Chapter 2: Web of Deceit

My head throbs with a dull ache, a telltale sign of a concussion. As I struggle to clear the fog, I take stock of my surroundings. The eerie silence and biting chill send a shiver down my spine. But it's the crushing realization that I have no idea where I am that sends my heart racing into panic mode.

Waking up in someone's bed was never part of my plan, especially after last night's events. I thought I'd be lucky to make it out alive, let alone find myself in a luxurious room like this. The opulent interior, adorned with only black and brown hues, screams wealth and extravagance.

My thoughts are interrupted by the door creaking open, and the man from last night enters, his chiseled body glistening with droplets of water, his towel hanging precariously low, showcasing his defined V-line. I can't help but squeeze my legs together, my heart racing with anticipation. 

He speaks in a soft, gentle tone, his words tinged with a hint of a Russian accent. The low, husky sound of his voice sends a thrill through me, stirring desires I can't ignore. 

"You're awake,"he says, his words dripping with a sensual intensity that leaves me breathless and wanting.

My thoughts are soon distributed by the sound of his voice , his eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity. "My name's Viktor and we're going to play a game, Ava. You see, l've been watching you, and I know your secrets."

Making my heart race as he stepped closer, his voice dripping with seduction, first of all how does he know my name "Are you ready to uncover the truth, or will you remain a pawn in their game?"

With that,he leaves the room going into what looks like a closet, leaving me with only the sound of my own ragged breathing. What secrets did Viktor hold? Infact how does he know anything, and what lay in store for me in this mysterious game?

 Viktor emerges dressed to impress in a sleek black suit, his polished shoes gleaming in the light. He exudes a captivating aura, his scent enticing and irresistible. He looks utterly delectable, like a treat for the eyes and senses. He stood before me, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "Let's begin," he whispered, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity.

He reached out, his hand brushing against mine.

A jolt of electricity ran through my body, and l felt a strange connection to him, as if our hearts were beating in tandem. "The game is simple," Viktor continued, his voice low and husky. "You must uncover the truth about your family's past, about the cartel's true intentions, and about your own destiny." My mind racing as Viktor's words hung in the air. What secrets lay hidden in my family's past?

And what did Viktor know that l didn't?

With that, the room began to spin, and l felt myself being pulled into a world of mystery and intrigue, where nothing was as it seemed, and the only thing constant was Viktor's piercing gaze.

Without a word, Viktor turned and strode to the far corner of the room. He pulled a wooden drawer, revealing a file . I eyed him as he pulled it out and tossed it over to me, l opened the file and took out the picture inside. It was an image of my father, standing alongside a man l didn't recognize. They were in a lavish office, surrounded by symbols of wealth and power. But it was the look in her father's eyes that sent a chill down her spine a look of desperation, of fear. "What is this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Viktor's eyes never left mine. "This, Ava, is the truth. Your family's empire was built on lies, on blood and sweat. And you, my dear, are the key to it all."

I went through the file, revealing more images, more secrets. My mind reeled as l struggled to comprehend the web of deceit that surrounded me, what is this, what l'm l looking at . I feel like l'm drowning, suffocating under the weight of my family's secrets.

And yet, Viktor's words were like a lifeline, pulling me back from the brink. This all makes me feel a spark of determination ignite within me, a resolve to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

Viktor's eyes gleamed with an intense light as he drew closer, his voice low and husky. "You see, Ava, your family's empire is built on sand, and I'm the storm that will bring it crashing down."

he reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of my jaw making my heart race "But don't worry, I'll be there to catch you when you fall."

Everything seems to be closing in on me l feel trapped in a web of secrets and lies, with Viktor as my only escape. Without another word, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving me to follow him. We wound through the labyrinthine corridors, finally emerging into a grand foyer.

Could help my eyes widen as l took in the opulence of Viktor's home. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting rainbow hues across the marble floor.

Viktor led me through the foyer, into a dimly lit lounge. The room was filled with people, their faces familiar from the Russian Mafia's inner circle. There was Sergei, Viktor's second-in-command his eyes cold and calculating. And a handful of other men, their gazes hard and unyielding. As l entered, the room fell silent. All eyes were on me, their gazes weighing me, measuring my worth. Viktor's hand tightened around mine, pulling me close. "Don't worry, Ava," he whispered. "You're under my protection now. No one will harm you."

He makes me feel things l can't explain why is this happening to me, l shouldn't be feeling this way about him not to mention he kidnapped me. He's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with an intensity that left me breathless. If we'd meet in different circumstances l'd totally fuck this man.