Chapter 4

As the breakfast plates were cleared, Stacy and Jerry excused themselves to attend to their errands, leaving Alice, Emily, and Alex to retire to the opulent living room. The lavish space, adorned with priceless artwork and shimmering chandeliers, seemed to whisper secrets to Alice as she settled into the plush couch.

Aiden's gaze ensnared her, his piercing blue eyes gleaming like polished onyx in the soft light. "How are you feeling now, Alice?" he asked, his low, husky voice sending shivers down her spine. Alice's heart skipped a beat as she stammered, "I-I'm fine, thank you."

Alex, her boss, intervened, his voice firm and commanding. "Aiden, leave her alone." He said as he could feel his brother was up to his usual ways.

Aiden's smile was a slow, wicked curve. "Oh, I'm just getting started, brother."

They all sat in silence as the movie played even though they were all pretty occupied with their own thoughts.

Just then, the soft creak of the door signaled the arrival of a newcomer. Alice hadn't noticed anyone approach, but suddenly, a tall, imposing figure stood before them. His features were chiseled, his eyes hidden behind sleek, black glasses.

"Sir," he said, his low voice devoid of emotion, as he handed Alex a slim, leather-bound folder.

Alex's expression turned grave, his eyes scanning the contents with an intensity that made Alice's unease grow. His jaw clenched, and without a word, he stood up, his movements swift and decisive. He turned and left the room, the mysterious stranger following closely behind.

The sudden departure left an awkward silence in its wake. Aiden's mischievous grin sparked with amusement. "Looks like someone's in trouble," he whispered.

Alice couldn't help but to wonder what was happening and who was on the receiving end of Alex's displeasure.

"So, Alice, do you have any plans for this afternoon?" Aiden asked, his eyes locked on hers.

Alice shook her head, "No."

"Would you like to go out for lunch then?" Aiden suggested, his voice low and inviting.

Alice hesitated, "I'll think it over," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She excused herself and stepped outside, as she couldn't bare to be around him even for a second more, her heart racing with every step.

As she walked away, Aiden's gaze followed her, his desire for her growing with each step she took. He couldn't help but be drawn to her mysterious nature and the way she seemed to be hiding secrets behind her eyes.

As Alice wandered through the mansion's labyrinthine corridors, adorned with priceless artwork and shimmering chandeliers that cast eerie shadows on the walls, she accidentally bumped into a maid.

I'm so sorry" Alice quickly apologized but didn't get a response from the maid. Alice couldn't help notice the way here eyes reflected in the maids eyes, she could sense the air around the maid thicken. The maid's eyes, like dark pools, locked onto Alice's, conveying a silent warning that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Be cautious around Aiden, miss," the maid whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft hum of the mansion's ventilation system, her words hanging in the air like a specter of foreboding. "He wears a mask of charm, but beneath lies a monster, waiting to strike. His temper is a razor's edge, and those who cross him face devastating consequences."

Alice's curiosity was piqued, her mind racing with questions as she stood amidst the opulent furnishings, surrounded by the faint scent of decay. "What do you mean?" she pressed, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes scanning the surrounding area to ensure they were alone.

The maid's gaze darted around the room, her eyes lingering on the ornate furnishings before returning to Alice, her expression a mask of concern and fear. Her voice dropped to a whisper, her words laced with a mix of urgency and desperation.

"I've witnessed him destroy lives with a single, piercing glance. He's a master manipulator, weaving a web of deceit with chilling precision. His charm is a deadly trap, luring victims into his grasp. You must be vigilant, miss."

As Alice processed the maid's ominous words, a chill ran down her spine, the air thickening with tension. The maid's face, a map of secrets and untold stories, seemed to hold the key to unraveling the mystery.

Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding attention like a magnet. His piercing gaze locked onto Alice, and the maid swiftly disappeared into the labyrinthine corridors, leaving Alice feeling uneasy and vulnerable.

"Are you ready"

"Y-yes, I a -am" Alice replied as she now feared this person more than she did before

Their lunch date was a surreal descent into opulence, with Aiden reserving the entire restaurant and cinema for their exclusive, unsettling indulgence. As Alice stepped into the lavish dining room, she could help the feeling of awe as this was her first time coming to such a fancy restaurant. The normally bustling space was now eerily silent, except for the haunting melody of a lone violinist and the soft clinking of fine china.

"I wanted to ensure our privacy," Aiden explained, his gaze lingering on her face. "I find crowds... distracting." he whispered next to her ear from behind, in such a seductive tone.

Alice's skin crawled beneath his scrutiny. "It's... thoughtful," she stammered. Aiden's eyes, piercing and intense, watched her every move, his gaze lingering on her skin like a whispered promise. Alice's skin crawled beneath his scrutiny, her heart racing with every step. She couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped, a pawn in his game of seduction. They both walked over to a table, Aiden pulled out a chair for her, which she gratefully took, before he settled down next to her.

The meal, a masterful blend of flavors and presentation, lay before her, but Alice's appetite had vanished. Each bite tasted like ash, her senses overwhelmed by Aiden's proximity. His words, laced with charm and menace, hung in the air like a threat.

As they adjourned to the cinema, the dim lighting and nostalgic scent of popcorn gave Alice a little sense of ease. The classic film unfolded like a distant dream, its iconic scenes obscured by her growing terror. Aiden's hand brushed against hers, sending electric shocks through her body. Alice's mind reeled, her thoughts consumed by the maid's whispered warnings: "Be cautious around Aiden... He's a monster in disguise." Every smile, every gesture, seemed laced with hidden intentions. As the credits rolled, Aiden's voice whispered in her ear, "Shall we go home?" he asked his warm breath caressing her skin like a sinister promise. The innocuous question sent shivers of joy down her spine, as she had been waiting to hear that all day. Alice nodded, her voice caught in her throat. Her legs trembled beneath her as she stood, Aiden's hand grasping hers like a vice.

As they drove through the city's darkening streets, Aiden's gaze drifted from the road to Alice.

"You know, I've been thinking," he said, his voice low and husky.

Alice's eyes met his, curiosity sparking. "About?"

Aiden's smile hinted at mischief.

"About how beautiful you look in the moonlight."

Alice's cheeks couldn't help getting flushed. "Thank you" she replied looking at anything but Aiden.

He leaned in, his voice taking on a seductive tone.

"Can't help it. You make me crave the forbidden."

Alice's breath caught. "Forbidden?"

He leaned back, his gaze never leaving hers. Just as Alice's tension peaked, Aiden's phone pierced the silence. Aiden picked up the phone with irritation evident in his his movements as he stared at the caller's ID. He let out a silent sigh before picking up.

"Boss" a low, gravelly voice spoke on the other end. Aiden's expression transformed, his desire replaced by a stern intensity.

"Report," he barked. After listening to the person on the other line for a while, Aiden finally dropped the phone and spoke.

"I need to make a stop," he said, his voice dripping with menace, which could be felt in the air, and all Alice could do was to nod.

After a 20 minute drive, their destination became clear as the sleek, modern facade of A Tech loomed before them. Aiden's technology empire sprawled across the city, its influence rivaling governments. The building's angular design and floor-to-ceiling windows exuded innovation and power.

As they stepped inside, Alice was enveloped by the hum of cutting-edge technology and hushed conversations. The atrium's lush greenery and minimalist art installations contrasted with the heavily fortified doors and discreet security personnel. Aiden guided Alice through the maze of corridors, their footsteps echoing off polished marble floors. Aiden stopped before a door hidden behind a tapestry. His key card beeped, and the door slid open, revealing a luxurious room adorned with minimalist art and plush furnishings.

"Wait here," he instructed, his tone brooking no argument. Alice's heart skipped a beat as the door closed behind him, enveloping her in solitude.

*****

Aiden stepped into his private elevator and ascended to the top floor, where his office awaited. Inside, a chilling scene unfolded. There was a man sitting at the center of the room, with his hands tied behind his back. He looked really old, maybe his late 50's. And he was not alone as there were four heavy bodies men standing across from him, their menacing presence suffocating. Aiden walked across the room and poured himself a glass of wine at the bar, his movements calculated and calm. He settled onto the white sofa in front of the captive, his eyes fixed on the quivering man.

"S-sir, I'm-I'm sorry, it won't happen again," the man stammered, but Aiden's raised hand silenced him.

With a sip of his wine, Aiden began, his voice icy and detached. "You should have known better than to cross me."

The old man pleaded, "It was a mistake, I promise!"

Aiden's expression remained unyielding. He gestured to his men, who swiftly activated the electric chair. The old man's body convulsed violently, his screams music to Aiden's ears.

Aiden's voice was a cold, calculated whisper, orchestrating a brutal punishment.

****

Meanwhile, down on the last floor, after waiting for about 20 minutes, Alice decided to search for Aiden. Following directions, she made her way to the top floor. As she approached the double doors, she hesitated, her hand poised to knock. But then, muffled screams echoed from within, growing fainter with each passing moment. The sound sent a chill down her spine.

Alice's curiosity got the better of her. She opened the door slightly.

When Alice stumbled upon the scene, her blood ran cold. She could see an old man being continually tourtued with a whip. His clothes have been torn to shreds, his body drenched in blood and his screams just made the scene more heartbreaking and scary. Her eyes slowly drifted to the mastermind who sat on the couch giving orders. She couldn't believe that this man could be so evil, she could finally understand the warnings of the maid now.

The man's pleas were weak, his voice barely audible. Her face suddenly got wet as she couldn't control her tears from pouring out. Aiden's order was calm and calculating. "Finish him off and dump his body wherever you see fit." He said before raising up. Immediately Alice saw him approaching, she quickly ran to the elevator. She pressed the button once, twice, trice, but the doors weren't opening and just then, Aiden opened the door and stepped out, his cold gaze immediately falling on the figure in front of him.

"Clean it up " he said to the man in front of him before stepping into his private elevator. The man watched as the door to the elevator closed before going into his boss's office to clean up yet another bloody scene. After making sure the coast was clear, Alice quickly came out from her hiding place and tried the elevator one more time and lucky for her, it actually opened this time. She hurriedly got in and pressed the button to the last floor. The elevator finally got to the bottom floor and Alice quickly stepped out and made her way to the waiting room where Aiden left her . She opened and door, got in and quickly closed them behind her. She let out a sigh trying to calm herself down as her heart kept beating non stop. But her body instantly tensed up upon hearing a deep, dark voice from behind.

"Where were you?" Aiden asked. She hurriedly turned around and found the demon sitting comfortably on the couch with his eyes locked completely on her.

"I-i-i.....I needed to use the restroom so-so I just stepped out to look for one" she stammered out of fear of being caught.

"But there is a restroom right over there, why didn't you use it" he said point at one the end of the room.

"I..." Her words got stuck as she watched him rise up from the sofa and started making his way towards her. "I didn't k- know" she managed to say, pressing her back to the door as he was too close to her.

"Let's go" he said to which she quickly nodded before they both headed out.

As they drove away, the tension was palpable. Aiden's voice was low and husky, probing for weaknesses. "You're trembling, Alice. What's wrong?"

Alice tried to hide her fear, but Aiden's words were a gentle prod, exposing her vulnerability. "I-I just need some fresh air," she stammered.

Aiden's smile was a slow, wicked curve. "I'll give you more than air, Alice. I'll give you a world of pleasure and pain."