Chapter 12%
The jet ride had been long silent for the pilot did not carry me straight to the destination but used a long route to make the journey untraceable by other rival mafia clans.
The moment we landed, I stepped out followed by tens of guards in black,!!
A black ocean stretched endlessly below as sharp winds blew at my clothes and a sleek black mansion sculpted out of marble and obsidian was perched on the cliff as if it was a throne designed for the devil himself.X
The ones serving in the castle stood by the side, paving a way for me as they bowed deeply. At first glance they looked respectful yet the ones to receive me were mere servants…neither the members of Arrows family nor the butler came to receive me.
“Welcome Miss Athena Valcruz-”
“Athena Valcruz? Pilot, it seems like you took me to the wrong destination.”
An eerie silence covered as everyone watched me with wide eyes, the pilot hesitated instead.
“No ma’am-“2
“No? How else will you describe such imesponsible and crude behavior? I thought I was Queen Athena Killian Arrows but to think the mighty Arrows family is so unscrupulous and lacks discipline….I am quiet disappointed,”
I wasn’t here to bow down and endure.
It was a warning and everyone understood well that it was better not to cross me or I would not show any mercy
The butler soon came out after seeing my tough attitude and greeted me politely.
Please rest Madam Athena, we will arrange everything for you. Patriarch will meet you… shortly.”
Killian was the patriarch after losing his father at the age of twelve, with ruins he built his empire thus these very walls trembled with the man’s reputation.
I was guided through the hallways and shown the entire estate before I settled in the east wing- the one for future heiress.)
Finally standing infront of the mirror I unzipped the stark black dress slowly. My back bare, long curls tumbling to a side
But something felt wrong.
Too quiet…eenly peaceful
My fingers slid under the pillow gripping the knife I had stolen from the villa’s kitchen moments ago. My reflection glowed in the mirror cold, alert.
Someone was watching.8
Go on…take that off too.“}
The rich voice sounded, making me turn sharply.
At that moment a man dressed entirely in black, sitting on a king chair at the side of the room was swirling red wine in his hand elegantly as his eyes met mine with a seductive smile.
Killian Arrows &
His presence swallowed the room whole dangerous and unpredictable be he watched me like a predator looking at his prey..
“You are early.” I said my voice steady.
“You’re half undressed.” he answered, gaze unapologetic.
I didn’t flinch, instead I turned slowly, allowing the dress to fall just off my shoulder as I held the blade knife behind my back.
He smiled.!
“Do all Valeruz women great their fiancé with a weapon?“:
“I wouldn’t know for I have the Arrows name now….and we greet everyone with a weapon.”
He stepped closer slow and deliberate, hands in his packets as he laughed a little 5
“Let’s just say you are not what I expected I thought it was a scheming woman hungry for money who would bow down and seduce me to attain the empire.”
His eyes dropped to the edge of the blade in my hands.
“Are you here to kill me, Athena?”||
“Not yet” I said softly. “But I like keeping my options open
He laughed gently as if amused impressed.
They say you are the quiet one…..the troublemaker and the forgotten daughter.”
“Then? It must be a surprise for you that the troublemaker made your heart flutter.”
His jaw clenched. The tension cracked between us like lightning..X
And then he moved
Fast.b
The knife was gone, Pulled from my grip before I blinked. He stepped infront of me, hands gently wrapped around my throat.S
“So here’s my test.” he whispered in my ear. “You will stand still. While I decide if you are brave enough to survive this life.” “And if I move?” I whispered back, heart hammering K
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“Then I will know you are worth everything they’re afraid of.that you can survive being the Queen.”
His lips gently touched my ear, licking it gently. I shuddered in his arms unable to control a moan when his breath grazed my skin and gentle fingers brushed against my spine.!!
Seconds passed.
Finally, he pressed a kiss to my temple, lifting my chin with a touch that was far too soft for a man who had once slit a senator’s throat.
“Your heartbeat gives you away, afaird and yet so fucking stubborn. One day I will make you fall for me Athena.” he murmured.? “Then listen closer…” I snapped afraid of the electryfying attraction “It’s saying I will never belong to anyone. Not even you.”
He stared at me for a long moment
Then, he laughed.
A low, dangerous sound that made my legs tense.
“You are mine, Athena. You just don’t know what that means yet, that fucking Valcruz household…forget everything.”
He leaned in but his lips didn’t touch mine.
But they hovered close enough to burn.
“Rest tonight. Tomorrow, I will introduce you to the ‘family‘.”
“As what?” I asked, defiant.
“As the woman no one dares touch.”
Because I am yours?”
“Because I will kill for you.”
And with that, he left silent as smoke.
I stood alone, heart thudding, hands shaking not with fear, but with fury and something far more dangerous. Desire 8
If what I felt for Xander was an innocent affection then what was this…something that made me forget that he was a dangerous man and I was attracted like a moth to the flame.
