Fated In Shadows
The Auction
Unknown Number
📱Item #27 is on stage. Do we proceed?
Leo's fingers tighten around his glass of whiskey. His men know better than to ask twice. He leans forward in his private booth, eyes locked on the screen broadcasting the underground auction.
And that's when he sees her.
Not just any girl. His girl
The one he lost years ago.
But she isn't a trembling victim. No, Serena Vale is standing in the middle of a criminal auction, her chin lifted in defiance, her gaze daring anyone to bid on her.
A slow smirk 😏 tugs at Leo's lips.
Leonardo De Luca
No bids. Just take her.
Unknown Number
That's against protocol -----
Leonardo De Luca
Do I look like I care?
Down below, the auctioneer raises his gavel, and Serena's fate is about to be sealed.
But before the first bid can be called, the room erupts in Chaos--- because Leonardo De Luca doesn't bid.
The Monster from Her Past
Serena Vale
💬 Where the hell am I?
The walls are sleek. The air smells of leather and expensive whiskey. The moment she opens her eyes, she realizes--she isn't at the auction anymore.
A deep, husky voice slices through the silence.
Leonardo De Luca
You're in my house.
Her body stiffens. That voice. That damn voice. It's rougher now, deeper. But she'd recognize it anywhere.
Slowly, she turns, and there he is---sitting in a black leather chair like he owns the world.
Serena Vale
Let me guess. You're my new owner?
He chuckles, but there's no humor in it.
Leonardo De Luca
I don't buy people, Serena.
Serena Vale
Then why the hell am I here?
Leo stands. The air shifts. He moves with an effortless grace, but she knows what he is now--a predator.
Leonardo De Luca
Because you're mine.
Her heart slams against her ribs.
This isn't the boy she lost.
Caged Fire
Serena Vale
You think you can just claim me?
Leonardo De Luca
I don't think. I know.
He smirks, stepping closer, too close.
Leonardo De Luca
Been there, angel. Didn't like the view.
Serena clenches her fists, her breath hitching as his scent wraps around her--dark spice and danger.
But she refuses to be weak.
Leo tilts his head, amusement flickering in his cold, unreadable eyes.
Leonardo De Luca
You really don't remember me, do you!?
Serena Vale
Remember what?
He reaches in his pocket, pulls out something small, and tosses it onto the table.
Leonardo De Luca
Yours. The night we got lost, you told me to hold onto it. Said you'd come back for it one day.
Serena Vale
That was years ago.
Leonardo De Luca
And I waited.
She should feel something----gratitude, relief. Instead, all she feels is trapped.
Serena Vale
I'm not the same girl you knew.
Leo steps even closer, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper.
Leonardo De Luca
Good, I don't want that girl. I want a woman who can handle the monster I have become.
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