Chapter 3

As the car pulled up to the grand mansion, Lucien stepped out first, opening the door for Seraphina. She emerged gracefully, her dress clinging to her figure, accentuating her curves. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, still glistening from the rain, and her presence was magnetic.

"Matteo, stay with her," Lucien instructed. "I have business to attend to."

They walked into the mansion, and Lucien led Seraphina and Matteo to a luxurious sitting area. With a curt nod, he left them and strode toward a table where several men were seated, their conversation intense.

"Let's get to business," Lucien said, sitting down with the men, their faces hard and focused. They began discussing the logistics of their next shipment, Their discussions were blunt and filled with coded language about the shipment of their drugs.

Despite the gravity of the meeting, Lucien's gaze kept drifting toward Seraphina. She was laughing with Mateo, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and defiance. Her presence was both a distraction and a point of intrigue.

One of the men noticed Lucien's distraction. "Boss, something wrong?" he asked, his tone gruff.

"Nothing that concerns you," Lucien replied curtly. "Focus on the task at hand."

But even as he said this, he couldn't keep his thoughts from drifting back to Seraphina. Her fierceness, her defiance—it was maddening and fascinating all at once.

After the meeting, Lucien approached Seraphina and Mateo. "Enjoying yourselves?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Seraphina flipped her hair over her shoulder, her eyes challenging him, she didn't say anything, she stood up and left and Lucien followed her.

Seraphina, determined and desperate, had managed to lure Lucien outside under the pretence of needing fresh air. She walked with purpose, her heels clicking against the marble floor as Lucien followed, intrigued by her sudden change in demeanour.

As they reached the secluded garden, Seraphina turned to face Lucien, her eyes filled with a mix of defiance and vulnerability. "Thank you for bringing me here," she said softly.

Lucien stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Why do I feel like you're up to something?

"Seraphina smiled faintly. "Maybe because I am.

"Before Lucien could react, she swiftly moved behind him, a cloth soaked in chloroform in her hand. She pressed it against his face, and he struggled for a moment before his body went limp. Seraphina's heart pounded in her chest as she signalled to her accomplice, who emerged from the shadows to help carry Lucien to a waiting car.

Lucien slowly regained consciousness, the world coming into focus in a dimly lit, unfinished building. He was tied to a chair, his head throbbing. As he lifted his gaze, he saw Saraphina standing before him, holding a gun. Her long, black hair descended over her shoulders, framing her bold, oceanic eyes that glinted with fierce determination.

"Damn," Lucien thought, despite the situation. "She's beautiful. Who is she?

"Seraphina's voice was steady, though her heart raced. "I need you to take me to Lucien Salvatore.

"Lucien smirked, hiding his surprise. "And you think this is the way to do it?"Seraphina's eyes narrowed. 

"I don't care what you think. You're going to help me, whether you like it or not."Lucien leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're braver than I thought. But you have no idea what you're getting into.

"Seraphina stepped closer, her grip on the gun tightening. "Then enlighten me."The tension in the air was palpable, their fates now intertwined in a dangerous dance of power and desire.

Lucien raised an eyebrow. "And why do you need to meet him so badly?"

She met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "Because I want to marry him."

Lucien couldn't help but laugh. "You think he'd agree to that?"

"I can pay him any amount he wants," she replied. "Just for him to sign a contract for six months. I promise to behave myself."

Lucien studied her, intrigued. "And what makes you think money is what he wants?"

"Everyone has a price," she said confidently.

Lucien shifted his gaze to the gun she still pointed at him, then back to her determined face. Her hair framed her features perfectly, making her look both innocent and dangerous.

"She's fierce and beautiful, and how can those small hands hold that heavy gun?" Lucien thought to himself.

Without warning, Lucien slipped the ropes off his wrists and lunged at Seraphina, grabbing the gun and pinning her against the wall. They stared at each other, the tension crackling in the air.

"How is that possible?" Seraphina asked, surprised at his strength.

Lucien pushed her hair back from her face. "Go back and accept the marriage your father arranged for you," he said, his voice low and commanding.

Seraphina's eyes burned with defiance. "So you won't help me meet Lucien Salvatore? He's the only one who can help me out of this mess. But it's okay if you won't help me. Sorry for disturbing you."

She pulled away from him, her voice suddenly calm and defeated. She walked out into the dark street, the rain starting to pour again. Lucien watched her go, his conscience warring within him.

As the rain intensified, Seraphina walked slowly, her shoulders hunched against the cold. Lucien's car passed her, and she picked up a stone, hurling it at the car in frustration.

"I hate my life!" she shouted, the rain mingling with her tears.

Lucien stopped the car, his anger flaring. He continued driving, but guilt gnawed at him. He finally stopped the car and got out, searching for Seraphina. He found her being harassed by three men in a dark alley.

"Get your filthy hands off her," Lucien growled his voice deadly calm.

The men turned, sneering. "Or what?"

Lucien moved like a predator, taking them down with precise, brutal efficiency. Seraphina watched in awe and fear as he dismantled the men, his strength and skill evident.

When the last man fell, Lucien turned to Seraphina. "Bob," she whispered, her voice weak with relief.

Lucien scooped her up, her small body fitting perfectly against his. He carried her back to the car, laying her gently on the seat.

"Stay with me, Seraphina," he murmured as he drove, his resolve hardening. "This isn't over."

Lucien and Seraphina arrived back at the mansion, drenched from the rain. He carried her inside, not bothering to hide the concern on his face. As he placed her gently on a sofa, he couldn't help but think about how complicated his life had just become.

Seraphina looked up at him, her eyes still fierce despite her exhaustion. "Why won't you help me?"

Lucien sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not that simple."

"Make it simple," she challenged.

Lucien leaned in closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "You want to marry Lucien Salvatore? Fine. But know this—once you enter that world, there's no going back."

Seraphina didn't flinch. "I can handle it."

Lucien smirked, though his eyes remained serious. "We'll see about that."

As they stared at each other, the tension between them was palpable. Neither was willing to back down, and both knew that this was just the beginning of a dangerous game.

As Seraphina settled into her seat, Lucien approached, his expression a mixture of contemplation and resolve. The room seemed to shrink around them, the tension crackling in the air.

"I've already spoken with the boss," Lucien began, his voice low and measured. "You'll be signing the contract tomorrow morning."

Seraphina's eyes lit up with excitement. "So, will he be coming tomorrow?"

Lucien shook his head, a slight smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "No. Lucien is a busy person. He won't be available."

Seraphina's excitement didn't waver. "That's fine. As long as the contract is signed."

Lucien watched her, his gaze intense and piercing. He stepped closer, the space between them almost non-existent. "You're willing to marry a man you've never met?"

Seraphina held her ground, her chin lifting defiantly. "I'll do whatever it takes to get out of my father's grasp. Lucien Salvatore is my best chance."

Lucien's smirk deepened, his eyes darkening with a mix of amusement and danger. "And what makes you think he'll keep his end of the bargain?"

She stepped closer, their faces inches apart. "I don't have a choice. I have to trust him."

Lucien's hand moved to her hair, brushing a strand behind her ear. The touch was gentle but the look in his eyes was anything but. "Trust is a dangerous thing, Seraphina."

She didn't flinch, her eyes locked on his. "So is desperation."

Their breaths mingled, the air between them thick with unspoken words and hidden meanings. Lucien's hand lingered near her face, his gaze boring into hers.

"You're playing a dangerous game," he murmured, his voice a soft warning.

Seraphina's lips curled into a slight smile. "I'm not afraid of danger."

Lucien chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "You should be."

She reached up, her fingers lightly grazing his hand. "Maybe I like the thrill."

His eyes darkened further, his hand dropping to his side. "You're going to regret this."

"Maybe," she said, her voice unwavering. "But I'll take my chances."

Lucien's gaze remained locked on hers for a long moment, and then he stepped back, breaking the tension. "You need to sleep. Tomorrow is a big day."

Seraphina nodded, her eyes still challenging him. "I'll be ready."

He turned to leave, pausing at the doorway. "Remember, Seraphina. Once you sign that contract, there's no going back."

She met his gaze one last time, her expression resolute. "I know."

With that, Lucien left the room, his mind racing with thoughts of the fierce, determined woman he was getting involved with. Seraphina watched him go, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She knew she was walking a dangerous path, but she couldn't turn back now.