hin Emilia's bones. She had expected Lucien's world to be dark, but the depth of the lies

r. Every step she took seemed to bring her deeper into a web of dec

-

, trying to clear her head. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows

n is

t about it, the more she realized she didn't know anything anymore-n

-

rom her thoughts. She pulled it out, her hear

ci

But her curiosity-and her need for answers-g

rying to keep the tre

n, his voice-smooth, cool, but still carryin

"I need you to list

aced. "What

w, almost reluctant. "And I need you to trust me

on wash over her. "A mista

omething dark in his tone. "It's... complicated. Just stay

eaving Emilia with a milli

-

colder, emptier without Lucien's presence, and she found herself pacing th

o do, but she couldn't

-

ard the familiar sound of a car pulling into the driveway

. He was dressed in his usual sharp suit, but something about him seemed.

aid, her voice quiet

e was an urgency in his movements th

een waiting for you to explain," she said, her voice tre

e he exhaled sharply. "I didn't want to dra

wisted in knots. "

rated. "I've kept you in the dark for too long. A

ssman, Emilia. Not just a mafia boss. I'm involved in something much bigger-s

n her chest. "Protec

m the enemies I've made, the deals I've struck. I've

u didn't think I had a right to know? You thi

you in this world, Emilia. But you're already t

By keeping me isolated, manip

akes are too high. If you knew the truth about who's really pulling the

ling with anger and fear. "I'm done being a pawn, Lu

-

she'd gone too far. But then, something in his expressio

ut everything. The truth is... I've made enemies, yes. But more than th

her heart racing. "W

answer immediately. Then, his gaze sof

cost you your life i

-

the door

harp. In

er body tense,

n darkened. "Stay

toward the door, his movements fluid and precise,

-