CHAPTER 13

Chapter Thirteen: The Game of Power

Adrian stood by the window, his eyes fixed on the sprawling city below. His empire. His battleground. His trap.

And now, his enemies had dared to make their move.

Behind him, Elena sat on the edge of his leather couch, her hands curled into fists. Her mind was still reeling from his words.

Someone had broken into her apartment.

They had made their intentions clear: she wasn't safe.

But instead of fear, a new emotion surged within her—defiance.

She wasn't some helpless woman waiting to be saved. She had fought her own battles before.

And she would fight this one, too.

She just needed to understand what kind of war she was stepping into.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed to her feet. "Adrian," she said, her voice steady, "you need to tell me everything. No more secrets."

His back was still turned to her, his hands shoved into his pockets.

For a moment, she thought he wouldn't answer.

Then, he exhaled.

When he turned to face her, his gaze was unreadable—a mask of control, of carefully concealed fury.

"You really want the truth?" His voice was low, dangerous.

She didn't flinch. "Yes."

Adrian studied her for a long moment, as if weighing whether she could handle it.

Then, finally, he spoke.

The Secrets Unveiled

"There was a time," he began, his voice eerily calm, "when I believed power was everything. When I thought control was the only thing that kept a man alive."

Elena held her breath, sensing the depth of what he was about to reveal.

"I built my wealth on more than just business," he continued. "I played in a world where alliances were temporary, where betrayal was expected. And in that world, I made enemies."

She swallowed hard. "Enemies like the ones who sent that note?"

Adrian nodded, his jaw tight. "People who don't forget. People who don't forgive."

A shiver ran through her. She had always known Adrian had secrets.

But she hadn't realized just how deep they ran.

"What do they want from you?" she asked.

Adrian's gaze darkened. "They want me to pay for leaving that world behind. And now, they're using you to get to me."

Elena's heart pounded. "Then we fight back."

His lips quirked slightly. "You make it sound simple."

"Because it is," she said firmly. "I'm not running, Adrian. If they think they can scare me away, they're wrong."

His eyes softened—just for a second. Then, in a swift motion, he closed the distance between them, his hands gripping her waist, his breath hot against her skin.

"Elena," he murmured, his voice thick with something unspoken. "Do you have any idea what you're saying?"

She tilted her chin up, meeting his gaze without hesitation.

"Yes."

His fingers curled tighter around her, as if he was trying to convince himself not to pull her closer.

And then—he gave in.

His lips crashed against hers, claiming her in a way that left no doubt. He wanted her. Needed her.

And Elena?

She was already his.

The Plan Takes Shape

Adrian pulled back, his breathing uneven. "If we're doing this, we do it my way."

Elena nodded. "Tell me what to do."

His expression hardened. "First, we set a trap."

Her eyes widened. "A trap?"

Adrian smirked, but there was nothing amused about it. It was the smirk of a predator.

"They want you scared. They want me desperate. But they don't know something."

"What?" she asked.

He leaned in, his voice a whisper against her skin.

"They're the ones who should be afraid."

The First Move

Within hours, Adrian had transformed his penthouse into a war room.

Blueprints. Surveillance footage. Contacts that Elena didn't even want to ask about.

She watched as he moved with calculated precision—a man who had once thrived in a world of shadows.

A man who was ready to step back into it.

"Whoever broke into your apartment left behind a message," Adrian said, scanning through images on his tablet. "But they also left behind something else."

Elena frowned. "What?"

Adrian turned the screen toward her.

A grainy security image. A figure in the shadows.

But something about the way they moved—the shape of their stance—it was familiar.

Her breath caught.

"I know that person."

Adrian's eyes snapped to hers. "Who are they?"

She swallowed hard, realization dawning. "It's Lucas."

Betrayal Wears a Familiar Face

Lucas.

Her former coworker. The man who had always lingered too long in conversations, who had always seemed too interested in her life.

She had thought he was harmless.

But now?

She wasn't so sure.

Adrian's expression darkened. "Tell me everything about him."

Elena hesitated, her mind racing. "He worked with me. Always asked about my life. About you."

Adrian's jaw clenched. "That wasn't coincidence."

"No," she whispered. "It wasn't."

Adrian's phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. His expression turned to steel.

"They've made another move."

Elena's pulse spiked. "What happened?"

His grip tightened on the phone.

"They just sent a message to me directly."

She inhaled sharply. "What does it say?"

Adrian met her gaze, his voice deadly calm.

"They want to meet."

A Dangerous Invitation

Elena's stomach twisted. "It's a trap."

Adrian smirked. "Of course it is."

Her breath hitched. "You're still going, aren't you?"

His gaze never wavered. "I don't run from battles, Elena."

Her heart pounded. "Then I'm coming with you."

Adrian exhaled sharply. "Absolutely not."

"Adrian—"

"No." His voice was firm. "This isn't a game."

She stepped closer, her hands gripping his shirt. "Neither is my life."

Something flickered in his eyes—something dark, possessive.

"Elena…" His voice was almost a growl.

She softened. "Please."

A muscle ticked in his jaw. He wanted to protect her.

But she wasn't backing down.

And finally—he gave in.

The War Begins

Hours later, they arrived at the designated meeting spot—an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city.

Elena's pulse was steady, but her fingers curled into fists. She was ready.

Adrian, standing beside her, was the picture of control—but she could feel the rage simmering beneath the surface.

Then the door creaked open.

And Lucas stepped into the light.

Elena's breath caught. It really was him.

But he wasn't alone.

Behind him stood three men. Armed. Dangerous.

Lucas smirked. "I told you to stay away from him, Elena."

Her eyes narrowed. "And I told you I don't scare easily."

Lucas chuckled. "Then let's see how brave you are."

He snapped his fingers.

And the men moved forward.

To Be Continued…