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Chapter Nine: Into the Night II
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-07 01:38:00
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The Mafia Debt Chapter Ten: Revelations
Shadow emerged from the kitchen, a tight smile on his face. Dom lingered in the doorway behind him, arms crossed, studying me with undisguised suspicion."Sorry about that," Shadow said. "I see you've met Jinx."I nodded, absently stroking the cat's glossy fur. It purred loudly, leaning into my touch. "Yeah, she found me.""He," Shadow corrected with a small smile. "And he doesn't usually take to strangers. You must be special."Dom made a noise that sounded like a stifled snort, then disappeared back into his room without another word."Don't mind him," Shadow said, moving to sit in an armchair across from me. "He's always grumpy when his sleep gets interrupted."I nodded, not entirely convinced that was the only reason for Dom's attitude. "Is this going to be a problem? Me being here?""No," Shadow replied, perhaps a bit too quickly. "Like I said, you can stay the night, get some rest. You look like you need it."His kindness made me uneasy. No one did something for nothing, especia
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07The Mafia Debt Chapter Eleven: Shocked
The words hit me like a physical blow. I scrambled away from him, my back hitting the headboard as my hand shot under the pillow, grasping the gun."You work for him? Was this a setup?" My voice shook with fury and fear as I pointed the weapon at his chest. "Did you know who I was when you found me in that alley?"Shadow raised his hands, eyes fixed on the gun. "Aria, listen to me. I had no idea who you were until just now. I swear.""Bullshit!" I spat, tightening my grip on the gun, finger hovering near the trigger. "What do you do for him? Are you one of his thugs? His enforcers?""No, nothing like that," he said quickly. "Dom and I do odd jobs. Deliveries mostly.""Drugs?" I demanded, trying to keep my hand from shaking."Sometimes," he admitted. "But also money, messages. We're just couriers, Aria. Low-level. We don't hurt people."I laughed bitterly. "Right. And I'm supposed to believe that?"The bedroom door burst open, and Dom stood in the doorway, his own gun drawn and pointed
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07The Mafia Debt Chapter Twelve: The Plan
As we moved to the kitchen, I kept the gun with me, unwilling to relinquish my only leverage. The black cat followed, weaving between our legs as if completely oblivious to the tension in the air.Dom set about making coffee while Shadow pulled out three mugs from a cabinet."So, what exactly are you proposing?" I asked, settling into a chair at the small kitchen table, positioning myself with a clear view of both exits.Dom slid a mug of steaming coffee in front of me before taking his own seat. "First things first—Cassian will be looking for you. His men are probably already combing the streets."The thought sent a chill down my spine. "How long do we have before they find me?""Not long," Shadow admitted grimly. "Cassian has eyes everywhere, and your description has probably been circulated to all his people by now.""Great," I muttered, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. "So I'm a walking target.""For now," Dom agreed. "But we might be able to get you out of the city if we mo
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07The Mafia Debt Chapter 13: Price of Failure
I wasn't supposed to be back at the safe house until tomorrow, but plans changed.Walking through the door, I scanned the communal area where my men had gathered. I caught Lucas's eyes immediately—the fear that flashed across his face told me everything I needed to know before he even opened his mouth."What the fuck is with that face?" I kept my voice even. The sign of true power isn't in shouting; it's in the quiet that makes others hold their breath.Lucas shifted his weight, unable to meet my gaze. "We weren't expecting you until tomorrow, boss."I moved toward him slowly. The room fell silent except for the sound of my Italian leather shoes against the hardwood floor."What is going on?" I asked, my voice dropping an octave. I could practically smell the anxiety rolling off him in waves."Th-there is nothing, boss," Lucas stammered, the words coming out in a pathetic stutter that set my teeth on edge.I stopped directly in front of him, close enough to see the sweat beading at hi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-08The Mafia Debt Chapter 14: Change of Plans
I stood under the hot spray, letting it pummel my skin as I tried to make sense of everything.Shadow and Dom worked for Cassian. The man who'd kidnapped me, tortured me, and threatened my father—they were on his payroll. And now I was trusting them with my life.Was I insane? Desperate? Both?I shut off the water and wrapped myself in a towel, wiping condensation from the small bathroom mirror. The face that looked back at me was barely recognizable—dark circles under haunted eyes, a split lip still healing, and a deep bruise yellowing along my jawline. Battle scars from my escape.I dressed in borrowed clothes.When I opened the door, Shadow was leaning against the wall opposite, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes held mine for a long moment, searching. Something in his expression made my stomach tighten."We need to talk," he said, glancing down the hallway. "Not here."I followed him to the small bedroom where I'd been staying. He closed the door behind us and turned the lock w
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-08The Mafia Debt Chapter 15: Change of Plans
I had just finished gathering my things when I heard low voices coming from the living room. Shadow and Dom. I couldn't make out the words, but the tone was tense. Moving silently to the door, I pressed my ear against it."—can't just change the plan now," Dom was saying, his voice tight with anger."It's too risky," Shadow responded. "Aria's a liability we can't afford."My heart sank. Was this all an act? Had Shadow been playing me this whole time?"So what's your brilliant solution?" Dom demanded."She leaves tonight," Shadow said. "We do the job tomorrow as planned. Nothing changes for us."There was a long pause before Dom spoke again. "And you trust her not to bring this all down on our heads?""She has no reason to," Shadow replied. "Her interest is in getting as far away from here as possible."Another pause. "Fine. But if this goes sideways—""It won't," Shadow cut him off.Footsteps approached, and I backed away from the door quickly, my mind racing. Shadow had told Dom abou
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-08The Mafia Debt Chapter 16: Betrayed and Back
AriaI stood frozen, the duffel bag suddenly heavy on my shoulder, as Cassian stepped through the wreckage of the doorway, flanked by his men.His eyes found mine immediately. The slight upturn of his lips wasn't a smile—it was the satisfied look of a predator who'd cornered its prey."Well," he said, his cultured voice at odds with the violence of their entry, "isn't this cozy?"Nobody moved. The team had their weapons trained on all of us. I gripped my gun tighter, though I knew it was useless against so many."Aria," Cassian said, his gaze never leaving mine. "Put the gun down before someone gets hurt."My hand trembled, but I kept the weapon pointed at him. "Stay back."His expression didn't change, but something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "I won't ask again."I glanced quickly at Shadow and Dom. Shadow looked tense and confused, his eyes darting between Cassian and Dom. Dom's face was carefully blank, giving nothing away, but something about his posture seemed almost... rel
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09The 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-11
Bab terbaru
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
