ARIATwo days LaterA few days have passed since my abduction but sleep doesn't come easily when you’re in a cell. The cot makes creaking sound with every movement. I feel like I’ve been trapped in this place for a what feels like an eternity. I've counted every crack in the ceiling, memorized every water stain. Anything to keep my mind off what might happen to me nextDad, what did you do?The question haunts me. Three million dollars. It seems impossible. My father, who clips coupons and drives a ten-year-old Camry. Who worked a lot to put me through college. Who taught me that honesty matters more than money.Was it all a lie?The door slammed open, jerking me awake. Light flooded the room, burning my eyes."Get up."I blinked against the harsh fluorescents. Cassian the boss as I learned yesterday stood in the doorway, blocking any chance of escape. Not that I hadn't tried. The bruises on my knees from yesterday's attempt were proof enough."I said get up."I pushed myself off the
ARIAHe took me back to the cell where I spent two more days staring at the ceiling thinking about my predicament. A voice jolted me out of my thoughts. No Cassian today."Rise and shine, princess." Lucas broke the silence in the room. "Time to have fun."I pulled the thin blanket tighter feeling a shiver run down my spine, an instinctive warning that this encounter will not be pleasant. "Where's Cassian?""Boss gave me instructions to deal with your ass." He checked his phone. "Got ten minutes to get ready. I will be waiting outside hurry up"My skin crawled at the way he watched me. This wasn't the usual routine. Something had changed. Cassian didn’t come for me this morning. Instead, he sent his sidekick. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever awaited me, and reluctantly got out of the bed."Bathroom now." He pointed with his chin. "Don't try anything stupid."I grabbed fresh clothes from the pile they'd left. The bathroom mirror showed dark circles under my eyes, hair
Within the building, a middle-aged man walked in. The dim lights caught the silver streaks in his dark hair, his tailored suit marking him as someone who didn't belong in this part of town."Nice of you to swing by, Ace," Chloe remarked casually, legs crossed at the ankle as she lounged behind the desk that wasn't hers.Ace's eyes swept the office, taking in the luxurious furnishings that screamed Cassian's taste, not the woman before him. His expression hardened as he stepped further into the room."Let's skip the small talk and get down to business.""Do you have the money?" Chloe tapped red nails against the mahogany desk, the sound like a countdown."Do you have my merchandise?" Ace replied, returning her wink with a smirk of his own. He remained standing, refusing to take the seat she gestured to.Chloe's grin widened. "You bet I do," she said as she flipped open a folder. Inside were photos of Aria – candid shots taken without her knowledge. Sleeping. Eating. Pacing her cell.Ac
Aria "Wake up, you have a visitor," Lucas's voice jolted me awake. "Hurry, I don't have the whole day," he added impatiently.I sat up slowly, my eyes adjusting to the sudden light flooding the room. My prison for the past—how long had it been? Days blurred together in this windowless hell.Standing before me was a tall man with dark hair tied back in a ponytail, silver streaks catching the harsh overhead light. His tailored suit was out of place in this dump, but the cold calculation in his eyes belonged perfectly.I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as Lucas made his half-assed introduction."Alright, this is Aria, and I will leave you to it," Lucas stated abruptly, turning to me with a stern look. "Get your shit together and start moving."My heart hammered against my ribs. This was it—whatever "it" was, it couldn't be good."Where am I going? Who is this man? Can I speak with your boss?" The questions tumbled out of me while my brain frantically searched for any esca
AriaI ran until my lungs burned and my legs threatened to give out. The gun felt heavy in my hand, a constant reminder of what I'd done. I couldn't shake the image of blood seeping through the man's fingers as he clutched his shoulder, his scream echoing in my ears.The initial surge of adrenaline had carried me through the first several blocks, darting through alleys and side streets, putting as much distance as possible between me and that basement. But now, as the sun began to set, reality crashed down on me.I had no money. No phone. No ID. Nothing but the clothes on my back and a stolen gun.And I had shot someone.My stomach turned at the thought. I wasn't a violent person. Before all this, I'd never even been in a fistfight. But something had shifted in me during those days of captivity—a hardness forming where there had once been softness.I ducked behind a dumpster as a police car cruised by, its lights cutting through the growing darkness. My heart hammered against my ribs.
My hand moved instantly to the gun at my back. I rose to my feet, drawing it out and pointing it at him with far more confidence than I felt."Stay back," I warned. "Who are you? Don't move, or I will shoot."He raised his hands slowly, his expression more surprised than frightened. "Whoa, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you.""What are you doing here?" I demanded, adjusting my grip on the gun."I'm just taking a shortcut on my way home," he replied, keeping his voice level. Despite the gun pointed at his chest, he seemed remarkably composed. "The real question is what are ‘you’ doing here, soaking wet and armed.""How do I know you're not working for him?" I asked, eyes darting past him to check if anyone else was approaching. The rain continued to fall, plastering my hair to my face. I wiped it away with my free hand, never taking my eyes off him.His brow furrowed in confusion. "Working? For who?" He studied my face more carefully. "Miss, what are you talking about?"I didn't answ
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
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
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
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
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