16. Dion
16
DION
I t’s been a week since I’ve spoken to Aria .
Seven days since I last saw her, felt her, was inside her.
She didn’t text me after meeting her fiancé, and I can’t help but wonder why she’s gone radio silent.
I asked her to let me know if she overheard something between her father and Andrew , but I’m guessing there was nothing out of the norm.
It’s also been a week of watching the footage of that man sneaking onto the ship to drop off the note.
I pick up the crumpled piece of paper, turning it over in my hands as if expecting answers to reveal themselves.
I lean back in my chair, frustration mounting as I realize I’m no closer to unraveling the mystery. Every angle I explore leads to more questions.
Andrew’s file is open in front of me, and I flip through each sheet obsessively, my eyes scanning every word, every line, searching for anything, any tiny detail that I could use against him. I know there must be something in here, some weakness I can exploit.
Xander has been looking into Andrew , but he keeps reaching dead ends. It’s like his family never existed.
All he was able to find was that his father is dead, leaving Andrew and his mother the sole survivors of his family lineage.
He’s the last of the Galanis name, which is probably why he’s so interested in getting married. Most likely in the hopes of having a son who will inherit Aria’s family’s business.
I pause for a moment, and stare at the photo of Andrew paper-clipped to the top of the file. His face stares back at me, calm and composed. He’s younger and more attractive than I thought he’d be, and I don’t know if that makes me feel better. The desire to punch that smug expression is strong. I imagine the satisfaction of feeling my knuckles connect with his jaw, releasing this pent-up rage.
The very thought of Aria marrying someone else and creating a family… I clench my fists, trying to contain the rage that threatens to consume me whole. But it’s futile.
I should be the one filling her with my children.
Patience . I can’t act on impulse, no matter how strong the urge. I need to find something concrete, something to bring him down. So , I force myself to return to the file, to keep searching, to keep digging. I won’t stop until I find what I’m looking for. Andrew won’t know what hit him.
My phone rings, distracting me from the firestorm brewing inside me.
“ Yes ,” I bark.
“ Christé mou. Who pissed in your coffee this morning?” Xander snaps back.
I rub my temples. I really need to get my fucking temper in check. But when it comes to Aria , I can’t control it.
I sigh. “ What is it?” I ask in a calmer tone, listening as he gives me an update.
My heart pounds like a drum in my chest. “ What the fuck?”
As I weave through the streets on my motorcycle, I can’t shake the feeling of urgency eating away at me.
Aria does hot yoga a couple times a week at a studio in the town square, right next to Black Bean café, a quaint coffee bar. It’s customary for her to stop in after a session. But she fucking went with Andrew today? I asked Xander to start monitoring her again the day after our forest meet-up.
After only a week of being engaged, they’re already doing normal couple activities. Fuck that .
Realization hits me like a ton of bricks— I’ve become completely obsessed with Aria . Every move she makes, every word she says. Having her tracked like some kind of stalker. Still , I don’t give a damn, and I won’t apologize for it.
When I pull up to the shop, I park my bike in front of the door, quickly dismounting and striding toward the entrance.
If Aria thinks she can replace me, she has another thing coming. I’ll make sure to be a constant presence in her life, in her thoughts. She’ll never get rid of me. I refuse to fade into the background of her life. Every fiber of my being is determined to make sure she doesn’t forget me.
As I push open the door to the café, the scent of freshly brewed coffee hits me, distracting me. My eyes scan the room, searching for a familiar face—and there she is, engrossed in conversation with him , the sound of her laughter somehow reaching me. Seeing her so content should make me happy. Instead , it just stokes the flames of jealousy burning inside me.
Andrew leans into whisper something in her ear, and her smile widens. That’s when I notice the glint of the ring on her finger. It feels like a punch to the gut, and I struggle to contain the rage threatening to spill over. I can’t let my anger ruin the illusion of normalcy in public.
I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself before I approach the counter to order. I plaster on a fake smile and greet Anna , the barista.
“ Hey , you,” she says with a smile. “ Long time no see!”
I haven’t come to this side of town in a while. Ever since Ignatius died, I believe. We’ve been too preoccupied.
“ I know. It’s good to see you again, Anna . How’s your son?”
“ He’s great. He joined the Little League , so I’ve been busy!”
After a few short minutes of conversation, Anna hands me my coffee. I turn around, just as Aria’s eyes meet mine.
Her expression shifts from delight to shock in an instant, like she’s seen a ghost. Her fiancé follows her gaze, his brows furrowed in confusion.
Aria’s mouth opens and closes, though no words come out. Her eyes dart between me and Andrew , guilt and discomfort written all over her face.
I turn away without acknowledging her and seat myself at a table across the room.
From the corner of my eye, I see Aria continue to sneak glances at me. Andrew shoots her a puzzled look before turning his attention back to me. I’m picturing pulling out my gun and shooting him right between the eyes, his bloodied body slumping on the table.
Aria’s eyes widen as if reading my mind, and casts Andrew a quick, panicked glance before composing herself.
He murmurs something, but I can’t catch even a snippet of their hushed conversation, the ambient noise of the café drowning out their words.
If he suspects anything, he doesn’t show it. And it’s better that way because it’s taking every ounce of effort in me to not march over there, kill him, then drag Aria out over my shoulder.
I pull out my phone and send her a text.
Me: Tell him to leave or I’m crashing your little date.
Her gaze flickers toward her phone, and I can sense her hesitation to check her messages, perhaps not wanting to seem suspicious in front of Andrew .
When she finally unlocks her screen, her brows knit together, and discomfort crosses her features. I can almost feel the tension radiating from her as she quickly puts down her phone, pretending like nothing happened.
There’s a subtle shift in her demeanor as she continues her conversation. She’s a bit more guarded now, a bit less at ease.
I text her again.
Me: I’m giving you 30 seconds, Aria.
I’ve been trying to keep calm. But right now, anger bubbles up inside me, threatening to overflow.
Aria reads my message, her eyes widening. Without hesitation, she springs up from the table, a sense of determination in her movements. She exchanges a few quick words with Andrew , their expressions serious, before they both head toward the door.
As Aria rushes out, her phone clutched tightly in her hand, I seize the opportunity to send another message.
Me: Go your separate ways and meet me in the back alley.
I can’t help the pang of jealousy as I observe Andrew bending down to give Aria a tender kiss on the cheek. She smiles at him. Then , he leaves, crossing the street and disappearing into the distance as Aria continues down the sidewalk.
After a few moments, I decide it’s time to follow suit. I leave the café, my anticipation growing as I make my way to the back alley. I lean against the brick wall, my eyes scanning the area, eagerly awaiting Aria’s arrival.
The sound of footsteps echoing against the pavement signals her approach. My heart quickens when I catch sight of her.
She finally reaches the spot where I stand, a mixture of confusion and anger in her eyes.
“ I got your message, loud and clear,” she spits. “ What the fuck is wrong with you? How did you even know I was here?”
“ I’ve told you once before, I know everything.”
“ Are you stalking me?”
“ No . I’m just keeping an eye on you.”
Aria’s expression shifts to one of shock, her mouth opening. “ That’s the same fucking thing, Dion . How dare you?”
“ Someone might be following you. Given the threats I received, I’m trying to be vigilant.”
She scoffs. “ So , you thought showing up to the coffee shop where I was with my fiancé was being vigilant ?”
“ I’m trying to protect you. And what the fuck is this?” I seethe, grabbing her left hand and gesturing at her engagement ring.
Aria jerks her hand back and crosses her arms. “ Andrew has been nothing but nice to me.”
“ So , being nice is enough for you?”
She grits her teeth in frustration. “ That’s not the fucking point!”
“ Then , what is it? Just a week ago, I was buried inside this.” I reach over and palm her pussy. She tries to push me away. “ And now you’re playing the doting fiancé? Come on, Aria .”
We might be out in broad daylight, but this back alley is hidden and secluded.
My chest heaves as I stare into her eyes. I want to kiss her so fucking badly.
Aria laughs. “ Are you fucking jealous?” she asks, in a mocking tone.
“ Well , it sure looked like you were cozy and comfortable in there,” I spit, closing the distance between us, and I push her against the brick wall. I reach for the handle of my handgun and pull it out of my belt. Aria gasps, her gaze meeting mine.
With a swift motion, I press the muzzle against her throat, the pressure of the barrel making her gulp.
“ If you think you can get rid of me that easily, try again, little liar,” I murmur into her ear.
Her breath catches in her throat, and I wrap my palm around it, squeezing until she struggles to inhale. I pin her further against the wall, lifting her off the ground. She scratches at my hands to let her go, but instead, I lean in and crash my lips against hers.
I place the gun back in my waistband and reach between her legs, shoving her panties to the side with two fingers, connecting with her warmth. She lets out a strangled moan. Pushing past her wet folds, I press my digits into her pussy. Her entire body freezes at the intrusion.
My grasp on her neck is still strong, her gurgles mixing with her whimpers.
“ I hope you choke as I’m fucking you with my fingers, astéri mou . The air you breathe is mine,” I begin, my voice low. “ Your every inhale and exhale are bound to me,” I add, shoving my digits deeper into her warm hole, eliciting a cry from her. “ Your oxygen, your life—it all belongs to me.”
My grip tightens slightly around Aria’s throat, and I feel her struggle beneath me. Panic flickers in her eyes as she’s losing too much air. Her movements become frantic, her attempts to pry my fingers away grow desperate.
But I can’t stop.
Something dark within me drives me forward, a primal urge that drowns out reason.
A sickening thrill I can’t deny myself.
Her body grows weaker, and I let her go, still pinning her to the wall.
She gasps for air, finally able to take in a full breath. Her eyes widen in fear, but there’s something else there too—arousal.
My fingers keep up with the ministrations until her legs start to shake, her entire body withering in my grasp.
Aria shouts, her eyes rolling back, and I don’t care if anyone hears. I can’t tear my gaze from the sight.
When she finally comes down from the orgasm, I kiss her hard, nipping at her bottom lip, and she squeals. A droplet of blood forms, and I lick it clean.
Aria shudders, and I press myself between her legs, letting her feel my hardened cock.
“ You’re fucking mine, Aria . Never forget that. No matter how hard you try to play house with your fiancé, you’ll always belong to me.”
I put her down, and she takes several breaths to compose herself.
I trail kisses down her neck, inhaling after every peck, getting high on her scent. “ Do you know how badly I wanted to blow his brains out in that café and fuck you over the table in his blood?” Her breath hitches. Bending to my knees, I slip my hands up her skirt and grab handfuls of her plump ass.
I’m transfixed by the sight of Aria’s long, slender legs. They seem to stretch on for miles, and I just want them wrapped around my waist as I drill into her perfect pussy.
She gasps for air when my mouth connects with her mound over her panties.
“ Fuck , astéri mou . You look like a little slut in this skirt. You shouldn’t wear clothes like this around me. It makes me feral.” I let out a growl. “ I’ve been hungry for your cunt ever since I first tasted you,” I say, placing kisses along her inner thighs. “ I want to devour you.”
Aria shoves my head away and closes her legs. “ Fuck ! We can’t keep doing this,” she hisses in a panic. “ Especially not here in broad daylight. Anyone could see us.”
“ Isn’t that part of the fun?” I tease.
The hint of a scowl forms on her brow. “ Stop .”
“ Please .” Pushing her wet panties to the side again, I let my nose trail her clit, and her knees buckle. “ I’m begging you, baby. Let me have the honor of tasting you again.”
I don’t know who I am anymore. Begging ?
A moan escapes her lips and her fingers tangle in my hair, a half-assed attempt to push me away and pull me closer.
“ I’m dying here, Riri baby,” I breathe against her pussy, her skin erupting in goosebumps.
Her resolve begins to crack, the lines of tension on her face softening. Though Aria is strong-willed, determined to stand her ground against me, I know she can’t resist this thing—this pull —between us.
Her shoulders surrender, the hesitation in her gaze dissipating as she meets mine.
She pushes her hips toward me, giving me the go-ahead to bury my face in her folds. And I do just that. I lap my tongue around her clit, hitting where she’s most sensitive with every circle.
Aria bucks to meet my mouth, moaning in ecstasy as I eat her pussy like it’s the most delectable dessert.
Flattening my tongue, I lick from her entrance all the way up her mound and her body quivers.
“ Yes , baby,” she moans, and I lose it. Hearing her call me baby unleashes something within me.
I pull out my dick from its confines and tug on it at an assaulting pace. I can’t stand the pressure anymore. My own limbs tingle, responding to every pull.
I’m completely lost in the moment, consumed by Aria’s taste and smell.
I suck on her clit until she begins to cry out, and it sends a shiver down my spine.
“ Ah , fuck!” she shouts as she rides my face, and I feel myself losing control along with her.
We both climax, surrendering to the blissful chaos. I release onto the brick wall and asphalt as Aria comes in my mouth.
I keep lapping at her folds for a few moments and then stand up, grab Aria by the nape and pull her into me, letting her taste herself on my lips.
Eventually , we pull away, our foreheads pressed together as we breathe into each other.
“ What are we going to do?” Aria mutters, her voice trembling with emotion. Her usual vibrant energy is replaced by a hollow emptiness, her eyes dulled and distant.
I exhale heavily.
“ What we’ve been doing all this time, astéri mou. ”
“ But for how long?” Her despair is palpable, hanging in the air like a dark cloud.
“ Not much longer,” I reply, burying her in my arms.
And I mean it.