, lettuce—but right then, it tasted better than any five-star meal. "I'll get dressed before it arrives."In the bedroom. I changed into sweats and a t-shirt, both too big for me. Cassian's clothes. I'd grown accustomed to wearing them, to being surrounded by his scent.Freedom
CassianHer soft hands reached out, tentative at first, as if unsure of their place. Her touch against my arm sent a current through my body, her thumb tracing patterns that felt like whispers against my skin.As she climbed onto the bed, a fragrance of rosewood and vanilla enveloped me, a scent that felt like coming home after years in exile. At first, she tried to maintain a respectable distance. But when I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, she didn't resist.She shifted in my arms, turning to face me. In the dim light, her eyes were luminous, searching mine. "Kiss me," she breathed, barely audible.Everything in me went still. Did I hear her right?"Aria...""Please," she whispered. "I need to know what it's like... when it's my choice."Those words shattered my resolve. After everything she'd been through—being taken against her will, being used as leverage, being beaten by Lion—she was asking for something on her terms. How could I deny her that?Slowly, giving her
He helped me, kicking them off before settling back between my thighs. The feel of him—hot and heavy against me—made me whimper with renewed desire."Protection?" I managed to ask, my brain still functioning enough for that much common sense.Cassian reached over to the nightstand, fumbling for a condom. I watched, entranced, as he rolled it on. Then he was positioning himself at my entrance, the blunt head of his cock pressing against me."Look at me," he commanded softly. I did, our eyes locking as he pushed inside, stretching me in a way that walked the exquisite line between pleasure and pain."Oh god," I breathed as he filled me completely, my body adjusting to his size.Cassian held still, giving me time to get used to the size of him, his arms trembling with the effort of restraint. "You okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice."Better than okay," I assured him, rolling my hips experimentally. The movement drew a groan from him that I felt all the way to my core. "Please move
AriaI woke up the next morning reaching for Cassian who wasn't there. My hand stretched across cool sheets, finding nothing but emptiness where Cassian's body should have been. For a moment, I wondered if last night had been a dream—the way his hands had moved over my skin, how he'd whispered my name against my neck, the feeling of completeness when our bodies joined.But the pleasant ache between my thighs confirmed it had been very real.The bedroom was silent except for the distant sound of waves crashing outside. I slipped out of bed, wrapping one of the sheets around my naked body. The hardwood floor was cold against my bare feet as I padded toward the bathroom.In the mirror, I barely recognized myself. My hair was a wild mess, lips slightly swollen and red from Cassian's kisses. Fading bruises from Lion's attack contrasted with fresh love marks Cassian had left. The sight made heat rise to my cheeks.After a quick shower, I borrowed one of Cassian's t-shirts again. I inhaled d
CassianWhiskey burned down my throat, matching the fire burning in my veins. The club pulsed with activities around me—music vibrating through the floor, lights flashing, bodies moving in rhythm. I observed it feeling disconnected from it all.My mind was elsewhere. It was still in that bedroom with her.I'd fucked up big time. Last night never should have happened. I should have had more control over myself. Not because I didn't want it—Christ, I'd wanted it more than my next breath—but because Aria deserved better than what I could offer her. Besides she is still young. She'd already been caught in the crossfire once because of who I was and the world I lived in. I couldn't let that happen again. It would be selfish and unfair. "You look like shit boss," Lucas commented, dropping into the chair across from my desk. "Rough night?"If he only knew. Images of Aria beneath me, her nails digging into my shoulders, her breathless voice calling my name—I pushed them away in a corner of
AriaMy cheeks burned with humiliation. What had I expected? That he'd be pining away for me? That last night had meant to him what it had meant to me?Only after what felt like an eternity did he mutter something that made Chloe pout, and he shoved her off his lap with casual indifference.I turned on my heels, nearly tripping in my haste to escape. I pushed through the crowd, ignoring the protests of people I shoved past. I just needed to get out, to get away from the sight of him with those women, to forget how stupid I'd been to come here."Aria!" His voice cut through the noise of the club. "Aria, wait!"I didn't stop, didn't look back. I was almost at the exit when a hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me to a stop."What the hell are you doing here?" Cassian demanded, spinning me around to face him.Up close, I could see the flush on his face, lipstick marks on his neck, the slight glaze in his eyes that told me he'd had more than a few drinks. His hair was disheveled, like s
Cassian was a man of precision, and tonight, every move had been calculated to the last detail. Everything was set in motion.He pressed a button on his console. "Viktor, what's the status?"Viktor's voice came through the speaker. "The guys are in position, but they haven't started moving yet.""They've got ten minutes. After that, we proceed with or without them.""Understood,"Switching channels, Cassian connected to Xander. "Xander, what's your status?"Xander's response was immediate, almost eager. "I've got a clear shot, Cassian. Kaiser's right there with his goons, looks like they're sorting through shipments." A hint of excitement crept into his voice. "Been waiting all day for this. Something big is about to go down, I can feel it."Cassian's eyes narrowed as he visualized the scene. "Hold your fire. We need to time this perfectly. I'll let you know when to take the shot.""Roger that." Frustration bled into Xander's tone. "Just don't keep me waiting too long."Cassian switch
Aria's POVA knock at the door interrupted us, and the spell was broken. He froze, his eyes narrowing in annoyance."Ignore it," I whispered, desperate to keep the moment alive, my fingers tangling in his hair.But the knock came again, more insistent this time, and Cassian sighed, his frustration evident. "Wait here," he said, and he turned to answer the door.I smoothed down my dress, trying to calm my racing heart as Cassian stalked to the door and yanked it open."This better be important," he growled, then stiffened when he saw who was standing there.It was Shadow. My heart leapt at the sight of him—It had been months since I'd last seen him."Shadow!" I exclaimed, rushing past Cassian and throwing my arms around him in a hug. "I've missed you so much! It's been ages."Shadow chuckled as he patted my back gently. "Missed you too, Aria. You look good."I pulled back to look at him, noticing the new scar along his jawline. "Where have you been hiding?""Working," he said simply, h
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
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
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
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
"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
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’
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