EYES LIKE KNIVES II
619 Words
The amber liquid in the glass was smooth as silk, but it burned with the kind of heat that left a mark. Matteo poured without asking how much she wanted, the crystal catching the low light like it was holding a secret of its own.
“Adrian says you’re… different,” Matteo began, swirling his own drink. “I don’t trust that word. Usually means trouble.”
She lifted the glass, letting the rim touch her lips but not drinking yet. “Maybe I am trouble. But maybe that’s exactly what your friend needs.”
Adrian chuckled from the sofa. “Careful, she bites.”
“Good,” Matteo said, his tone sharper now. “Biting means you survive.”
She finally took a sip. Smooth. Expensive. Dangerous — just like the man in front of her.
Matteo leaned against the desk, his posture relaxed but his gaze still dissecting her. “You know why people fear me, little shadow?”
“Because you’ve earned it?” she guessed, tilting her head.
He smiled without humor. “Because I know everyone’s secrets before they know mine.”
Her pulse spiked — a dangerous man admitting exactly how he works. She needed that. If she was going to use Adrian to get to his father, Matteo could become the bridge… or the storm that washed her plans away.
Adrian rose, stepping beside her. “That’s enough for tonight. Matteo, we’ll talk again soon.”
Matteo didn’t move to stop them, but his eyes followed her until the door closed behind them.
When they stepped outside into the velvet dark of the night, Adrian’s Bugatti Chiron sat gleaming at the curb — all sharp curves and lethal shine, midnight black with deep crimson trim. He opened the passenger door for her, the scent of leather and speed curling out like an invitation.
Sliding inside, she felt the seat mold to her shape — comfortable, yet ready for a chase.
Adrian slid in next to her, the engine growling awake like a caged animal. “So,” he said over the low hum of power, “what did you think of Matteo?”
She didn’t answer right away, eyes on the blur of city lights through the tinted window. “I think he’s the kind of man you don’t meet twice… unless you’re very sure you can walk away.”
Adrian smirked. “Good. Because next time, you won’t have the luxury of walking away.”
The car surged forward, and she knew — the strings had already been tied.
They drove in silence for a while, tension hanging in the air like thick smoke. Eventually, Adrian glanced at her. “Where am I taking you?”
“Anywhere in the city.”
“Anywhere?”
She smiled, slow and deliberate, the kind that made it clear she was the one holding the leash in this conversation. “Where I sleep is my business. I like keeping certain things… off the table.”
His eyes lingered on her for a heartbeat too long before he returned his gaze to the road. “You enjoy your secrets.”
“I enjoy control,” she corrected. “Secrets are just a side effect.”
Adrian didn’t push. He drove until the streets grew quieter, pulling up beside a dimly lit corner café. She stepped out, the click of her heels echoing against the pavement, and leaned down to the open window.
“Goodnight, Adrian,” she said, her voice velvet over steel.
And then she walked away without looking back, disappearing into the night like she owned it.Adrian watched her disappear into the darkness, swallowed by the city like a shadow slipping between cracks.
- Writer
