r thoughts in a whirl. She couldn't guess what awaited her or what the future held. Her predicament weighed on her making it hard to breat

of the trip broke his silence. "Y

derstood the trouble she'd gotten herself into. Aria peeked at him si

od far from the warehouse's turmoil, but Aria felt no relief. The building appeared gloomy, ominous, and e

er. "Look just stay low and don't attempt

she gulped. "What plan

. "That's up to you. If he sees you as a risk

tremble from head to toe. She knew Dante wouldn't think twice about ending her life if he

nd pulled the door open for her. "

in moments. She climbed the stairs behind Vince to reach the entrance. Her eyes darted around looking for ways t

The sparse design included bare walls little furniture, and a clinical feel that made

ou," Vince said. His tone was flat almost sorry. "The kitche

lt trapped, like a mouse with no escape. Her eyes darted

y. You won't g

uldn't let panic take over, not now. A way

re you'll sleep tonight. You can lock the door if it makes you feel sa

her with a soft click. The quiet that followed was ove

t escape. She dropped onto the bed's edge, her body shaking from fear and tiredness. What did Dante

ng hard as the steps grew louder and nearer. Her heart pounded, and she held her brea

ent by getting fain

axing with relief. She felt safe for now.

tside leaving the street dark and deserted. She couldn't spot any guards, but she knew they

d danger, yet it also pulled her in. Even though she felt scared, his image stuck in her mind. The way

e of man

t off her train of thought. She whirled

red and shut the door behind him. It made a clear sound as it closed

ed. His voice sounded cal

beating faster. "What

ment just looking at her with a face she couldn't

se," he said , his tone menacing. "An

ing from you," Aria sa

y, hunter-like focus. "You think I'm dumb?

d backing up against the wall as he

n. "Lost, you say? Well maybe you'll be luc

s. She felt his heat, his power like a second skin. Her hea

is voice soft, "you're ri