Chapter Seven: The Devil's Proposal
762 Words
Ariana didn't sleep.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the stranger across the street dragging a finger across his throat.
By dawn, the mansion was awake.
Guards patrolled every hallway.
Black SUVs lined the entrance.
The De Luca estate looked less like a home and more like a fortress preparing for war.
Ariana stood by the bedroom window with a cup of untouched coffee.
Three days ago, she had been planning her father's memorial service.
Now she was trapped inside a mafia mansion, hiding from people she had never met.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
The maid entered quietly.
"Miss Moretti."
Ariana turned.
"Mr. De Luca is waiting for you in the dining room."
"I'm not hungry."
"He said you would say that."
The maid smiled gently.
"He also said to tell you this isn't breakfast."
Curiosity got the better of her.
A few minutes later, Ariana walked into the dining room.
Lucien stood beside the fireplace instead of the table.
He wasn't wearing a suit.
For the first time, she saw him in a simple black shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms.
He looked less like a mafia boss.
And somehow...
More dangerous.
"You wanted to see me?"
He nodded.
"I have something for you."
Ariana folded her arms.
"If it's another contract, save your breath."
"It's not."
He slid a small velvet box across the table.
She frowned.
"I'm not accepting gifts."
"It's not a gift."
Slowly, she opened it.
Inside lay an antique silver key.
Nothing more.
She looked up.
"What is this?"
"Your father left it with me."
"He told me to give it to you only if your life was in danger."
Her heartbeat quickened.
"What does it open?"
"I don't know."
"You expect me to believe that?"
"I've never tried."
She searched his face for a lie.
She found none.
Before she could ask another question, the doors burst open.
One of Lucien's guards rushed inside.
"Boss!"
Lucien turned instantly.
"What happened?"
"The council is here."
Ariana looked toward the entrance.
Five luxury cars rolled through the estate gates.
One after another.
Each surrounded by armed escorts.
The atmosphere inside the mansion changed immediately.
Every guard stood straighter.
Every servant lowered their head.
Lucien's expression became unreadable.
"They weren't supposed to arrive until tonight."
"They've moved the meeting forward."
The enormous front doors opened.
Five older men entered together.
Expensive suits.
Cold eyes.
Power radiated from each of them.
They stopped a few feet away.
The oldest stepped forward.
"So..."
His gaze landed on Ariana.
"This is the girl."
Lucien stepped in front of her.
"She's under my protection."
The old man smiled.
"For now."
Ariana frowned.
"What does that mean?"
The man ignored her.
Instead, he looked at Lucien.
"We've heard disturbing rumors."
"There are always rumors."
"Is it true?"
Lucien remained silent.
The old man's eyes narrowed.
"Have you forgotten your duty to this family?"
"My duty is exactly why she's here."
Another council member scoffed.
"She's just a civilian."
"No."
Lucien's voice turned ice cold.
"She's Marco Moretti's daughter."
Silence filled the room.
The oldest council member sighed.
"Then you know what must happen."
Ariana looked between them.
"What is everyone talking about?"
The old man finally faced her.
"Your father made an agreement."
"I've seen it."
"You've seen the paper."
He took one slow step closer.
"But you don't understand the price."
Ariana's stomach tightened.
"What price?"
The council member answered without emotion.
"If the marriage doesn't take place before the deadline..."
He paused.
"The agreement becomes void."
"So?"
"So..."
His eyes shifted toward Lucien.
"The De Luca family will no longer be obligated to protect you."
Lucien interrupted.
"I'll protect her anyway."
"You can't."
"I can."
"You'll start a war."
Lucien didn't blink.
"Then let there be war."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Even the guards exchanged nervous glances.
The oldest council member laughed softly.
"You sound exactly like your father."
Lucien didn't answer.
Instead, he walked toward Ariana until only a few inches separated them.
His voice dropped low enough that only she could hear.
"I told you I wouldn't force you."
She looked into his gray eyes.
"I meant it."
He gently placed the marriage contract into her hands.
"But if you refuse..."
He took a slow breath.
"I'll still stand between you and every bullet."
Ariana's heart skipped.
She had expected threats.
Demands.
Orders.
Instead...
He was offering to risk everything for someone who barely trusted him.
For the first time...
She wondered if marrying Lucien wasn't the trap.
Perhaps refusing him was.
- Writer
