There's a point in every relationship, no matter how twisted, where you realize you've crossed a line. A line you can't uncross. And I'd crossed it—deep into a world of lies, blood, and power.
The question was, could I survive the consequences of that choice?
---
Raiden's Study – Morning
I woke up to the sound of the heavy rain tapping against the window, a dull rhythm that matched the unease in my chest. Raiden wasn't next to me. The space beside me was cold, and for the first time since I'd arrived at Wolfe Manor, I felt the distance between us.
The note was on the bedside table:
"Don't leave. I'll be back soon. – R"
I hated how much I depended on him. And I hated how much I feared what would happen if he didn't return.
---
Raiden's Empire – The Truth Comes Out
The house felt quieter than usual. Even the staff moved with an air of uncertainty, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to explode.
Raiden hadn't told me everything. There were things I wasn't privy to, things that even his closest allies didn't know. But there was one thing I knew for sure—the Russians weren't just looking for a deal. They were looking for a way to take control of Wolfe's empire. And Raiden knew it.
I just didn't know how he planned to handle it.
---
Afternoon – A Visit From The Past
I had been trying to keep myself busy, but the fear gnawed at me. Raiden had been gone for hours, and the uncertainty was wearing me thin.
The doorbell rang, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I opened the door to find an unexpected visitor.
A man I recognized only from the few times Raiden had mentioned him: Luca DeMarco, the right-hand man of the Russian mafia. Tall, dark-haired, and carrying an air of danger that radiated from him.
"You're looking for Raiden?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Luca gave me a tight-lipped smile. "Not exactly. I've come to speak with you."
I stepped back, allowing him inside. He was a man who exuded power, but there was something more about him. Something… unsettling. And it wasn't just his presence.
---
Wolfe Manor, Living Room – The Truth Unveiled
Luca didn't waste time on pleasantries. He sat across from me, his eyes dark and cold as he studied me.
"Raiden is a man of many secrets," he began, his voice smooth and low. "But I'll give you one piece of advice. Don't trust anyone, especially not him."
My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
Luca leaned forward, his eyes never leaving mine. "Raiden Wolfe is playing a dangerous game, Aria. And you're a pawn in it."
His words hit me like a slap. I wanted to argue, to deny it, but a small part of me wondered if he was telling the truth.
---
Raiden's Return – The Reckoning
It wasn't until late in the evening that Raiden returned. His suit was slightly disheveled, his hair ruffled, and there was a coldness in his eyes that hadn't been there when he left.
"What did Luca say to you?" His voice was sharper than usual.
I didn't answer right away. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to say.
"He said you're playing a dangerous game," I finally said, keeping my tone steady, even though my heart was racing.
Raiden's eyes darkened, and he stepped closer to me. "Luca doesn't know everything. You're safe, Aria. I won't let anyone touch you."
But his words didn't reassure me. Not anymore.
---
Later – In His Arms
That night, Raiden held me as if I were the only thing that mattered. His arms were around me, but the distance between us had never felt wider.
I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to shatter.
"Tell me the truth, Raiden," I whispered into the darkness.
He tensed, but didn't pull away. "What truth?"
"The truth about this game. About us."
There was a long silence. The kind that makes your chest tighten, makes you question everything you thought you knew.
Finally, he spoke.
"The truth is, Aria, I never intended to keep you in the dark. But the more you know, the more dangerous it becomes for you."
I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of his words press against my chest. I knew what I was getting into when I fell for him. I just didn't know it would cost me everything.
---
End of Chapter 24