Bonus Chapter
I hid in the shadows of the palm trees, watching the two women on the beach.
The air was warm and salty, with waves crashing softly on the shore.
My job was simple. Grab the girl named Aurelia.
She was the target. Marcus had sent me to this fancy island resort to take her.
No questions asked. I'd done jobs like this before.
Quick, clean, in and out. But tonight felt different. I didn't know why yet.
I crouched low, my black mask covering my face, gloves on my hands.
My heart beat steady, like always before a grab.
Aurelia sat on the porch first, looking worried.
She had dark hair in a messy bun and pale skin.
She pulled her knees up, staring at the sea.
I knew from the photos she was Keith's girl.
That's why she was important. Leverage, probably.
Then, footsteps. Another woman came out. She walked with confidence, like she owned the place. Dark hair falling over her shoulder, straight and smooth, framing her face just right. I froze. Who was she? I hadn't planned for this. But as she sat next to Aurelia, I couldn't look away.
She had a striking beauty, the kind that hits you hard.
Her face was sharp and sculpted, like it was carved by someone who knew what perfection looked like.
High cheekbones, prominent and strong, giving her a sleek oval shape that was symmetrical and elegant.
Her eyes were almond-shaped, expressive that caught the fading light.
They were intense, alluring, pulling me in even from afar.
Full lips, well-defined, added a soft touch to her sharp features.
She was slim and tall, with long legs that moved gracefully.
Her posture was natural, elegant, like a dancer ready to strike.
My breath caught. I'd never seen anyone like her.
In my line of work, I met all kinds. Tough guys, scared girls, rich fools.
But her? She was different. Fierce, but beautiful.
I felt a pull, deep in my gut. Obsession hit me fast, like a wave crashing over.
Who was she? Why was she here? I wanted to know everything.
Her name, her story, why she walked like that.
I wanted her. At any cost. If I had to fight the world, I'd take her.
They talked, but I didn't hear much. The dark-haired woman, Zora, I think Aurelia called her, put an arm around her.
Her voice was strong, comforting. I edged closer, hidden in the foliage.
Zora's hair looked tousled from the breeze, making her even more dramatic.
I imagined running my fingers through it.
Stop, I told myself. Focus on the job. But my eyes stayed on her.
On the beach, they walked slow. Zora kicked a shell, her long legs stretching.
Her body moved with grace, slim and tall.
I wanted to grab her instead of Aurelia.
But the plan was plan. Still, my mind raced.
After I take Aurelia, maybe I come back for Zora.
She was mine now, in my head. I'd do anything to have her.
The air got cooler. Stars came out. They rounded a bend. Now was my chance. I lunged from the trees, fast and strong. Grabbed Aurelia's arm, yanked her back. My gloved hand over her mouth. She screamed, muffled. Panic in her eyes. Easy.
But Zora spun around like lightning. Her almond eyes widened, then narrowed. Intense. Alluring even in anger. She charged at me, fist flying. Cracked my jaw hard. Pain shot through, but I liked it. "Get off her, you bastard!" she yelled.
Her voice was husky, sharp. It sent a thrill down my spine.
She was fierce. Trained, too. Her fingers dug into my arm, twisting.
I shrugged her off, shoved her back. She stumbled into the sand but rolled up quick.
Graceful. Her chest heaved, lips parted.
Full and soft-looking. I wanted to kiss them.
She circled me, stance low. Lethal. "Who the fuck are you?" she demanded. Venom in her tone, but something hot underneath. Like a challenge.
I stayed silent. My eyes locked on hers through the mask slits. She punched again, aiming for my throat. Fast. I dodged left, our bodies brushing. Close. Her heat hit me. I felt her breath hitch. Mine did too.
She kicked high, boot to my knee. Crack. Pain exploded, but I took it. Grunted low. It sounded like amusement to me. Her leg buckled me a bit, but I pivoted, using Aurelia as a shield. My hand near Zora's hip, almost touching. I wanted to pull her close. Get as near as possible.
Aurelia struggled, elbow to my ribs. I tightened my grip. But Zora charged again. Her fierce grin with triumph and something else. Temptation. My scarred lip quirked under the mask. She was perfect.
Her next kick hit my face. Mask cracked at the mouth. Sharp lines split. Blood seeped. I staggered, but my eyes stayed on her. She heaved, grinning fierce. Equal parts win and tease.
I recovered quick. Grabbed her ankle mid-air as she overextended, the movement reckless.
I yanked her close. For a second, she was flush against me, her breath brushing my jaw.
Her punch to my gut sank deep like a blade.
I released her with a shove, gentle, not to hurt.
Never to hurt her. She sprawled in the sand, but she was up fast, eyes blazing with a dangerous fire. Hate and hunger mixed.
"Come on, you coward," she taunted, her voice like silk and steel. Her hips swayed a bit as she circled, a deliberate temptation. Provocative. It unhinged me.
I ignored it, or tried. I dragged Aurelia toward the trees, the shadows swallowing us. But my head tilted to her voice again. My jaw flexed. Her words hooked me deep like a snare. Aurelia clawed my arm with frantic fingers. Useless.
Zora was on me again. A boot to my side, impact sharp. Thud. A real grunt from me. Low, guttural.
I released Aurelia for a split second. She bolted, but I lunged, caught her arm, spun her back with practiced precision.
Zora kicked her knee into my thigh, then drove an elbow into my ribs, sharp hits, pure force.
I barely flinched. Blocked, my hands brushing her skin.
Touches in disguise but dangerous contact.
"Let her go!" She shouted. Her punch tore my mask wider, revealing my lip curled in a half-smile. I caught her wrist, my thumb on her pulse, the racing rhythm matching mine. Eyes locked. Fast beat. Like mine.
Our bodies clashed close. Anger turning to something else. I hauled her against my chest. Arm around her throat. Not to kill. To hold. Whispered in her ear, low and rough. "We’re not done. I’ll see you soon."
Her eyes widened. Fury to shock. But before she reacted, I jabbed the syringe into her neck. Needle deep. She went rigid, then limp. Slumped in my arms. Unconscious. Her body in the sand like a puppet cut loose.
Aurelia screamed "No!" Lunged for her. I grabbed Aurelia, arm around her waist. Hand over her mouth. Syringe ready. She kicked and clawed. Nails on my arm. But I was stronger. Needle to her neck. Cold fire in. She gasped "Let me go," before she slumped.
I stood there, breathing hard. Aurelia limp at my feet.
But my eyes were on Zora. Her dark hair spread in the sand.
Face peaceful now. Sharp features soft in sleep.
I knelt and touched her cheek. Smooth. Warm.
Obsession burned hotter. She fought like a warrior.
Beautiful. Graceful. I had to have her. At any cost. The job was Aurelia.
But Zora? She'd be my prize. My possession.