His Dark Temptation

As I step out of my parents' house, I know this visit is only the beginning. After this, my father will stop at nothing to find me and take me far from Aiden.

"He's a horrible man, Isa! Do you even know what his father has done? What *he* has done? He's a criminal, a murderer. You can't marry him. I won't allow it."

"Yes, baby, he's dangerous and unpredictable. What does he have over you that keeps you with him?"

"We can get help. We'll contact the best police forces across Europe. We can save you, but you *can't* leave with him."

"You don't understand. He'll kill you. He'll kill everyone—my friends, our family—he won't stop. I've tried, I've fought against it, but it's useless. He's the most powerful man in the country, maybe even the world. I've seen the power, the corruption, first-hand. All the stories you've told me about the Kings? I've witnessed some of that. You have no idea the extent of his control. Do you see the guards outside his house? The guns? I've seen the deals he makes, the contracts on his desk. His reach is massive. But more than that, I've seen his rage. His vengeance. He's untouchable. No one dares to cross him."

"I want to be with him. Yes, he's temperamental. He doesn't listen to anyone. But sometimes, he listens to me. He cares about me. In his own way. I'm happy with him, Papa. You have to promise me—*please*—don't do anything. I will never forgive myself if you get hurt because of this. I'm happy. I will visit, but please... don't come after me. I can't live with myself if something happens to you. I'm going with him. I'm going to marry him. He loves me, Papa. He tells me I'm his peony, his light in a dark world. I'm happy. Please, don't do anything."

I don't know what's real anymore or what I just said to get them to leave me alone. All I know is that I had to make them believe I was safe, that I was content. I couldn't risk them trying to rescue me.

Aiden didn't knock or check in, not once. He wanted me alone with my parents, no interruptions. A loyal lackey opened the car door for me, and I slipped inside without a word. Aiden was on the phone, speaking in Italian—business, no doubt. My head throbbed with pain. There's never been a moment in my life that scared me more than this one. I knew Aiden wouldn't kill my parents, but I was surprised he didn't hurt them. He had promised me he wouldn't, but he hadn't exactly kept his word either. I can't figure him out. I don't trust his words—only his actions. And right now, I'm terrified for my father. He'll come looking for me. The question is, how much longer can Aiden keep his promise before he snaps?

Aiden pulls me close and lays me down on his lap. His fingers find their way to my temples, massaging my forehead in slow, deliberate circles. I close my eyes, the relief easing the pounding in my head. The tears haven't stopped since I left my parents' house, and I can't help but wonder how much more of this I can bear. His touch is precise, almost as if he's done this a thousand times before, sensing exactly where I need him the most.

I glance up at him, still speaking on the phone in rapid Italian. His gaze is directed out the window, his face calm, unreadable. I can't understand his words, but there's something serene in his tone. His eyelashes are long and dark, framing eyes that, in the sunlight, seem to burn with a light all their own. His lips are soft, almost pink, and I watch as his tongue flicks across them occasionally. His stubble is growing in, giving him a rougher edge, but it only adds to his appeal. He looks like a Greek god, his hair messy but perfect, falling just so over his forehead, his boyish charm never fading. His suit is pristine, tailored to perfection—worth a fortune. Yet, in this moment, I find myself bewildered: how can a man this beautiful, this perfect in appearance, be so utterly ruthless? It doesn't seem fair. But then again, maybe this is my mercy—for as much as I'm terrified of him, I'm also drawn to him in ways I can't explain.