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Valeria

T he makeup I chose for the party looked much better in my head than on my face. Perhaps a mask would be a better choice. The bruise was hard to cover, and my hand still slightly trembled after the last encounter with my husband to draw the perfect lines.

I couldn’t get rid of the tremor in my fingers, with the anxiety bubbling in my stomach. I thought he wouldn’t come home, but I had no idea what I would do if he showed up.

I risked another beating. Chester wouldn’t let me go out if he saw me dressed like this.

My short black party dress was provocative and ripped in a few places.

Because of the strategic holes, my lacy black bra was visible.

My long legs were enfolded in fishnet stockings and complemented with four-inch high heels.

My red hair fell down my back in big waves and framed my face, completed with a big black hat with flowers.

The skull makeup was a great addition to this outfit.

The original idea was to come to the party like a witch, but my beaten face required more colors than expected.

So, I inspired myself with my stalker’s creations, matching my mask with his.

I believed Zyon wouldn’t miss the opportunity to enjoy his favorite disguise in public.

However, I deeply regretted not visiting a salon.

The nasty welt on my jaw was hard to hide, stressing me out.

I looked into the mirror every five seconds, checking to see if something hadn’t fallen off.

I used every possible color and powder I found at home to conceal it, but I still couldn’t calm down.

Still, I hoped it would be okay. At the Halloween party, there shouldn’t be too much light. Zyon, his brothers, or anyone else wouldn’t get the chance to see the bruises. I just needed to avoid places that were too illuminated.

Checking my appearance in the mirror for the last time, I put the invitation into my purse and left the apartment.

I chose to take a taxi just in case I drank alcohol.

My plan required a clean head, but I already knew I would need some liquid courage.

It’s not every day you’re going to confront a mob boss about stalking and kidnapping you.

The driver stopped before the entrance to the Starlight building, which was crowded with people in masks. I clutched my purse nervously, slowly getting out of the car.

Walking toward the security guys, I felt the guests’ excitement. They were in a great mood, even standing in the long line outside, waiting to be checked. But I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling. I impatiently tapped my fingers against my thigh, regretting not taking a thicker coat.

The heaviness of my situation was gradually falling on me, making me edgy. Even when I knew Zyon was my stalker, he could still refuse to help me. If he considered our affair a momentary distraction, he wouldn’t waste his time with my problems.

My heartbeat increased rapidly when uneasy scenarios attacked my tired mind. I’d claimed to trust my stalker when he tied me to his bed. He killed a man who he considered a threat to me. I believed he cared for me, but what if it was only my deepest wish and he would reject me?

My marriage was a problem Zyon didn’t need. His fight with my husband would only escalate if he helped me leave him. I was a burden he would surely want to get rid of quickly.

Not to mention, I had a daughter. Chester had rights as her father. I didn’t have money for a lawyer that would crush my husband. Did I expect Zyon to take care of everything?

Fuck, I should’ve thought about it better. I mentally sighed, unsure what I was doing in the line anymore .

My hands trembled, squeezing the purse like it was my lifeline, and everything around me blurred. Tears welled in my eyes when the helplessness overcame my body as my plan collapsed like a house of cards.

But I couldn’t return home and hoped everything would turn out better. I had only two choices: continue inside and ask Zyon for help, or run home, pack Zara and my things, and disappear while Chester celebrated Halloween outside with his buddies.

I was a mess. I’d thought about this at home as if it was already done. The photos confirming my assumptions were like a message from God. Yet, no one said Zyon would take me in.

My worries and insecurities almost pushed me to my knees. I was so sure about it in the safety of my apartment, but standing face to face with the possibility of my plea being denied, I barely held myself together.

“Valeria.”

A deep voice tore the thin tread of my thoughts, and I looked at the tall, dark silhouette on my left side.

“Why are you waiting in the line?”

I squinted my eyes, distinguishing only the contours of the body before he stood in the light.

“Oh, hello.” I smiled, my heart missing a beat when I looked at the familiar skull makeup. I hoped it was Zyon who found me, but it was one of his brothers, most probably Malin. “I need to give the security my invitation.”

“You don’t need to wait,” he rumbled, taking my hand. He led me toward the massive, enlightened entrance, ignoring the guards.

We passed the double door and metal detector without being stopped by anybody. Before I could take a deep breath, I was in the long entry hall, and my heels clicked on the shiny marble floor.

“Wait a second,” Malin mumbled, halting his movements abruptly and frowning at the closed door on the right side. “I’m sure I saw your chubby friend here.”

“Chubby friend?” I echoed, but he only waved his hand and swung the door open .

A half-naked, yellow-haired girl with the longest legs I’d ever seen squealed, covering her pink underwear with a towel.

“Sorry, lovely,” Malin said gently, walking inside. The girls scattered like chickens who’d seen a wolf. “Where is Alice?”

My eyes widened at the mention of my best friend. My surprise only grew when she showed up dressed like a Salem witch, with a pointy hat, long black dress, and her signature glasses.

“I’m here,” she beeped, waving at someone, and Malin stepped to the side. I raised my brows when she flashed me a wide smile and opened her arms.

“What are you doing here?” I asked when she pulled me into a hug. In the meantime, Malin disappeared, but he didn’t forget to send a server with champagne our way.

“I couldn’t let you go alone,” Alice replied, searching my face. “Remember our promise, right?” She cast me a kind smile. “Whenever you need me, I’m here beside you.”

“Thanks,” I exhaled, feeling the chain squeezing my chest loosen its hold on me. “But I’m not sure talking with Zyon is a good idea.”

“What?” Alice grabbed my hand, her painted eyebrows furrowing. “He will help you.”

“You don’t know that…” I whispered, shutting my mouth because a group of laughing guests walked dangerously close to us.

I started talking again when they were far away.

“What if he refuses to help me? I’ll make a fool of myself.

” Fresh tears burned in my eyes as I glanced at Alice’s perplexed expression.

“You can’t be serious,” she exhaled, shaking her head. She shoved the entire glass of champagne down her throat, staring at me as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

“Do you think it’s that easy?” I hissed, pulling a tissue from my purse and wiping my eyes gently so as not to smear the makeup. “You want me to throw my dignity out the window.”

“Me?” Alice whined. “You claimed your stalker will help you. I wanted you to move in with me and decide what to do. This was your plan.”

“Well, it’s the wrong plan,” I said, turning toward the door to the casino where the party was held .

“Valeria.” Alice grasped my elbow, forcing me to look at her. “You were absolutely sure about Zyon yesterday. Did something happen?”

“No.” I shook my head, trying to free myself from her hold. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“It’s the best idea,” Alice objected. “Zyon will make the matter disappear. What is going on with you?”

“I’m scared!” I yelled, unable to control my voice. My hand slammed over my mouth, and bitter tears fell from my eyes. Alice gently touched my shoulder, but I shook her off.

“Scared of what, Val?” she asked, pulling me behind the corner where people couldn’t see us.

“What if I’m just a distraction for him?” I mumbled, inhaling a shaky breath. “What if he never cared for me, and I’m just a trophy? What if he slept with me only because I’m Chester’s wife—”

At least ten more “ what ifs ” appeared on my tongue, yet Alice quickly cut me off. I panicked. The rational part of me knew it, but I couldn’t help myself.

“That’s nonsense,” my best friend disagreed, taking my hands into hers. “From what you told me, I’m sure Zyon cares for you.”

“But—” I whispered, yet was instantly interrupted by Alice.

“No buts, Valeria.” She pulled me closer and wiped the tear from my cheek. “I understand you’re scared to admit what Chester did to you. I know it’s hard to be the abused wife and ask for help. But Zyon is the force that will crush this world for you. Just tell him the truth.”

“It’s so hard,” I muttered. “I don’t want him to pity me.”

“It’s going to be okay,” she tried to reassure me, but I was too upset. I didn’t understand why I was suddenly so agitated about telling Zyon anything.

Everything I went through fell on me with crushing force. I needed him. I felt it in my bones. I craved to hide from the world in his arms. I yearned to feel safe .

Zyon was the only person who could make me feel like I was worth something. After Chester’s attack, I desperately needed to be reassured that I was enough by the man I loved.

“Let’s go inside,” Alice suggested, pulling me from my depressing thoughts. “The brothers will give an opening speech soon. Trust me, you will feel better when you see him.”

I didn’t believe her but followed her anyway. Three glasses of champagne on my empty stomach caused my fear of rejection to lessen, but the courage still didn’t come. Maybe, if I drank more….

We entered the gigantic circular space of the Starlight casino with other guests, and my mouth fell agape. The room was decorated in Halloween style, with fog under our shoes, webs and spiders hanging from the ceiling, and servers in creepy masks complementing the scene.

Two massive skeletons welcomed the guests, shaking hands with everyone and inviting them to taste unique food and drinks.

Sexy shirtless vampires with ripped bodies served liquid blood in packs as if they had stolen it from the hospital, and steamy juicy steaks were brought for us by werewolves.

Every slot machine was wrapped in cotton that resembled a spider net. Drinks imitating blood or green slime and filled with meat and teeth were served everywhere. Cakes and canapes on black platters looked like tiny pumpkins, ghosts, and graves.

“Impressive,” Alice praised, biting a tiny orange pumpkin. “Delicious cake.”

A smile formed on my face when I saw her delighted expression. She was a sucker for sweets.

“Want some?” she offered me a grave with a tombstone and sank the dessert fork into a ghost.

“I’m good, thanks,” I refused, accepting a steamy drink from a sexy bartender who flashed me a broad grin. I smiled politely at him, but my mind was elsewhere.

“Let’s go to the stage.” Alice dragged me from the bar and led me between the slot machines to the live games .

People circled the roulette and blackjack tables. Some played while others only watched and enjoyed the atmosphere. Loud music came from speakers, and provocatively dressed girls swayed around the poles and in cages on the sides.

The dim purple light created different pictures and shadows on the walls and the carpet.

The place was crowded with mystical creatures that gave me chills, and my vision blurred.

Wherever I looked, someone drank blood. There was also a man chewing meat that looked like it was raw, and I noticed a woman licking something sticky from another woman’s bare chest. My stomach twisted with nausea just from watching them.

“Are you okay?” Alice interrupted me as I stared at a couple kissing, wrapped in a spider web.

“I’m not sure,” I whispered, but thankfully, she didn’t hear me. I waved her question off, acting nonchalant. I sipped my drink, tasting vodka with cranberry juice, when the music stopped and the reflectors pointed at the stage on the other side of the room.

Three identical, tall men stood on the podium, wearing black suits and skull makeup. A tiny smile played on my lips when I watched one approach the microphone, and the entire room went silent. They owned those people. They were kings.

My heart went into overdrive when Zyon’s strong, deep voice boomed from the speakers, and soothing heat spread from my abdomen.

This was precisely what I needed—a reminder of his power, influence, and dominance.

His commanding presence calmed the insecure tornado that raged inside me.

He was the cure my bleeding, frightened soul desired.

I stared at Zyon in awe as he thanked and welcomed guests, hoping to meet up with him soon. The pull I felt toward him was magical. My worries completely dissipated when I watched him enchant the whole room.

No matter what he would say to my plea, I knew I had to speak to him. I couldn’t just walk away without learning how he felt about us.

Exhaling deeply, I finished my drink and placed it on the empty tray. There was only one way to find the answers to my questions.