Aria's POV
I sat in my office, scrolling mindlessly through clothing websites. It was pointless—I wasn't really shopping. I just needed to keep my mind distracted, anything to avoid thinking about the intel Adrino had given me.
Why should I believe him?
But... he's never given me a reason to doubt him. Still, I hoped he was wrong this time.
Tired of staring at the screen, I closed my laptop and grabbed my bag. I needed air. I was heading to the Mob estate.
Yet this uneasy feeling kept crawling over my skin—like someone was watching me.
I hate this feeling.
The Mob base was built on the outskirts of town. If something happened on the road, help would take time. Maybe too much time.
Just in case, I sent a message to Ken:Pick out the best bodyguards for me. No mistakes.
Ken was already at the estate. I was on my way.
I tried to steady my thoughts. Adrino promised me safety. And somehow, I was leaning on that promise more than I liked to admit.
I wasn't afraid of death.
I was afraid of what my death would do to the people I love.
Papa would be devastated. I don't think he'd survive the heartbreak.Larisa... she would never forgive herself. She'd blame herself for not being there to protect me.
I just can't die. Not now.
20 minutes later
Out of nowhere, two black jeeps screeched to a stop in front of my car, blocking the road.
"Aria Delaney!" one of them called.
"Huh? Who are you?" I demanded.
"Our boss sends his greetings," one replied. "He said nothing should happen to you."
Then—Bang!
Gunshots rang out—not at me, but at my tires. All four were flattened.
"What the hell?! Who's your boss?" I shouted.
"His name is R-Jay."
"R-Jay?" I echoed, confused.
"Yes. He said to give you this." One of the masked men handed me a letter. Then, without another word, they got back into their jeeps and drove off.
I stood alone on the road, holding a sealed envelope, heart pounding.
Black Out
Song Recommendation:🎵One Day— Tate McRae
Motivational Quote:"Love your enemies. They are your biggest fans."