Ravenous Revenge

Chapter Six- Lyssa

I hadn't realized how much tension I'd been carrying until it all poured out during our sparring match. The fight was exhilarating, far more than I'd anticipated. Rarely do I encounter a man who can challenge me to such an extent, but Ares Rossi? He's exactly what the rumors suggest. He's the mafia don through and through.

I take a moment to study him—this man has barely broken a sweat. He's a specimen: formidable and composed, a rare combination. Yet there's something about the way he presses me for information that irks me. He won't stop asking where I learned to fight like that. I give him a smart-ass response, and his frustration is palpable. It amuses me to no end.

"Your skills are impressive and more than just casual self-defense. Don't play coy," he says, voice demanding.

Internal eye roll.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I taunt, the words dripping with challenge.

What does he expect from me? A lady doesn't just hand over her secrets—especially not on a first "date." Poor etiquette, Ares. At least take me to dinner before you ask an assassin how she learned to take down a grown man.

His face changes. Understanding replaces the earlier confusion. Strange—he's not reacting the way I anticipated. He doesn't fall into the typical power-play dynamic: Me—Don. You—Woman. Obey. His response is more nuanced than that.

I wonder what's going on in his head. If only I could read his thoughts; it would make my job a hell of a lot easier.

I decide it's time to shift gears. No more games, at least not for now. I need to focus on the mission at hand.

"My name is Lyssa," I say, my voice steady, revealing a fraction of the truth. I've enjoyed the banter, but the time for that is over. It's time to infiltrate.

"Ares," he replies with a deep sigh, as if admitting it costs him something.

"Like the god of war?" I ask, keeping the conversation light. It's a strategic move—distract, redirect.

"Yes. My mother was half-Greek, obsessed with mythology. My father didn't care if I took his last name," he says.

The mention of his mother piques me. My research didn't provide much about her—she's dead, after all—and not useful to my mission, but there's something in his tone, something in his face. A softening, a quiet pain. It's unexpected.

I tell myself it's for the mission, that I'm just observing. The truth is, I want to know more.

His expression hardens when he mentions his father. It's subtle, but I notice. What's the story there? I file it away, mentally noting I'll need to dig deeper. That could be useful for revenge—maybe I could even manipulate him, make him turn on his father. Make my job easier.

I shake myself mentally. Focus. I can't afford to get distracted on the first encounter. I need to stick to the plan.

I nod at him, acknowledging his openness, then abruptly turn on my heels. It's time to distance myself, to regain control.

He grabs my arm to stop me. "I want to see you again. Can I get your number?" His voice holds that same demanding edge, and I can feel the weight of his determination.

I give him my number without a second thought, almost mechanically.

As I'm about to walk away, he asks, "When can I see you again?"

I smirk, the corner of my mouth lifting. Eager, are we?

"I'll find you," I reply coolly, then stride away. He doesn't follow—he just watches me disappear into the night.

Ares is like a hurricane: strong, intense, untamable. His presence is magnetic, leaving me both captivated and overwhelmed by the energy that radiates from him. And yet the irony bites—I'm here to destroy everything he's built, to bring his empire down.

I've never questioned myself before. Every mission has always been clear-cut: eliminate the target and anyone who stands in the way. Simple, direct. But with Ares, it's different.

Even now, after such a brief encounter, I find myself considering alternatives. He doesn't just pique my curiosity—something deeper is at work. His presence pulls at mine like our inner demons speaking in a language I can't quite understand.

And for the first time since the night my parents were murdered, I feel fear.