Aria: Devil's Spawn Book 2

5. If Looks Could Kill

That's when I reach for something round, gray, and very sparkly and slip it onto my ring finger. It's a terrible idea to go against PR's advice, but I feel like I owe it to Nicco. He wanted me to wear the ring tonight. I must show him how much I value his wishes, especially with all the secrets I've been keeping from him. I tilt my hand this way and that way, watching the diamond catch the light as though housing a galaxy of stars. The fit feels so right around my finger. I've never understood why people become so irrational in the name of love.

But I understand now.

I'm terrified of losing him.

With my chest tight with anxiety, I arrive at the main ballroom at exactly 7 pm. The moment I walk in, I scan the room and lock onto a tall masculine figure in an impeccably cut black Armani suit. Nicco appears to be making small talk with the CEO of a global tech company. My heart skips a beat, and it takes all of my self-control to not run straight into his arms. I force myself to walk toward him with slow, steady steps.

As I get closer, we lock eyes for a second, and it's so intense. Not in a I can't wait to fuck your brains out kind of way. But in a if looks could kill kind of way. His green gaze is burning mine as though he genuinely hates me. The sweet nothings he whispered in my ear just hours ago on the phone no longer feel true.

I miss you.

All of a sudden, the ring on my finger feels too fucking tight. I want to yank it off. I don't want him to see it.

More than you know.

A chill runs deep inside my bones.

Nothing can keep me away.

Those words rattle me to my core. Because, now, it doesn't seem to be feelings of tenderness that draw him to me. My fiancé looks like he wants to strangle me. I'm afraid, however, to voice my fears out loud. Dread floods my veins. A part of me already has already pieced together the reason behind his change of heart.

I think he knows something about Jaime.

***

NICCO

A sharp ache still resides in my chest. I have decided to let it fester and grow. Like a masochist, I will bask in this gut-wrenching heartbreak and cling to Aria's betrayal. May it serve as a lesson to never let another woman shatter me so completely again.

An hour ago, I landed in Birmingham. I am now in my hotel room. My movements feel stiff when I force myself to get dressed. It is difficult to shave and apply cologne. I glare at my reflection in the mirror. There is an unsightly bandage wrapped around my left hand. The bleeding has stopped, and the wound should heal in a few days. But I do not know if I will ever recover from what she has done to me.

I want to fuck her over as cruelly as she fucked me. Brimming with silent rage, I head out at 6:45 pm. I find the ballroom where Manning's dinner party is being held. Despite being occupied in Málaga for most of my day, I somehow showed up fifteen minutes early. A strained blend of relief and dismay arises when I realize that Aria is not here yet.

I enter the lion's den alone. Contrary to what Aria believes, I do not need a plan because I already know how to handle this shit. Like a pack of wolves, these men will always trample over the weak while submitting to the most dominant force in the room. I simply have to prove to them that my dick is bigger than theirs.

Manning greets me from across the room. I smile back, baring my teeth. I am well aware that he will be coming for my throat. Still smiling, I join Manning and his friends. Right away, I recognize one of the guys. He was an old classmate of mine from my Cambridge days. Chester Fielding. He hates my guts. I am certain that Manning invited him tonight for this very reason. The others look familiar as well even though I do not know them personally. I have seen their faces on the news. Business leaders. Well-known politicians. Two of them are actual fucking royalty. After a round of self-introductions, small talk ensues. These bastards are skeptical about me, at first. Understandably so, I guess. My reputation proceeds me. I am a nepo-prince who has always shirked his duties. In their eyes, I have yet to earn my position as the Department Manager at Jackson & James.