---
The door clicked shut behind her.
Aria's heels echoed across the luxurious suite's marble floor. Every breath felt heavy—laced with nerves and something far more dangerous.
Raiden didn't speak.
Didn't smile.
He simply stalked toward her like a shadow from hell.
"You came," he murmured, eyes dark, voice like velvet-wrapped steel.
"You asked," she whispered, pulse racing.
"You could've said no." He took a step closer.
"I didn't want to."
That was the truth—and her biggest sin.
He reached for her slowly, like she was something fragile he wanted to ruin. His hand slid around the back of her neck, pulling her forward until their bodies were flush, no space between them.
"I should stop this," he muttered against her lips.
"But you won't," she breathed.
"No. I won't."
And then he kissed her.
Hard.
Unforgiving.
It was nothing like that night in the club. This kiss was punishment. A warning. A silent promise that she was stepping into something she couldn't ever undo.
His hands roamed over her curves, pulling her dress up inch by sinful inch.
She moaned into his mouth as his grip tightened around her waist, dragging her onto his lap, onto the couch, onto him.
"You knew exactly what you were doing that night," he said, lips grazing her collarbone as he stripped her of guilt and lace. "Innocent girls don't kiss like that."
"Neither do professors," she snapped back, fire flickering in her eyes.
He chuckled, dark and low, and pushed her harder against the cushions. "That's because I'm not innocent. Not even close."
---
The room filled with heat, with gasps, with the sound of skin on skin.
With her cries of pleasure.
With his rough grunts.
With the slap of her palm against his chest as she gave in—again and again.
When it was over, she lay tangled in silk sheets, his arm draped over her waist, his mouth at her temple.
For a moment, it felt like something close to peace.
Until he whispered, "I can't protect you from what you've just stepped into, Aria."
She turned, eyes wide. "What do you mean?"
Raiden's stare was blank, emotionless.
"I'm not just your professor. And this isn't just an affair."
He paused.
"I own half of the mafia in this city. And the other half wants me dead."
---
End of Chapter 3