Page 2 of Forbidden Empire

Her smirk faltered for a fraction of a moment. "I'm here to talk."

"Talk fast." I leaned my shoulder against a wall, my gaze narrowing as I studied her from head to toe with wary eyes.

The air between us crackled, tense and dangerous.

Esme raised a brow, her lips curving again in an alluring yet deceptive smile. "You've changed, Aidon."

She stepped closer, her voice dipping lower as she continued to play her games. Her words were laced with a teasing lilt, tempting me to let down my guard.

"The old you would have at least offered me a seat. Perhaps, poured me a drink. Or should I get you one? But you won't take it from my fingers. You're too scared I'd poison it."

I snorted, passing a cursory glance at the club behind her. "And risk wasting good whiskey? That's not your style, Esme."

"Oh, so you do remember my style." She leaned in just enough to tease but kept her distance, trying to manipulate me with her proximity. "Careful, Aidon. You're starting to sound like you missed me."

"Don't flatter yourself," I said through gritted teeth, unable to hide the bitterness in my tone. "Whatever game you're playing, get to the point."

She'd destroyed me once. It wouldn't happen again.

"I thought I was getting to the point." Her voice was soft now, almost pleading. But I knew better than to trust anything that came out of her mouth.

"Not fast enough." My tone was sharp as a blade. "Let me guess. Is this about big brother Zeno?"

Her half-brother, Zenobius “Zeno” Theodorus, believed he controlled the Vegas syndicate world and used his influence to wreck everything in his way. Once, I considered him an ally, even a friend. Still, his underhanded dealings turned us into bitter rivals.

However, we couldn't outright eliminate each other. We were part of a sub-economy linked to every aspect of Las Vegas's legitimate economy. If one of us falls, all of us fall.

"Zeno is planning something big," she said, her emerald gaze meeting mine. "And he's coming for you."

"He's always coming for me," I replied, my voice dry and devoid of any emotion. "That's not news."

Her hand brushed the edge of my tie, straightening it in a gesture that felt too personal, something I would have accepted long ago. But now, it reminded me of how effortless it was for her to manipulate me.

The faintest pressure of her fingers sent a ripple through me, and my body betrayed the discipline I had fought so hardto maintain. Anger flared hot like lightning, but just as fast, something darker and more consuming smothered it, the need to make her feel the same way.

I hated her ability to slip past my defenses with a simple touch.

I remained still, allowing her to linger. My pulse drummed in my ears as I tried to regain control over my physical reaction to her presence.

"This time, he'll win unless we work together. I have a lot of information you need, Aidon," she said, her tone soft yet cutting like a blade wrapped in silk.

I caught her wrist, feeling her pulse beat faster than the calm facade she presented. "And what's in it for you?"

"Survival. Isn't that what we're all after?" Her words were laced with dark humor and held a hint of something sinister hiding beneath the surface.

"And how do I know you're not just setting me up?" My grip on her tightened just enough to remind her who held the upper hand.

Esme tilted her head, her lips a hairsbreadth from my cheek. "If I wanted to betray you, Aidon, you'd already be dead."

Why was she here? Was this another of her endless games, testing how far she could push me before I snapped?

I studied her face, looking for cracks in her confidence or signs of deception. But Esme was an enigma, wearing a perfect mask of defiance and allure. The faint scent of her perfume, that maddening blend, clouded my mind and made it hard to think clear.

My warning came out as a low growl, my voice filled with frustration and concern. "You're too damn confident for your own good," I stated. "One day, it'll get you killed."

But she smirked, a glint of amusement dancing in her emerald eyes. The way the light hit them made them seem almost ethereal, like pools of shimmering jewels.

"Then I guess it's a good thing you're here to protect me, Aidon," she replied, her voice dripping with mischief.