Page 3 of Forbidden Empire
The challenge in her tone sparked something in me, igniting a fire I couldn't ignore. Logic told me to focus on the danger Zeno posed, but all I could think about was her. The way she cocked her head just right, daring me to act and react. The way she moaned in my arms. The way it felt to fuck her unconscious.
But I couldn't fall into her web and give her the satisfaction.
"You have one chance," I warned, my voice low and lethal. "But if you cross me, Esme, you won't walk away this time."
I meant for my words to chill her, but instead, they seemed to fuel the tension between us. Her green eyes locked onto mine, daring me to push back.
We stood there staring, neither willing to back down.
In the end, I released her and took a step back, needing some space between us.
Her smirk returned victorious and infuriating. "Fair enough," she conceded.
"Meet me in my penthouse. You know the way."
She turned to leave, the fabric of her gown swaying with each step. But before she disappeared, she threw one last glance over her shoulder at me. "You'll thank me later," she called out.
I exhaled, my fingers curling into tight fists at my sides.
Circling Esme's orbit was always a risky move.
It was similar to playing with fire.
You were always close to getting burned, yet the temptation kept drawing you back.
One thing was certain: Esme Theodorus was going to make things very interesting.
Two
Esme
The moment I stepped into Aidoneus Erebus's penthouse, I sensed the energy of wealth and power. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the dazzling Vegas skyline, which shimmered more like false promises than real opportunities. Every piece of furniture in the apartment was sleek and dark, matching its owner's persona but with a hint of danger woven into its design. It was as if he wanted to remind anyone who entered that they were on his turf.
My heels clicking against the polished marble floors echoed through the large rooms. Art and sculptures decorated the space, making it welcoming yet intimidating, curated to evoke that feel. A whiskey decanter sat on a low table near a plush leather sofa, accompanied by two crystal glasses.
Was this his way of showing me that he would always be watching, always in control? This polished luxury felt more like a gilded cage.
I wandered through the living room, again drawn toward the floor-to-ceiling windows. As I looked out at the city lightsbelow, I couldn't help but wonder how many people down there understood the amount of power Aidon held from this very building. The thought sent shivers down my spine, both exciting and sobering at the same time. My fingers traced along the edge of the glass coffee table, considering what it would take to shatter its pristine surface. For a moment, I even entertained thoughts of doing something similar to Aidon himself.
But before I could dwell on those dangerous ideas any longer, a soft chime broke through the silence.
Following the signal, I headed to the bedroom that the butler indicated was mine. Inside, I found a folded set of clothes on the bed, my suitcases already unpacked, and my belongings organized in the drawers.
Aidon's efficiency was almost invasive, but I couldn't help but smirk. He thought he could control me by keeping me here, but little did he know I had learned to navigate his games long ago. The key was never letting him see me sweat.
I poured myself a glass of whiskey and headed to Aidon's office. If he wanted me under his roof, I might as well get comfortable. What better way to stake a claim on his territory than by making myself at home there?
As I walked down the hallway and entered his office, the warm, amber glow of the desk lamp cast long shadows across the room, enhancing its commanding presence. The massive black oak desk shone in the light, and I couldn't resist running my fingers along its edge, imagining all the deals and power plays that had taken place there.
A smile appeared on my lips as I relaxed into Aidon's chair, kicking up my feet on the desk. Its comfort was undeniable, and I could see why he favored it. From here, he had a clear view of his empire, monitoring everything.
I couldn't help but imagine Aidon's voice warning me to stay out of his space. He would hate to find me sitting in his chair,which made it more tempting to claim a bit of it myself. As I swirled the whiskey in my hand, soaking in the warmth of his office, I knew this was just another game between us, one that I intended to win.
The sound of the door opening behind me sent a jolt of adrenaline through my veins, but I didn't flinch. His dark eyes locked onto mine, unflinching and filled with that signature mix of irritation and intrigue.
The door swung shut with a decisive click, the sound sharp in the tense room. Aidon entered, his dark suit sharp and precise, every step deliberate and predatory. I watched him, noticing the tight lines of his posture and the narrowing of his eyes as they settled on me lounging in his chair.
"I see you've made yourself comfortable," he said, his voice quiet and tinged with annoyance.
