Emily
The sun barely breaks through the curtains of my room as I open my eyes. My body is still numb, the residual heat from the night spent with Victorio anchored in my flesh. I can still feel the weight of his body against mine, the taste of his mouth on my lips, the burn of his fingers on my skin.
I slowly sit up, the blanket sliding down my bare back. The room is silent, bathed in golden light. Beside me, the bed is empty. Victorio is gone. Of course, he is gone. He's not a man who stays after taking what he wants.
I sit at the edge of the bed, pulling my knees against my chest. My heart pounds in my chest. What I feel right now is a mistake. What I did was a mistake.
I am losing control.
I am supposed to trap him, not succumb to him.
I close my eyes, replaying every second of the night before. The way his lips traced every inch of my skin. The brutality of his grip. The unexpected softness of his kiss after the storm.
My phone vibrates on the nightstand.
I grab it and see the name appear: David.
I take a breath before answering.
— Yes?
— Where are you? — he asks, his tone cold.
— At home.
— Do you really think you can keep going like this?
I tense up.
— What do you mean?
David lets out a long sigh.
— Emily… Do you think he doesn't suspect what you're doing? Victorio is not stupid. He's playing with you. He will break you before you even realize what's happening.
I grit my teeth.
— I'm handling the situation.
— No, you are losing control!
I close my eyes, my jaw clenched.
— He hasn't discovered anything. Everything is under control.
— Of course, David replies tersely. You say that because you think he caught you off guard? Do you think he hasn't anticipated what's happening?
I stand up, starting to pace the room.
— This is not the time, David.
— You are personally involved. This is no longer a mission, Emily. He's manipulating you. He will destroy you.
— I get it! — I explode.
A heavy silence settles between us. Then David continues, in a softer tone:
— We're on your side, Emily. Don't let this guy swallow you whole.
I hang up, my hands trembling. I know David is right. But I'm already too far gone. I can't back down now.
—
Later in the day, I find myself at Victorio's club. The music resonates in the air, heavy and sensual. The atmosphere is saturated with lust and danger. Bodies press against each other on the dance floor, glasses clink, deep laughter pierces through the ambient noise.
I search for him with my eyes, knowing very well that he is there. He summoned me, but he didn't say why.
I spot him in a corner of the club, surrounded by his men. He's sitting on a black leather bench, a glass of whiskey in hand, his dark gaze directed at me.
He raises his hand, signaling me to come closer.
My heart races as I cross the room. The gazes of other patrons slide over me, some appreciative, others filled with jealousy.
I stand before him, arms crossed.
— What do you want, Victorio?
He slowly takes me in from head to toe, a predatory smile at the corner of his lips.
— Sit down.
I remain still, my eyes locked onto his.
— Tell me what you want.
He straightens up, placing his glass on the coffee table.
— Last night wasn't enough to satisfy your curiosity?
I clench my teeth.
— It was a mistake.
He chuckles softly.
— Then why are you here?
My heart races. He's right. Why am I here? Why do I feel drawn to him like a fool when I know exactly who he is?
— I have my reasons, — I say coldly.
He slowly rises, approaching me until our bodies are almost touching.
— And I have mine.
He brushes my cheek with his fingertips.
— Do you think you can play with me, Emily? Do you think you can enter my life, manipulate me, and then leave?
My breath catches.
— Are you saying you know?
His smile widens.
— I'm saying I'm not blind. You're good, Emily. Very good. But not good enough to fool me.
My stomach knots.
— What do you want?
He grips my chin between his fingers, forcing me to look up at him.
— I want to see how far you're willing to go.
He tilts his head, his breath grazing my lips.
— You want to play this game? Then play with me. To the end.
— What if I refuse? — I whisper.
His smile fades, his gaze darkening.
— Then I will find out who you really are… and you won't please me as much anymore.
He slowly steps back, leaving me breathless, my heart pounding wildly.
— Don't disappoint me, Emily, — he murmurs as he walks away.
I stand frozen, my legs trembling, my heart ready to explode in my chest.
He knows. He has figured it out. He is just playing with me.
And now?
I should leave. I should end this mission. Warn my superiors.
But instead, a dangerous thought crosses my mind.
What if I went all the way?
What if I surrendered to him, to this dangerous game, until one of us was consumed?
I am an FBI agent.
He is a bloodthirsty mobster.
And yet, he is already possessing me.