Fiona's POV
Evening came fast.
Upstairs, I stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the tension of the day. But it didn't cleanse the weight of my mother's expectations. The suffocating reality of my mission.
By the time I stepped out, steam curled around me like a ghostly embrace.
Autopilot.
I dressed—a red crop top, black mini skirt, heeled boots. Bold. Confident. Untouchable.
Leaning toward the mirror, I applied my makeup with precision.
By day, I was the perfect soldier. By night, the night was mine.
A secret rebellion.
I slipped out onto the balcony, took a breath, then leapt down, landing smoothly.
A taxi ride later, I arrived at an upscale bar. Dim lighting. Plush seating. A soft hum of conversation. Perfect.
As I made my way inside, I felt it.
A stare.
Not admiration. Not casual interest.
Something heavier.
Settling into a seat at the bar, I traced the rim of my glass, gaze shifting subtly to the reflection in my drink.
And then—I saw him.
VIP section. Relaxed. Whiskey in hand.
Adrian Morreti.
My pulse spiked.
What the hell is he doing here?
His sharp blue eyes locked onto me.
Not just looking—seeing.
Layer by layer, as if peeling away the disguise with a single glance.
I forced my grip to relax on the glass. He doesn't know. He can't.
Adrian took a slow sip of whiskey. His gaze didn't waver.
And then—he smirked.
My stomach dropped.
My heart pounded against my ribs.
Shit.
I was in trouble.
Gulping down my drink, I ignored his gaze, letting the alcohol burn down my throat.
A presence shifted beside me.
"Hello, pretty," a man leered, his voice thick with sleaze.
I barely spared him a glance. "Vanesssaaa," I drawled, winking.
He practically swooned.
"Your name is as beautiful as you are."
Instantly, my mood soured.
"You done?" I deadpanned. "You can go."
His flirty grin faltered. I left him standing there, unimpressed.
As I turned—
I collided into someone.
Tall. Strong.
A firm grip caught my waist before I could stumble.
I looked up—
Captivating blue eyes.
Not Adrian's. But striking all the same.
"You okay?" His voice was deep, smooth.
I tried to step back, but his hold didn't loosen.
A frown tugged at my lips. "Sir, if you could let me go—"
"A pretty thing like you shouldn't be left alone," he interrupted, his grin wide. Too wide.
Unease prickled down my spine.
"Let me go," I said, voice sharper now.
He chuckled. "Come on, don't be like that, baby."
His breath reeked of whiskey and cheap cigars.
His fingers dug into my waist.
Too tight.
I swore I saw a fang.
No. Impossible.
I shook my head, blaming the alcohol for my imagination.
"Leave me alone!" I wrenched against his grip.
He only laughed.
Then—
"She said let her go. Are you deaf?"
A voice cut through the tension.
Cold. Lethal.
My breath caught.
I turned my head—
And met Adrian Morreti's piercing gaze.