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However, it applied another unnecessary pressure when I’d already come to a standstill in my revenge.
What am I supposed to do with this monster?
I try to harden my resolve by getting closer to him for my advantage, and then he sends me body parts, reminding me we’re from entirely different worlds. For all of my faults of being sneaky, manipulative, and sly, I’m not a killer. I don’t find joy in gruesome things.
This was a part of Luca. I wonder if that’s why he torments me so much. Because of the stalking and photos, he thinks I’ve seen the real him and he’s curious about that?
It’s the only thing I can think of when I try to get into his head.
Right now, he’s an obstacle, and I need to figure out how to work him from the inside out.
Luca had also mentioned I’d left loose ends by keeping them alive. I never intended for them to end up dead, and I have no idea how he found out about them or the hits.
I land on a photo of Luca in the article.
Confident. Beautiful. Powerful.
He was all of these things, and it’s so opposite to the real innerworkings of his disturbed mind.
Maybe not so different… maybe the monster deep down is looking for understanding and companionship as well.
Not just sex.
I can’t help but roll my eyes. Yeah right, as if Luca Armani wants any of that.
I’d have to act soon. Luca will find me again, under his terms and control.
I need to take control back. Every time I come up blank.
I’ve never met someone who is always two steps ahead of me.
Suddenly, I’ve become the prey.
31
ARA
Instead of taking photos from afar, I step out of the cab and walk up to Balmere club with my chin held high. I haven’t slept in days, and I hide the obvious black bags under my eyes with heavy makeup and a light brunette wig.
I walk straight past the line up to the head of security at the entrance who is quick to put his hand out to stop me.
“Excuse me, little miss, but you can’t just walk straight in.”
“Tell Luca Armani that Arabella Barone’s here to see him.” In response to his twisted expression, I add, “Let me assure you, if you don’t, you’ll regret it.”
He hesitates but quickly says something into his earpiece.
Numerous other speculations and articles have come out over the week about my relationship with Luca. I purposefully changed my appearance into tight black leather and alternative hair to evade any other photos being taken. Or at least them identifying as me.
It took me a few days to overcome the shock of Luca’s body parts gift. Since, I’d seen missing persons announcements and articles for both of them, but it made it on very few media outlets. Most likely because of Luca’s influence, especially with the law enforcement he no doubt has in his pocket.
It’s Friday night, and I know he most likely has business going on. Which means he’s here. I’ve considered playing his games, but the closer I get to Luca, the more I realize he’s on a totally different playing field. The trickling time I have left reminds me one mistake will cost me everything. There’s not enough time to fight it—except for head on. I have to embrace this. Him.
The security guard seems surprised by the response but opens the door for me anyway. “He said he will meet you at the bar shortly.”
I walk past him with my head held high as if I own the place. Luca knows I need something from him. That’s what tangled me in his web in the first place. He’s toying with me. I wonder how close he’ll let me get, what boundaries he’s willing to let me step over because of his own blinded curiosity. Unless, of course, he needs something from me in return, and the only person I can think he needs that from is my father.
Exotic dancers are naked in cages. Men watch me as I sashay through the room, and it offers me slight satisfaction. Because I wasn’t here for any of their entertainment. I was going straight to the top.
