Chapter 11 : The Line Between Us
654 Words
The night air felt heavier than usual.
Aria stood on the balcony of the penthouse, staring down at the endless lights of the city. From this height, everything looked small — the cars, the buildings, the people living their lives far below.
Free people.
She wrapped her arms around herself as the cool wind brushed against her skin. Living here felt like living in a dream made of glass and gold… but it was still a cage.
“One day you might fall from that balcony if you keep leaning that far.”
His voice came from behind her.
Aria didn’t turn immediately. She already knew who it was.
“Maybe that wouldn’t be the worst thing,” she said quietly.
He stepped beside her, tall and composed as always. The city lights reflected in his dark eyes, making them look even more mysterious.
“You’re dramatic tonight,” he said calmly.
“I’m realistic,” she replied. “You kidn*pped me, gave me a contract, and expect me to just… live normally.”
“You agreed to the contract,” he corrected smoothly.
Aria finally turned to face him. Her heart betrayed her the moment their eyes met.
“That doesn’t mean I like it.”
A small smile touched his lips — the kind that made her stomach twist.
“You’re still here,” he said.
“That’s because I don’t have a choice.”
“You always have a choice.”
The silence between them stretched, thick with tension. The wind moved her hair slightly, and his gaze followed the movement.
Aria noticed the way he looked at her — not like a prisoner, but like something far more dangerous.
Something he wanted.
“You shouldn’t look at me like that,” she said softly.
“Like what?” he asked.
“Like you’re trying to make me forget the rules.”
He stepped closer.
Not threatening. Not aggressive. Just closer.
Close enough that she could feel his warmth.
“Maybe I am,” he said quietly.
Her heart started racing.
“You’re the one who made the rule,” she reminded him. “One year. No falling in love.”
“And you think I can control feelings?” he asked.
Aria swallowed.
“You control everything else.”
He looked at her for a long moment before speaking again.
“Not everything.”
The honesty in his voice surprised her.
For the first time since she had met him, he didn’t look like the untouchable mafia boss who controlled an empire.
He looked… human.
Dangerously human.
“You’re scared,” he said suddenly.
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
His hand slowly reached out, stopping just inches from her face before gently brushing a strand of hair away.
The touch was soft.
Too soft.
Aria’s breath caught in her throat.
“You’re scared because you feel it too,” he whispered.
“Feel what?”
“This.”
The space between them was almost gone.
Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it.
She should step back.
She should run.
She should remember the contract.
But she didn’t move.
Instead, she stood there, trapped between fear and desire.
“You should go,” she whispered.
His eyes darkened slightly.
“Why?”
“Because if you stay…” her voice trembled, “…I might forget the rules.”
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then slowly, he stepped back.
Not because he had to.
But because he chose to.
“Goodnight, Aria,” he said quietly.
And just like that, he walked away, leaving her alone on the balcony with a heart that refused to calm down.
Aria leaned against the railing, trying to steady her breathing.
The truth hit her harder than anything else.
The contract wasn’t the problem anymore.
The problem was that she wasn’t sure she wanted to win.
- Writer
