1. Marriage

They say there is a line between good and evil. I say it's not a line but the abyss; the only way to find the truth is to jump into the abyss.

"Valeska Rhodes, focus; we have to finish this task before someone finds us." My best friend Mio scolded me with a glare. I shot my glare back at her.

"My dearest friend, you called me late at night to the club to hide a freaking body. It's your fault." I said sarcastically. 

"Work, baby; I am not a rich bitch like you."

"Then do your damn work and don't drag me into it."

"Thanks, babe, I appreciate the help," Mio said, completely ignoring my words. A smile played on her pretty face.

Mio, my best friend here is an assassin—not just a normal one but a famous one. She killed a dude, and I got caught up here just because I am her best friend, and best friends are supposed to help each other. Mio took it seriously. That's why you should never trust your best friend; they might turn out to be killers.

"You told me to come here to have fun, and this is what I found myself in," I said, annoyed.

"Come on, Val, this is fun. Besides, we can drink later; I will pay." Mio said.

Rolling my eyes, I helped her drag the body into the back of the club. Throwing the body in the garbage, we leaned on the nearby wall to catch our breath. The moon isn't in the sky; thankfully, it made our work easier since there isn't light behind the club. Mio's phone rings, gaining our attention. I pressed my palm on my chest to calm my racing heart. Great. She excused herself and left me alone at the back of the club. At least no one found us.

I felt eyes on me, watching me closely. I glance in the direction, finding nothing but complete darkness. I shake my head. I must be imagining things. There can't be anyone here since the backdoor isn't accessible to just anyone. Being the mafia Princess of the Rhodes territory gives me a pretty privilege.

Mio came back after finishing her talk. Most probably reporting back to her boss. We walked back inside the club to enjoy the rest of our night. Mio pulled me straight to the dance floor and started swaying to the loud music. Since the place had pink and blue lights, I was able to slip without her noticing. Unlike her, I don't enjoy such things. I don't dance. 

Two arms slipped around my waist, preventing me from walking away further. A hard chest pressed against my back, making me stiff. Before I could give them a piece of my mind, I felt a gun pressing on my back. 

"Don't move, or I'll kill you right here." The person said it in a deep voice. I tried to form a plan.

"What do you want?" I questioned.

"You should be careful while hiding the body." They whispered, making a shiver run down through the back of my spine. My instinct was right; someone had seen me and Mio while getting rid of a body.

"What do you want?" I ask again.

"Your death." He whispered, sending goosebumps throughout my body. 

The person pressed me closer to him, and I felt his breath on the back of my neck, making me feel tingles. I placed my palm on his palm which was resting on my waist and felt a cold silver ring on his thumb and middle finger. He pulled his hand away and pushed me forward, causing me to bump into a couple. I apologized to them quickly and turned around to find the person, but he was already gone. I checked around, trying to find him. A pair of eyes stared at me through the crowd, causing me to snap my head in that direction, finding nothing.

Who was he?

Mio caught me again, and worry came to her face seeing my panic on my face. She took me away, where we could talk without disturbance.

"What happened?" She asked me.

"There was a guy who claimed to see us hiding the body," I said in a low tone. Her eyes widened a little bit.

"That's the bad thing. Where did you see him?"

"He was gone before I could see his face."

"Dang it. You need to go back home. I have to clean up this mess."

"I will help you."

"No, it's fine. It's my fault; I will handle it. Besides, you need to be at home or your grandfather will be mad."

Reluctantly, I nod at her. Hugging her, I drove back to my home. I tiptoed my way in, not wanting anyone to find me sneaking in late at night. My gaze landed on Dani who was waiting for me in the living room with his usual emotionless face. His brown eyes met mine, causing me to straighten up. Dani and I grew up together. He is older than me. My grandfather adopted him after the death of my parents. He checked the time and nodded at me.

"You came pretty early and also had no guards." He said sarcastically.

"It's all Mio's fault. Blame it on her." I said.

"That's the answer you will give to your grandfather." He raised his eyebrows.

"He came back early. Oh no." I panicked.

After my parent's death, he had gotten a lot more overprotective. He didn't allow me to go out without any guards today. Luckily, he was out, so I sneaked out alone. Dani's face betrayed nothing.

"I covered it up for you. You own me," he replied with his lips forming a smirk.

"Oh, thanks." I broke out in relief.

"Well, then sleep; you have a big day tomorrow."

He walked away without giving me more information. I stare at his retreating figure, thinking about his words. I guess he was talking about school.

_____

The next morning, I found Grandfather in the living room with Dani, discussing something. I halted my steps when someone entered the living room getting my attention. I turned around, meeting the grey eyes of the person that I would never want to see. Muscular build, short charcoal black hair, tanned skin, and a handsome face that can make anyone swoon, but not me. Ryker Romano. Son of our rival and known as a notorious heir of Romano. His gaze was blank as he gazed at me. I hide my surprise.

"Rhodes." He said with no emotion visible in his tone.

"What are you doing here? How did you get in?" I demand.

"Ask your Grandfather." He said. He took a seat on the sofa, ignoring my astonishment. I glanced at my grandfather, and he nodded at me.

"I and Romano made a deal to prevent further war and to ensure peace." Grandfather explained.

"What kind of deal?" I ask with doubt. I bet this won't end well.

"You and Ryker will be married once you turn eighteen."

My eyes widen as I stare at my grandfather. When my gaze lands on Ryker, I find him smirking at me. Dani, as usual, shows nothing. So that's what he meant by the big day. He should have warned me yesterday.

"And he agreed." I pointed an accusing finger at Ryker.

"Yes, Romano agreed. I want you to do the same thing." Grandfather said, ignoring my tone.

"You believe it's a good idea?"

"For now, yes. The war had done lots of damage, so we came to an agreement."

My face paled. Ryker smiled, enjoying my reactions.

"I know it's not what you want, but I hope you understand. You are our only hope." Grandfather said calmly.

I nod at him, understanding the situation. Married to prevent war, this is stupid. We will kill each other before our so called marriage. I wonder why Ryker even agreed because this person is a rebel and he won't do anything that he doesn't like. He is up to something.

"Alright but what is he doing here?" I ask.

"He will be living here for six months, so you can get to know each other. After six months, you will go with him." Grandfather explained.

Fuck. I have to get to know him. I had to live with Romano, who killed my parents. Damn it.

It means I have six months to prevent the marriage; I don't think Romano will let me stay alive once I enter their territory. Grandfather smiled at me.

"Since I explained it to you, how about you show Ryker around?" Grandfather said.

No. Please do not tell me to go with him. I glanced up at Dani for help, who didn't even look at me.

Great.