"Ci incontriamo di nuovo."
A voice from behind.
"Mi scusi?" I turned.
"Oh, sorry. Maybe you've never seen me before. But I've lived next to you every damn day of my life."
"What are you talking about?"
"Haha. Meena, you've gotten sassier."
"Who the hell are you?"
"Rodger Jamey Walton."
My breath caught.
"The... Russian Empire Don?"
"Oh, you have heard of me."
"Nope. Just got your message. Now say what you came to say."
"How's your dad in Amsterdam?"
Amsterdam...? Something felt wrong. That was supposed to be a secret, known only to a few. I called Papa two hours ago...
"What's your deal? Threaten people until they bend?"
"Psychotic? Loving you is a beautiful kind of madness. Obsession, they call it in English."
"I don't even know you."
"But I know you. And that's what matters."
"Stay away from my family."
"Oh, your beloved father? He murdered mine. Antonio Walton. Ring a bell?"
"Let me guess—you're out for revenge."
"Smart, beautiful, and deadly—both with clothes on and off."
He was unhinged—and clearly knew more about me than he should. Past or present... I wasn't sure.
"You don't even have a Russian accent."
"Never lived there. Italy-raised. America-educated."
I tried changing the subject, to gain control.
"What do you want from me?"
"You. Be my plus-one, my slave, and publicly—my wife."
"You're insane."
"For you? Completely."
"Touch my father and I swear—Hell won't take you."
"Mmm. I love when you talk threats. Don't worry. Your father will remain... in my custody. Call it father-in-law bonding."
My fury boiled. I reached for my gun.
"Not a smart move. What if your father's got a gun to his head right now? Think, Donness."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Do you feel threatened?"
He moved to touch my face—when another hand stopped his.
"Aha, the man I've been waiting for," Rodger smirked.
Adrino Lucifer Diavolo.
"What do you want, Rodger?"
"Oh nothing. Just a friendly conversation."
"You okay, Aria?" Adrino asked, eyes scanning me.
"Yeah. Just... shocked."
"Rodger, whatever you're plotting—stop. Or you'll regret it."
Rodger left. My knees wobbled. Anxiety took over.
"Adrino... I don't feel so good."
I fainted into his arms.
"Calmly," he whispered. "Let's get you home. Don't draw attention."
Author's POV
Whoever this Rodger is, I hate his guts. If anything happens to Tom Delaney—I swear I'll kill him with my own pen.
Ari, be strong. We, your fans and readers, are counting on you. Don't fall now.
Motivational Quote:
Being strong isn't about how hard you hit. It's about how you survive what's meant to destroy you—without losing yourself.
Background Song:
🎵 Helium — Sia
# Black Out #