Aria had planned to leave Alejandro’s room once he fell asleep, but she never got the chance. Somewhere between watching his breathing steady and the warmth of his fingers still loosely entwined with hers, exhaustion caught up to her. When she woke up, it was to the feeling of a strong arm draped over her waist. Her heart stuttered. Alejandro’s body was warm behind her, his breath slow and even against her neck. The soft glow of morning filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the room. She froze, unsure of how they had ended up like this. She remembered staying by his side, but at some point, she must have shifted closer. Or maybe he had pulled her in. Carefully, she tried to move, but his grip tightened slightly. A low, groggy voice murmured, "Where do you think you’re going?" Aria swallowed hard. "Alejandro…"
Sighing, Aria walked home from work after yet another boring, non-adrenaline-filled day. Her feet were covered in little blisters that throbbed from standing all day. She worked as a data analyst in an office just a few blocks from her tiny apartment, staring at computers and numbers until her eyes blurred. It was tedious, but it was the only way she could pay her bills, put food on the table, and manage her student loans, which felt like they were about to crush her.But Aria's mind was elsewhere. She used to love cryptography, spending countless hours solving and decrypting secret codes while exploring the dark web. She was good at it too; people even called her a genius. However, something had changed. Aria had stopped working on her codes and messages after her parents were brutally murdered in their home back in Minnesota before she moved to New York. They were found dead, with no leads or motive. The police claimed it was a robbery gone wrong, but Aria knew better. She believed
The orange glow of a burning cigarette was the only flicker of life in the sheer darkness of a stormy night. Taking long drags, Alejandro felt the smoke seep into his lungs. Tall, handsome, and imposing, he exuded an aura of authority that commanded attention. His piercing gaze seemed to bore into the darkness as he sat in his study, fuming about the audacity of someone who dared to enter his territory and kidnap his sister. Anger and worry consumed him as he thought of Sophia, the unexplainable circumstances surrounding her abduction, and the fact that all efforts to uncover the truth had proven abortive.Today marked the fifth day since she had been taken from the estate. How? He still had no idea, especially since every nook and corner of the estate was under the watchful eye of surveillance cameras monitored by his men. He sat unmoving in the dark like a statue, a lit cigarette in hand, grappling with the feeling of failure. Sophia was his only living relative, and he loved her de
Waking up to serious migraines, Aria found herself with her hands and legs tied to a bed, something she never thought could happen to her. The excruciating pain in her head made it difficult to recollect what had happened before she blacked out, and the blinding sunlight streaming through the gigantic windows only intensified her discomfort.Suddenly, the door swung open, and a woman who looked like a Victoria's Secret model entered, dressed in a short, armless gown that accentuated her stunning figure. Even Marilyn Monroe would have been envious of her beauty, Aria thought as the woman strutted toward her, carrying a tray with a glass of water and what appeared to be a pill container.Feeling weak, Aria attempted to sit up but fell back onto the bed. The woman regarded her with an unreadable expression, saying nothing as she forced a pill into Aria's mouth, followed by a sip of water. Aria struggled against her, but her strength was fading. As the woman turned to leave, she said, "Th
Alejandro's eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words, his gaze piercing into her very being. His voice broke the silence, dripping with menace. "I'm sure you now understand the situation?"Aria swallowed hard, her heart racing. "I... I think so," she stammered, sniffing as tears continued to pour down her cheeks. Alejandro's gaze never wavered.“Good! Your brother stole from me, and that’s unacceptable. He also kidnapped my sister; now that’s him signing off his death sentence.”Aria continued to shake, gripped by fear. "I’ll make it right," she promised, crying between her words. "I’ll pay back whatever he stole, and for your sister. I think... I think you’re mistaken. Jacewould never do such a thing," she added, her voice trembling.Alejandro's expression turned livid. "It's not that simple!" he shouted. "Your brother's actions have consequences."Aria's eyes pleaded with him. "Please, don’t hurt me," she begged tearfully. Alejandro's smile was cold. “I’m not promising you anyt
What is this place?" she demanded, trying to hide the fear in her voice. Juan's smile instantly turned into a frown. "This is where... business is conducted," he said, his eyes glinting with something unsettling.Aria stepped back, sensing the darkness and terror emanating from the steel doors. "You’re holding people here, aren’t you?" she asked, her voice trembling. Juan chuckled softly. "Guests, Aria. Just very... special guests," he added with a smile that sent chills down her spine.Suddenly, a scream echoed from behind one of the doors, so loud that she flinched. The sound sent a wave of terror coursing through her. "Who… who’s in there?" she stuttered. Juan's expression turned sinister. "Someone who’s learned to appreciate El Patrón’s hospitality and kindness."Panic surged within her; she knew she had to get out of there, fast. As she turned to leave, Juan grasped her arm, his grip like a vice. She was sure he had left a mark. "Remember, Aria, curiosity can be quite deadly. Lit
Interesting?Were those supposed to be interesting? She thought as her eyes darted around. "There's nothing interesting in here." She muttered. "Oh, so it's fun then." He replied to her, and she couldn't help but move back a bit, seeing as he was getting closer than she could take in. "Look at me!" He ordered, hating that she was avoiding everything about him.She struggled to look up but dared not look him straight in his eyes. "I want to get cleaning." She whispered and he looked around the kitchen. "Follow me." He then dragged her to the stairs that led to the basement, where he got people locked and killed. "Are you going to look into my eyes, or would you like to be thrown into one of these rooms?"She froze.Huh?What punishment was better? She thought as she struggled with the decision. Both of them were like death sentences. She didn't know which was better. "Why are you doing all this to me?" Tears were starting to steam down her face. "Both can kill me! Which way is a bett
Miguel had a lot of fun relaxing for the rest of the day and the next morning being Monday, she got up, got dressed for work, and made her way to Prime Enforcement Agency."Greetings Miss Miguel! There is an urgent meeting going on right now. President Jude asked that I inform you to get involved." Kate, her secretary informed her the moment she stepped her feet in her office. "I see! You may leave." She signaled, and Kate walked out.Miguel sat on her seat and became curious. What sort of impromptu meeting could be going on right now? She thought and after making sure everything was fine, she got up and walked into the meeting room. Everyone's eyes were wide open as she walked in and sat on a seat closer to President Jude."Morning everyone!" She said and went mute. A few answered her in pretense while the rest, who were actually young women, chose to remain mute, visibly showing their resentment for her, but Miguel never gave a fuck about them."It's good you are here Agent Miguel.
"Oh my fucking god! You mean you have his sister in your custody? That's hella iconic. I'm scared of you Miguel. You are fucking awesome." He praised her, the excitement in him very visible that he held her arm and moved her out of much excitement. Miguel wasn't fazed by his excitement. "Do you now believe I'm the best for this job?" She asked him without any ounce of emotion in her voice."No one is taking that away from you. You are the baddest bitch in this game." He swore as she started the car and then drove off. "Oh, my world! I'm in awe of you Miguel. I'm blessed that I have you." He kept praising her. He picked up the phone and called his team, transferring the job away from Anita to her and soon she got to her house. "You are so amazing." He said as he then got into her room and took out his shirt, sitting on the bed like he'd won completely in life.Seeing his reaction, Miguel knew she had won him back and she did that effortlessly. Her man was back to her! She thought and
Aria’s hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the sink in her bathroom. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her lips were still swollen from Alejandro’s kisses, her skin still tingling from his touch.She needed to stop this.Whatever was happening between them, whatever emotions were trying to take root in her heart, she had to kill them before they destroyed her.A knock at the door startled her."Aria."Alejandro’s deep voice sent a shiver through her, but she clenched her fists and forced herself to breathe."I don’t want to talk right now," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.There was a pause. "Too bad."The door handle twisted. She gasped, stepping back as the door swung open. Alejandro stood there, his dark eyes locked onto hers, unreadable yet intense. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him."You can’t just—""I can do whatever I want." His voice was low, firm, leaving no room for argument.Her pulse pounded. "Al
Aria swallowed hard, her body stiffening under Alejandro’s hold. The warmth of his breath against her neck sent an unwelcome shiver down her spine, but she forced herself to stay still. She didn’t know what would happen if she moved—if she broke this fragile moment between them.But she had to.Slowly, she shifted, trying to slide out of his grip. His arm tightened instantly, his fingers splaying over her stomach in a silent refusal."Stay," he muttered, his voice deep and husky from sleep.Aria's breath hitched.Stay?Her heart pounded wildly. He was dangerous, controlling, and everything she should fear—but right now, he was just a man half-asleep, holding onto her as if letting go was the last thing he wanted.She closed her eyes for a brief moment, gathering her thoughts. "Alejandro, I need to get up."His grip didn't loosen. Instead, he exhaled heavily, pressing his forehead against the back of her head. "Just a little longer," he murmured.Aria's resolve wavered.This wasn’t the
The drive back to the estate was tense. Alejandro sat in the backseat with Aria, his side throbbing from the knife wound Miguel had given him, but the pain barely registered. His mind was still racing, his knuckles raw from the beating he had given Miguel.Aria’s hands were clenched into fists on her lap, her lips pressed into a thin line. He could feel the anger rolling off her in waves. He knew she wanted to say something—probably yell at him for being reckless—but she was holding it in.Juan, in the front seat, kept glancing at them through the rearview mirror. "We should’ve killed him," he muttered. "That bastard won’t stop until one of us is dead."Alejandro exhaled sharply, looking out the window. "I know."They had left Miguel unconscious, but not dead. Alejandro wanted him to suffer, to know that his time was running out. Killing him instantly would have been too easy.Beside him, Aria shifted, finally breaking her silence. "You scared me back there," she admitted, her voice b
Alejandro’s grip on his gun tightened as he stared at Miguel, his finger twitching near the trigger. The bastard had a gun to Aria’s head, and it took everything in him not to pull the trigger and damn the consequences."Drop your weapons," Miguel repeated, his smirk widening. "Or I put a bullet in her skull."Alejandro’s mind raced. His heart thundered against his ribs. He couldn’t risk Aria’s life, but giving up their weapons meant surrendering completely."Do it," Aria muttered under her breath, her eyes locking with his.His jaw clenched. He didn’t want to. Every instinct screamed at him to fight, to kill. But this wasn’t just about him anymore.Slowly, he lowered his gun and placed it on the ground. Juan did the same, his face twisted with rage.Miguel chuckled. "Smart choice." He shoved Aria forward, making her stumble toward Alejandro.Alejandro caught her instantly, his hands gripping her waist, steadying her."You okay?" he whispered, barely restraining the urge to turn and s
Alejandro sat in his car, parked in a dark alley on the outskirts of the city, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel. His entire body burned with the need for violence.Miguel had taken Sophia. The words echoed in his mind, fueling his rage. Every second that passed was a second too long. He wanted blood. He wanted to rip Miguel apart with his bare hands.The low rumble of an approaching car made his muscles tense. His gun was in his lap, ready. But when the car stopped beside him, he recognized it immediately.Aria.She got out first, followed by Juan, their faces set in determination.Alejandro pushed open his door, stepping into the cold night air. He barely gave Juan a glance before locking eyes with Aria. "You shouldn’t have come."Aria crossed her arms. "We both know you wouldn’t have waited if I didn’t."He exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his hair. He hated how right she was. He had been seconds away from going in blind, consequences be damned.Juan leaned again
Aria lay in Alejandro’s arms, her body still humming from the intensity of their night. His grip around her was firm, possessive, as if he feared she would disappear the moment he let go.But she wasn’t going anywhere.Her fingers trailed over his chest, tracing the faint scars that told stories she would never fully know. His heartbeat was steady beneath her touch, a stark contrast to the storm that awaited them outside these walls."You’re awake," Alejandro murmured, his voice thick with sleep.Aria smiled against his skin. "Couldn't sleep."He tightened his grip around her waist. "You're safe here."Safe. She wanted to believe that, but the reality was, as long as Miguel was out there, they would never truly be safe.She lifted her head to meet Alejandro’s gaze. "What happens next?"His jaw tightened, his dark eyes unreadable. "I find Miguel. And I end this."A lump formed in her throat. "And then what?"Alejandro exhaled slowly. "Then, I make sure nothing ever threatens us again."
The scent of gunpowder still lingered in the air as the dust settled. Bodies of fallen men lay scattered across the estate, and the distant sound of sirens reminded Aria that their battle was far from over.Alejandro kept her close, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist as his sharp eyes scanned the wreckage for any remaining threats.Juan, gripping his wounded shoulder, let out a groan. "That bastard got away again."Alejandro clenched his jaw. "Not for long."Aria swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing. The rush of adrenaline was wearing off, leaving behind the weight of everything that had just happened.Miguel had escaped. He would regroup, and he would come back stronger.She turned to Alejandro. "What now?"His fingers traced along her jawline, his eyes dark with determination. "Now, we prepare for war."Aria’s heart pounded, but before she could respond, a soft groan caught their attention.Valentina.She lay a few feet away, blood pooling beneath her from a gun
Aria's scream echoed through the ruined hallway as the gunshot rang out.For a terrifying second, she thought Alejandro had been hit. But he was still standing, eyes blazing with fury.Instead, Juan stumbled back, a crimson bloom spreading across his shoulder. He gritted his teeth, clutching the wound but refusing to fall.Miguel smirked. "Consider that a warning shot."Alejandro's jaw tightened. His gun was still raised, but now there was a deadly calm in his eyes one that sent a chill down Aria’s spine."You think this is a game, Miguel?" Alejandro's voice was dangerously low, dripping with barely restrained rage.Miguel let out a lazy chuckle. "Oh, it's not a game, my friend. It's a message." He tilted his head. "Surrender now, and I’ll be generous. I might let you keep your life. Maybe even your little pet here." His gaze flickered to Aria, and Alejandro’s grip on his gun tightened.Aria clenched her fists, stepping closer to Alejandro. "If you think he's going to surrender to you
Smoke filled the air, thick and suffocating. The explosion had rocked the estate, sending panic through the halls. Aria coughed, trying to clear her lungs as Alejandro held her tightly against his chest, shielding her from the worst of the debris."Are you hurt?" His voice was rough, urgent, as he ran his hands over her arms, checking for injuries."I'm fine," she gasped, her ears still ringing from the blast.Juan burst into the room, gun in hand, his face set in a grim mask. "They've breached the outer perimeter! We need to move, now!"Alejandro didn't hesitate. He pulled Aria to her feet, his grip firm but careful. "Stay close to me."Gunfire erupted outside, sharp cracks echoing through the estate. The sound sent a shiver down Aria’s spine. This wasn’t just an attack this was an all-out war.Alejandro grabbed a pistol from the table and handed it to her. “If anyone gets too close, you shoot.”She took it without hesitation. She wasn’t just some helpless prisoner anymore she was in