Page 1 of Forbidden Empire

One

Aidon

As a predator caught the scent of something dangerous…

I felt the shift in my private booth, a fortress of shadows looming above Vegas' most dangerous and elite haven, the Underworld. Here, the pulse of bass music reverberated through the club, matching the primal rhythm of the crowd below.

From my elevated perch, I sipped on my whiskey and watched everything unfold like a king surveying his kingdom. Shadows danced on the walls, embracing the dark and seductive atmosphere of the club. Underneath the flickering lights, another world hummed with secrets traded, deals sealed, and alliances broken.

Just another night.

I leaned back in my chair, relishing the cool leather against my tailored suit. The view from up here was perfect—no one moved without my notice.

My bouncers, dressed in sleek black suits and wearing earpieces, patrolled the edges of the crowd. This was my dominion, my sanctuary, and I ruled it with absolute control.

Suddenly, the air crackled and charged with electricity—something unrelated to the club's sound system.

Heads turned, conversations faltered, and a collective pause swept through the room.

My sharp eyes scanned the crowd before landing on her.

Esme Theodorus.

She moved through the throng like a queen reclaiming her throne, clad in a form-fitting black gown that shimmered under the lights and revealed every curve. Her raven hair cascaded over one shoulder in loose waves while her crimson lips curled into a smirk that dared anyone to challenge her presence.

Esme was chaos wrapped in beauty, a storm in human form. And someone who should be far, far away from me.

My jaw tightened as I clutched my glass tighter than necessary and rose to my feet.

This was the last place I expected to see her. Not in my city. Not in my club. And for certain, not strolling in with such confidence, as if she owned the place.

Yet here she was, commanding the room without saying a word.

Her emerald eyes met mine, and a mischievous glint lit up her face. She knew I'd be here tonight. Of course, she did. Esme never did anything without purpose.

I set down my tumbler, my fingers itching to crush it. But I held back, reining in my impulses and maintaining an impassive expression as I waited for Esme to come to me.

And she did. Slowly.

She walked past my security team, expecting them not to stop her. As expected, they didn't resist. She climbed the staircase to my lair, her heels echoing on the metal steps like a ticking clock.

She moved with the confidence of someone with nothing to lose and everything to gain. When she reached the top, Ares, my enforcer stationed at the door, looked to me for guidance.

At least he understood how to handle things.

I gave him a subtle nod.

Esme stepped into the booth, and her perfume wafted toward me—a mix of spiced vanilla and something darker. She closed the door behind her, leaning against it with casual defiance.

"Aidon," she greeted, her voice smooth as silk. "It's been a while."

"Not long enough," I replied, leaning forward with my forearms resting on my knees. My dark eyes locked onto hers without wavering. "What are you doing here, Esme?"

She let out a soft, teasing chuckle.

"Straight to business? No, 'how have you been?' No, 'you look stunning tonight'?" She sauntered closer with a sway in her hips until she stood just out of arm's reach. "I'm hurt."

"You'll survive," I said with a clipped tone. "Now answer the question."