Loving The Devil I Knew

Chapter 2. Ava

Tuesday night came too fast.

I stood in front of my mirror for the tenth time, smoothing my simple black dress. It was just dinner with a man who wasn't Damian Moretti. At least, that's what I kept telling myself.

For eight months, I'd believed Damian was an ordinary billionaire. He bought me expensive gifts, took me to beautiful restaurants, and kissed my forehead whenever he said goodbye. He'd hidden his dangerous world so perfectly that I'd never questioned it.

Until three weeks ago, when I walked into his office in his penthouse and found a gun in his hand, blood on his shirt, and a man lying on the floor.

My phone buzzed.

Chloe: He's going to love you! And yes, he's picking you up in his Porsche. Very normal, very safe, very NOT your ex. Have fun!!!

I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself.

At exactly seven o'clock, my doorbell rang.

Daniel Sterling stood outside holding a bouquet of white roses. His blue eyes warmed when he saw me.

"Ava, you look beautiful."

"Thank you. These are lovely."

"White roses for a fresh start," he explained with a charming smile. "Chloe said you prefer simple things."

"I do."

"Then I'm glad I listened."

He opened the passenger door of his white Porsche, and I slipped inside, hoping the evening would be as uncomplicated as he seemed.

Lumière was bright, elegant, and filled with couples enjoying their dinners. Crystal lights glittered overhead, and soft music floated through the restaurant.

It was the kind of place where nothing terrible should happen.

Daniel pulled out my chair before taking his seat.

"So, how much has Chloe told you about me?"

"That you're rich, drive a Porsche, and apparently, you're single."

He laughed. "That's quite a résumé."

"She also said you talk about business too much."

"Then I'll try not to bore you tonight."

Dinner began with easy conversation. He told me stories about his childhood, teased Chloe for being dramatic, and managed to make me laugh more than once.

For the first time in weeks, I almost felt normal.

"So, you're taking over Sterling Corp in a year huh?" I asked.

His expression brightened.

"That's the plan. My father built the company from almost nothing, and I intend to make it bigger."

"What does success look like to you?"

"Being the best." He smiled confidently. "I want Sterling Corp to become the most powerful company in the country. I don't want to spend my life living in my father's shadow."

His ambition was admirable. He knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to admit it.

But then I mentioned his upcoming plans, and his expression changed.

"We're sponsoring the Rose Gala on Saturday," he said. "It's an important opportunity for the company, and I've got two invitations so I was wondering if you could be my plus one."

"Would you like to go with me?"

"Of course. The right people will be there." He paused before adding, "Including Damian Moretti."

My stomach tightened.

Daniel noticed nothing as he continued.

"Do you know what frustrates me about the Morettis? Everyone acts as though they're untouchable. Their family has controlled the shipping industry for generations, and nobody dares challenge them."

"Because they're powerful," I murmured.

"Because people are afraid of them." His jaw tightened. "There's a difference."

He leaned back, his blue eyes suddenly colder.

"Moretti Enterprises has influence over the ports our businesses depend on. They can make things difficult for competitors without anyone openly admitting what's happening. My father has dealt with them for years, and I'm tired of accepting that Sterling Corp must always come second."

"And you think you can surpass him?"

"I know I can."

His answer came without hesitation.

For a moment, the charming man across from me seemed different. There was something fierce beneath his smile, a determination that went beyond ordinary business ambition.

Then he reached for his glass, and his expression softened again.

"Sorry. Business talk on a first date. Chloe warned me about this."

I forced a small laugh.

"It's fine."

But my hands were trembling beneath the table.

Daniel was talking about the man I'd loved for eight months. The man whose arms had once felt like home. The man whose secrets had shattered everything I thought I knew.

He had no idea.

"Damian sounds dangerous," I said carefully.

"He is." Daniel's smile faded. "But one day, Sterling Corp will stand above his empire. I'll make sure of it."

There was no mistaking the determination in his voice.

I wondered what he would do if he discovered my connection to his greatest rival.

Would he still look at me the same way?

"Ava?"

I looked up to find him watching me.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. Just thinking."

He studied me briefly before nodding.

"Chloe mentioned that you went through something difficult with someone you were seeing. I won't ask what happened, but I want you to know you don't have to pretend everything is fine around me."

His voice was gentle.

"If you ever need someone to talk to, I'll listen."

For a moment, I wanted to believe him.

"Thank you, Daniel."

He offered me a reassuring smile.

Then my phone vibrated against the table.

An unknown number.

I opened the message.

UNKNOWN: You look beautiful in black, Ava. But white has always looked better on you. Save your Saturday night for me. — D

My blood ran cold.

Damian.

The message could only be from him.

I stared at the screen, my fingers trembling. He knew what I was wearing. He knew I was going out. And somehow, he knew about Saturday.

The Rose Gala.

I glanced around the restaurant, searching the faces of strangers. I couldn't see him, but that didn't make me feel any safer.

"Ava?" Daniel's voice pulled me back. "What's wrong?"

I tried to answer, but my throat had tightened.

"I... I don't feel well. Can we please go home?"

His expression changed immediately.

"Of course."

He didn't demand an explanation or ask to inspect my phone. He simply paid the bill and escorted me outside.

The drive home was quiet. Daniel occasionally glanced at me, concern written across his face, but he respected my silence.

When we reached my building, he turned towards me.

"Ava, I don't know what happened tonight, and you don't have to tell me. But if someone is making you feel unsafe, call me. Anytime."

I nodded, struggling to meet his eyes.

"I will. Thank you."

"You deserve to feel safe with the people you let into your life," he said softly.

The words hurt more than they should have.

I'd believed I was safe with Damian, too.

"Goodnight, Ava."

"Goodnight, Daniel."

I hurried inside without looking back.

I locked my apartment door and checked the windows before sitting on my bed.

My phone was still in my hand.

Save your Saturday night for me.

I read the message again.

Saturday was the Rose Gala. Daniel would be there, and now I knew Damian intended to be there, too.

I wanted answers. I wanted to understand the man I'd dated for eight months and the secrets he'd hidden from me.

But most of all, I wanted to know what would happen when I finally stood in front of him again.

Because Saturday was only four days away.

And something told me the Rose Gala would change everything.