UNMASKING FATE

na. She emerged gracefully, her dress clinging to her figure, accentuating her curves. Her long,

Lucien instructed. "I hav

a luxurious sitting area. With a curt nod, he left them and strode to

nd focused. They began discussing the logistics of their next shipment, Their discu

hina. She was laughing with Mateo, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusemen

distraction. "Boss, something

," Lucien replied curtly.

s from drifting back to Seraphina. Her fierceness, her

raphina and Mateo. "Enjoying yourselves

er eyes challenging him, she didn't say anythin

pretence of needing fresh air. She walked with purpose, her heels clicking against

ce Lucien, her eyes filled with a mix of defiance and vulne

aze intense. "Why do I feel

ed faintly. "Ma

d it against his face, and he struggled for a moment before his body went limp. Seraphina's heart pounded in h

to a chair, his head throbbing. As he lifted his gaze, he saw Saraphina standing before him, holding a gun. Her l

espite the situation. "Sh

hough her heart raced. "I need y

e. "And you think this is the way t

ke it or not."Lucien leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers. "You'r

hen enlighten me."The tension in the air was palpable, their

w. "And why do you need

yes unwavering. "Becaus

but laugh. "You think

eplied. "Just for him to sign a contract f

ed. "And what makes you thi

price," she sa

, then back to her determined face. Her hair framed her fea

w can those small hands hold that h

ged at Seraphina, grabbing the gun and pinning her against the w

" Seraphina asked, sur

ack and accept the marriage your father arranged

Lucien Salvatore? He's the only one who can help me out of this me

She walked out into the dark street, the rain starting to pour

ders hunched against the cold. Lucien's car passed her, and

shouted, the rain mi

uilt gnawed at him. He finally stopped the car and got out, searching

off her," Lucien growle

ed, sneering

se, brutal efficiency. Seraphina watched in awe and fear

rned to Seraphina. "Bob," she whi

ng perfectly against his. He carried her ba

urmured as he drove, his resolv

her inside, not bothering to hide the concern on his face. As he placed her gently

eyes still fierce despite her ex

a hand through his hair

mple," she

"You want to marry Lucien Salvatore? Fine. But know t

't flinch. "I

is eyes remained serious

as palpable. Neither was willing to back down, and both

xpression a mixture of contemplation and resolve. The room s

began, his voice low and measured. "You'll

with excitement. "So, wi

ing at the corner of his mouth. "No. Lucie

t waver. "That's fine. As lo

stepped closer, the space between them almost non-exis

tly. "I'll do whatever it takes to get out of my f

h a mix of amusement and danger. "And what make

s inches apart. "I don't have

her ear. The touch was gentle but the look in his eyes w

r eyes locked on his.

ith unspoken words and hidden meanings. Lucien's ha

ous game," he murmured,

into a slight smile. "I'

sound low and menac

s lightly grazing his hand

s hand dropping to his side.

voice unwavering. "Bu

moment, and then he stepped back, breaking the te

eyes still challenging

way. "Remember, Seraphina. Once you sig

ast time, her expressi

he was getting involved with. Seraphina watched him go, her heart pounding with a mix of excite