Mask of Desires

Chapter 4

"Chapter 3: The First Night in Paris (Expanded)

The limo finally came to a stop in front of a lavish hotel, its exterior glowing with soft golden lights that bathed the street in an almost surreal ambiance. The city of Paris was alive, humming with energy, but inside this intimate cocoon, everything felt quieter — more private. More personal. The world outside seemed distant, as if it no longer mattered.

Victor opened the door first, offering his hand to Ariella with a warm smile. His eyes shone with excitement, and as she stepped out of the car, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of his attention, that intense gaze that always seemed to focus solely on her. A small part of her wanted to escape, but the larger part of her was captivated by the tenderness in his eyes.

""This is it,"" Victor said, guiding her through the grand lobby of the hotel. The staff smiled as they passed, their whispers of approval fading into the background as Ariella remained fixed on Victor’s steady hand on her back. His touch was gentle, but with an undertone of possessiveness she couldn’t ignore.

They reached their suite — the door opening to reveal a luxurious setting. Candles flickered in the corners, casting a soft glow on the fine silk sheets that decorated the massive bed. The air was filled with the faint scent of roses, and a soft melody played in the background, filling the room with warmth. A balcony overlooked the glittering city, the Eiffel Tower standing tall against the velvet sky.

""Welcome to our honeymoon,"" Victor murmured, his voice tender as he stepped behind her, brushing his lips against the side of her neck. Ariella closed her eyes for a moment, his warmth enveloping her like a cloud.

She took a deep breath, trying to center herself. This is all for the mission. Just focus on what you need to do. But the warmth of his breath on her skin was disorienting, his closeness making her heart race in ways she couldn't control.

Victor slowly circled her, his hands slipping to her waist. ""You look breathtaking, Elena,"" he whispered, his fingertips trailing along her arm, making goosebumps rise in their wake. His touch was so soft, but it carried an intensity that sent a shiver through her. ""I never thought I’d have someone like you.""

Ariella swallowed hard, keeping her composure as his hands continued to explore. His fingers brushed over the delicate lace of her gown, lifting it slightly, teasing the fabric as he gazed at her, his eyes filled with longing.

He leaned in closer, his lips hovering near her ear. ""You know,"" he said, his voice low and warm, ""I’ve waited so long for this moment."" He pressed his chest against her back, his hands moving to her shoulders, massaging gently.

She closed her eyes again, her breath shallow. I can’t let this happen. Not like this.

Victor’s lips brushed against her neck once more, his touch searing through her skin. ""You’re everything I’ve ever wanted,"" he murmured. ""I don’t want to wait any longer.""

Ariella’s heart raced. He was so close. His hands were sliding down to her waist, his lips now tracing the line of her jaw. It felt so real, so tender, so intimate — so much more than she’d ever expected. She could feel the warmth of his desire, his need, pressing against her back.

For a moment, her resolve wavered. She wanted to pull away from him, to break the illusion she had created. But that would mean failing the mission. Her brother’s death. The devastation Victor had caused. She couldn’t forget that.

Victor’s hands moved slowly to the top of her gown, sliding the straps down her shoulders. ""Let me take care of you,"" he whispered, his breath hot against her ear.

This is the moment. I can’t let him get too close. Not now. Not when I have to kill him.

With a trembling hand, Ariella reached into the folds of her dress, her fingers brushing the small syringe hidden against her skin. The cool metal of the needle felt oddly comforting in her palm. She had to do this.

Victor’s hands were now at the small of her back, pulling her close as his lips pressed urgently against her neck. The warmth of his touch was intoxicating, and for a moment, Ariella let herself feel it — the closeness, the tenderness, the possibility of a life that could have been.

But she knew better. She couldn’t let this man in.

Her fingers tightened around the syringe, and with practiced precision, she moved the needle close to his neck, keeping it hidden beneath the fall of her dress. As he leaned in closer, his lips brushing over the curve of her jaw, she skillfully slipped the needle into his skin without a moment’s hesitation. The action was fluid, almost imperceptible — a move born of years of training, a silent, invisible strike.

Victor stiffened, his body reacting to the sharp prick, but his mind was too clouded with desire to notice anything amiss. A soft groan escaped his lips as his body began to relax, the sedative quickly taking effect. His hands fell from her waist, his arms slackening as his head leaned heavily against her shoulder.

Ariella watched him carefully, her breath steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She knew she had to be sure — the drug needed to work quickly and quietly. She could feel his body grow heavier, his movements sluggish, as his breath slowed. The seductive haze in his eyes was already fading, replaced by a dull sleepiness.

Victor took one last shaky step back, his gaze unfocused as his body began to slouch. Ariella adjusted her stance, catching him before he could fall, guiding him gently to the bed. She eased him onto the soft sheets, her hands lingering for just a moment as she made sure he was comfortable.

It’s done. Ariella’s heart hammered in her chest, but her hands were steady. She had done what was necessary.

She took a step back, her body trembling with a mixture of guilt and relief. She had betrayed him — a man who had trusted her, who had opened his heart to her in ways she never expected. But she couldn’t afford to mourn him, not now.

She gazed at his sleeping form. His vulnerability was both haunting and foreign to her. She had seen him as a monster, a target to be taken down. But now, seeing him like this, vulnerable and trusting, she couldn’t help but wonder about the man he might have been without the darkness that followed him.

But she quickly pushed those thoughts away. This is for him. For my brother. For everything that has been lost.

With one last glance at his peaceful form, she turned and made her way to the door. There was no time for remorse. The mission wasn’t over. Not yet.

As she stepped out into the hallway, the weight of what she had just done settled on her shoulders. Can I really finish this? She had already crossed the point of no return.

The mission still had to be completed. But for the first time, Ariella felt the smallest flicker of doubt."