Emily
Night has long fallen when I find myself wandering in my apartment, a glass of wine in hand. The dim lights cast flickering shadows on the walls, reflecting the turmoil that stirs in my thoughts.
Adrian. Victorio.
Two opposing forces that draw me in, encircle me, manipulate me. One burns like a wild fire, the other freezes like an endless night. And I, trapped between two traps.
I run a hand through my hair, the bitter taste of wine mingling with the knot in my throat. I can still hear Adrian's words echoing in my mind:
"Don't let me lose you."
It's not just a warning. It was a promise.
The chime of a message on my phone makes me jump. I set my glass down on the coffee table before grabbing it.
"10 PM. Villa Aurora. You know where to find me. – V"
I grit my teeth. Victorio doesn't waste time.
I should ignore this message. I should delete it, pretend I know nothing. But a part of me knows I can't back out. Victorio is playing a dangerous game, and he has chosen me as his key piece.
I take a deep breath, then head to my bedroom. A black satin dress hangs from the closet door. Sexy. Elegant. A double-edged weapon. If I go there, I might as well be ready to fight with the same weapons as him.
When I arrive at Villa Aurora, the night is thick, weighed down by an eerie fog. The estate is vast, bordered by perfectly trimmed hedges and marble statues. Two guards in dark suits watch me approach. One of them steps forward and scans me with his gaze.
— Your name? he asks in a cold voice.
— Emily.
The guard nods, then steps aside. The massive door slowly opens, revealing a grand hall bathed in golden light. The white marble glimmers beneath my heels as I move into the room.
Victorio is there.
Standing by a grand piano, a glass of champagne in hand. He is dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, a red rose tucked into his jacket pocket. His smile widens when he sees me.
— Emily… he breathes. Gorgeous, as always.
I stop a few steps away from him, arms crossed over my chest.
— What do you want, Victorio?
He approaches slowly, setting his champagne glass on the piano.
— Just to talk.
— We both know you never do anything without a reason.
His smile broadens.
— Exactly.
He stops right in front of me, sliding a finger down my bare arm. I shiver despite myself.
— Do you think you're safe with Adrian? he asks.
I lift my chin.
— What are you insinuating?
Victorio tilts his head, his gaze darkening.
— Adrian is dangerous. He's hiding things, Emily. Things you don't want to know.
— And you would be the solution to all my problems? I retort.
He chuckles softly.
— No. But I can protect you from him.
I place a hand on his chest, my gaze defiant.
— Do you really think I need protection?
He takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. His breath brushes against my skin.
— I believe you need me, Emily. Whether you want it or not.
I abruptly pull my hand away.
— You won't have me that easily, Victorio.
His smile freezes for a moment.
— Oh, but you're already mine. You know that, don't you?
I step back, my heart racing.
— You're mistaken.
He moves closer again, his warm breath against my neck.
— Then why did you come?
I remain still, breathless.
— Because I want to know what you expect from me, I repeat.
Victorio smiles slowly.
— Everything.
A shiver runs down my spine.
— Do you really think you can have me? I ask in a low voice.
— No. I know I will have you.
I turn to leave, but he grabs my wrist.
— Emily… he whispers.
I freeze, my fingers closing around his wrist.
— This game will end badly, I murmur.
He steps closer, his lips brushing my ear.
— Only if you lose.
I shove him away violently, my heart racing.
— Go to hell, Victorio.
He laughs softly, his gaze dark.
— That's already done, my beautiful.
I turn away and leave the villa without a word.
---
It's late when I return to my apartment. I close the door behind me, breathless. My phone vibrates in my hand.
A call.
Adrian.
I answer, my heart pounding.
— Emily?
— Adrian… I whisper.
— Where were you?
I move to the window, looking out at the dark city stretching beneath me.
— With Victorio.
A chilling silence falls.
— You're playing a dangerous game, Emily.
— I know.
— He's manipulating you.
— And you, Adrian? What are you doing? Aren't you manipulating me too?
— I'm not manipulating you. I'm protecting you.
— And what if I don't need protection?
— Then why is your heart racing so fast?
I close my eyes, gripping the phone tightly.
— Adrian…
— I told you to stay away from him.
— Do you think it's that simple?
His silence is an answer.
— Come to me, I say in a trembling voice.
— Where are you?
— At my place.
— Don't move. I'm coming.
He hangs up.
A few minutes later, someone knocks at the door. I open it. Adrian is there, his expression dark, jaw clenched. He enters without a word, closing the door behind him.
— Emily… he murmurs as he approaches.
— Don't talk to me.
He takes my face in his hands, his burning gaze locking onto mine.
— Do you really think I'm going to let you be with Victorio?
I shake my head, my hands resting against his chest.
— I'm not his.
— No. You're mine.
His kiss is brutal, possessive. I cling to him, breathless.
He lifts me, my legs wrapping around his waist. He leads us to the sofa, his heavy body pressing against mine.
— Adrian…
He dives his gaze into mine.
— This game is over.
I kiss him, my fingers getting lost in his hair.
— Then win it, Adrian.
He smiles against my lips.
— With pleasure.