~~~Aria~~~
I stood before the mirror, mesmerized by my reflection. My long, dark hair cascaded down my back like a waterfall of night, and my deep green eyes sparkled like emeralds, accentuating the subtle makeup that highlighted my features. I wore a stunning dinner gown, a relic of my past life with Axel, and felt a pang of nostalgia mixed with determination.
As I prepared to head out to the arcade, a thrill of excitement coursed through my veins. I booked an Uber and arrived within minutes, my heart racing with anticipation. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere – the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking glasses created a cacophony that was both overwhelming and exhilarating.
I scanned the room, my eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. The arcade was divided into sections, each with its own unique energy. Young adults gathered around video games and arcade classics, their faces aglow with excitement. Nearby, a group of men engaged in a high-stakes game of poker, their expressions tense and focused.
My gaze drifted toward the VIP section, guarded by two imposing men who seemed to radiate an aura of power and exclusivity. I knew that's where I'd find the real prizes – the expensive jewelry, watches, and other luxury items that would make my night worthwhile.
With a deep breath, I did what I did best – I blended in, observing and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. I snatched a worker's card, using it to gain access to the VIP section.
As I entered the inner sanctum, I was struck by the opulence that surrounded me. The room was larger than I'd expected, with tables scattered throughout, each occupied by men who exuded confidence and wealth.
That's when I saw him – a man who seemed almost otherworldly in his beauty. His chiseled features, piercing eyes, and long hair made him look like a demigod, and I felt my heart skip a beat. For a moment, I forgot why I was there, forgot about the thrill of the hunt, and simply stared.
"Control yourself, Aria," a voice whispered in my head, snapping me back to reality. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I had a job to do.
I spotted one of the women who'd been seated with a billionaire, now heading toward the bathroom. I quickly intercepted her, apologizing for the intrusion.
"Hey, bitch, what did you do that for?" she snapped, her eyes flashing with anger.
I offered a disarming smile, and she relaxed slightly. "I'm so sorry, I just wanted to ask a few questions if you don't mind."
Her expression softened, and she nodded. "Who's that man over there?" I asked, gesturing toward the handsome stranger.
Her eyes followed my gaze, and a knowing smile spread across her face. "Oh, you mean him? That's Zeyden, Zeyden Jenkins, popularly known as Zeus. He's one of the city's most eligible bachelors...or rather, he would be if he weren't married."
A shiver ran down my spine as I listened, my mind racing with possibilities. I thanked her for the information, handing her a hundred-dollar bill, which she accepted with a smile.
"Good luck," she said, her voice laced with amusement, as if she knew a secret I didn't.
I smiled, tucking the knowledge away, my eyes drifting back to Zeus, the man who'd captured my attention. Little did I know, our paths would cross again, and the consequences would be far more than I could have ever imagined.
I took a deep breath, my heart racing with anticipation, as I sat at the corner, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. That moment arrived minutes later, when Zeus finished playing for the day, having won a substantial amount. As he prepared to leave, I sprang into action, confidence coursing through my veins.
"Heading somewhere?" I asked, deploying one of my most charming smiles. Zeus's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing, but a hint of amusement danced on his lips.
"And you are?" His deep, calm voice sent a shiver down my spine.
"Aria, Aria Mchenry," I replied, extending my hand for a handshake. However, Zeus merely regarded me with a condescending glance, his eyes glinting with amusement, and I withdrew my hand, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.
"Why are you here?" he asked, his voice firm, as he gestured to his guards, who began to close in on me.
"I just want to play," I said, a smirk playing on my lips, as I took a seat opposite him.
The game was intense, with both of us evenly matched. However, Zeus's skills proved superior, and I watched in dismay as he won hand after hand, my entire stash of cash disappearing into thin air.
As Zeus rose to leave, I felt a pang of desperation. I had to act fast. Without thinking, I flung my arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. "Great game" I said, My fingers deftly lifted the credit card from his suit pocket.
For a moment, I felt elated, a thrill of triumph coursing through my veins. However, my euphoria was short-lived. Zeus's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, as he grabbed my wrists, revealing the stolen credit card.
"You weren't just here to play poker, were you?" His voice was low, menacing, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "Take her," he ordered.
My lips faltered, my mind racing for an excuse. However, before I could utter a word, Zeus's guards closed in, sweeping me off my feet. I found myself tossed over one of their shoulders, my pleas and apologies falling on deaf ears.
As I was bundled into the limo, I caught a glimpse of Zeus's face, his eyes blazing with anger and betrayal. My heart sank, realizing I had underestimated him. I was in trouble, and I had no idea how to escape.
"Oh Aria, it seems you ran out of luck today." The voice in my head echoed, a haunting reminder of my predicament. I squeezed my eyes shut, fear clawing at my chest like a wild animal.
As I lay there, helpless and trapped, my mind began to reel with worst-case scenarios. What would Zeus do to me? Would he call the police, or take matters into his own hands? The uncertainty was suffocating, making my breath come in short, panicked gasps.
I strained my ears, listening for any sound that might indicate what fate had in store for me. The hum of the limo's engine, the muffled voices of Zeus's guards - every noise seemed amplified, making my heart pound in my chest.
Suddenly, the limo door swung open, and I was dragged out into the cool night air. I stumbled, my heels scraping against the pavement as I was pulled toward a sleek, black building. The sign above the entrance read "Jenkins Tower" - Zeus's headquarters.
A chill ran down my spine as I realized I was in his territory now. I was at his mercy, and I had no idea what he had planned for me.