My Beautiful Seductress

Shadows Of The Past

Vivienne's blood ran cold.

"It means he's coming for you."

Luca's words echoed in the silence that followed.

She stared at him.

"Why would Gabriel Moretti want me?"

Luca's expression hardened.

"Because he knows I care."

The answer was simple.

And terrifying.

Before Vivienne could respond, Luca's phone vibrated again. He glanced at the screen and immediately walked away to answer.

Something in his posture told her this wasn't good.

Very bad.

After a few moments, he returned, his face unreadable.

"We're leaving."

Vivienne frowned.

"Leaving?"

"Tonight."

"What? Where?"

"Somewhere safer."

She crossed her arms.

"You still haven't answered my question."

Luca exhaled slowly.

"Gabriel and I built everything together."

Her eyes widened.

"What do you mean?"

"We were partners. Brothers, in everything except blood."

He paused.

"Until he betrayed me."

Vivienne noticed the pain hidden beneath his cold exterior.

"What happened?"

Luca looked away.

"He wanted power. I wanted peace."

She almost laughed.

"Peace? You?"

A faint smile touched his lips.

"Believe it or not, I once had simpler dreams."

The smile disappeared.

"But greed changes people."

"And he blames you?"

"He blames me for everything."

Before she could ask more, the elevator doors opened.

Several of Luca's security men entered.

One of them, Matteo, spoke urgently.

"The cars are ready, boss."

Luca nodded.

"Good."

Vivienne blinked.

"You're serious about this."

"I'm always serious."

Twenty minutes later, they were on the road.

Three black SUVs drove through the rain-soaked streets.

Vivienne sat beside Luca in silence.

She had imagined many things when she accepted Victor's assignment.

Late-night escapes with a billionaire under armed protection had definitely not been one of them.

The thought almost made her laugh.

Almost.

Because fear was quickly becoming her constant companion.

Hours later, they arrived at a massive estate hidden deep within the countryside.

Vivienne stared in disbelief.

"This is your idea of lying low?"

Luca raised an eyebrow.

"You expected a cabin?"

"Actually, yes."

His lips twitched.

"I don't do cabins."

Despite everything, she smiled.

The estate was beautiful.

Peaceful.

But the heavy security surrounding it reminded her that peace was only an illusion.

Inside, Luca introduced her to the staff before showing her to her room.

Or rather—

Their rooms.

Separated by only one door.

Coincidence?

She doubted it.

As she unpacked, a knock sounded.

Luca stood at the door.

"Everything alright?"

"Yes."

He hesitated.

Which was unusual for him.

"Vivienne..."

"Yes?"

His eyes softened.

"I'm sorry."

Her eyebrows rose.

"For what?"

"For dragging you into this."

She stared at him.

"You didn't."

"If you hadn't met me—"

"I would still have."

He frowned.

"What?"

She swallowed.

"I chose to stay."

Those words seemed to affect him more than she expected.

For a moment, neither moved.

Then Luca nodded.

"Get some sleep."

But just as he turned away, Vivienne called out.

"Luca."

He stopped.

"You're not alone in this anymore."

Something changed in his eyes.

Something vulnerable.

And for the first time, she saw not the feared Luca Marino—

But simply a man carrying too many burdens.

"Goodnight, Vivienne."

"Goodnight."

Miles away, inside a luxurious office, Gabriel Moretti poured himself a drink.

Unlike Luca, Gabriel wore his charm openly.

He smiled often.

Too often.

But his eyes held no warmth.

Victor sat across from him.

"You underestimated her," Victor said.

Gabriel smirked.

"No."

"Then why is she still alive?"

Gabriel took a sip.

"Because dead women are useless."

Victor's expression darkened.

"And Luca?"

Gabriel laughed softly.

"Oh, Luca's punishment isn't death."

His smile widened.

"It's heartbreak."

Victor remained silent.

"He's finally learned to love again," Gabriel continued.

"And now?"

Gabriel swirled his drink.

"Now I take it away."

Victor frowned.

"Don't underestimate Vivienne."

Gabriel's smile vanished.

"I'm not worried about her."

"Then who are you worried about?"

Gabriel's eyes darkened.

"Luca."

For the first time in years—

Gabriel Moretti was afraid.

Because he knew something the rest of the world didn't.

Luca Marino had once destroyed empires.

And if pushed far enough—

He would do it again.

Back at the estate, Vivienne awoke sometime after midnight.

A noise.

Soft.

Almost inaudible.

She sat upright.

Another sound.

Footsteps.

Her heart raced.

Slowly, she climbed out of bed.

The hallway outside was dark.

Too dark.

Then she noticed something strange.

Luca's room door was open.

Wide open.

Fear gripped her chest.

"Luca?"

No answer.

She stepped inside.

The room was empty.

The bed untouched.

And lying on the floor—

Was blood.

Fresh blood.

Vivienne froze.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Then she heard a voice behind her.

Low.

Familiar.

And utterly terrifying.

"Looking for someone, sweetheart?"

Vivienne turned.

And her world stopped.

Standing in the doorway—

Smiling—

Was Gabriel Moretti.