The Siren's Contract

buried myself in tasks, the clatter of keyboards and the ringing of phones serving as my escape from thoughts of Adrian. I told

ast conversation over and over in my head. He had been so confident, so sure of himself. And then there was that moment

ndiest new restaurants in the city. I reluctantly agreed, thinking it would be a distraction

, surrounded by my friends who were eager to catch up. As we chatted over drinks, I felt my phone buzz on the ta

king about you. Ar

undeniable. I typed a quick response, trying to supp

t now. Out

nter and laughter. But as the night wore on, I found my thoughts drifting back to h

!" my friend Sophie's voice

sing back on th

chance," she said, a teasing glint in her eye. "He's cute, a

on't know what you're talking ab

eyes. "You can't fool me. I saw you bl

in my cheeks. I glanced around the table, grateful that the

if you keep denying it, you're going to

ion. Fun? That was the last thing on my mind. I had my career

. Each time my phone buzzed, my heart raced, but it was never Adrian. It was just work or other friends asking w

, needing a moment of solitude. I splashed water on my face, staring at my

heart sank as I caught sight of a familiar figure-a tall man with dark hair and an easy smi

acon, made my stomach churn. I turned to slip back into

she asked, her eyes nar

she grabbed my arm and drag

re going to talk to him,"

ess to something more serious when he saw me. "Valeria!" he exclaimed, breaking

o keep my expression neutra

eping over the women who were now watching us inte

t his words. "I'm not here for you," I shot bac

oward Sophie, who was smirking knowingly. "Are t

mbarrassment and annoyance. "They do

my spine. "If you say so. But you know, I'm not the

rls?" I gestured toward the women who were still watch

ession turning serious. "I don't c

hesitate. There was something raw and genuine there, somethin

sted, a determined gleam in his eye.

redulously. "You think I'm going

id with a shrug. "But I'd prefer it if

to say yes, to feel the thrill of adventure. But the other part screamed caution, reminding me that

self. "But just for a little while

he said, flashing that signature grin of hi

weight of anticipation settle in my chest. This was a bad

ing was certain: Adrian had found a way to breach the walls I had carefull

ian

ctious despite her initial resistance. I knew getting her alone would

kdrop of the night. Valeria's sharp wit and sass never failed to amuse me, and I w

ed, glancing up at me with a

leading her toward a quieter part

he said, her voice teasing but edged wi

said, smirking. "I'm

ty. The atmosphere was relaxed, with soft music playing in the background. I could see the tension in V

t?" I said, pouring her

he admitted, her defense

ge in my eyes. "To unexpecte