We were Born to Die

Chapter 08

Surrounded by the gadgets and gears, my mind raced with possibilities and potential outcomes. Zane’s voice echoed in my mind as he explained the importance of this mission. Seduce the CEO of Cosa Nostra Lounge. It sounded like something out of a movie, but this was real life, and I was about to play crucial role. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies dancing in my stomach. Seduction wasn’t something unfamiliar to me, but this was different. This wasn’t about love or desire; it was about getting what that d**k needed to further his business endeavors. Enrico needs certain documents from the CEO, that he was going to use. And I was willing to whatever it took to protect my family.

The mission sounded simple enough, but the stakes were high, and the margin of error slim. Zane’s device glinted in the dim light, a small but potent tool that held the key to our success. “Keep this safe,” he said, his voice tinged with urgency. “Attach this to the locker and I’ll handle the rest.” I nodded silently, tucking the device away in my pocket.

Ryder and Min-Woo will be there too, watching over me from a distance. Assuring that if something happened they’ll be there to help me. “If by any chance you get caught,” Enrico warned, his voice grave, “leave the mission and run for your life.” I shiver at the thought, steeling myself for whatever may come.

But for now, there’s work to be done. I glanced at the array of gadgets before me—earpieces, bugs, watches with communication features and many other features, guns—all tools. With a steady hand, I select what I need, tucking them away in the folds of my clothes. “We’ll meet at the front door in an hour.” Ryder’s voice breaks through my reverie, jolting me back to the room. His tone calm, almost bored, but I know better than to mistake for indifference. They are counting on me.

I slipped the gun into my clutch, making sure it was nestled securely among the other items. Red lipstick? Check. I carefully applied it, ensuring my lips were the perfect shade of bold. The earpiece went into my bag. Finally, I took one last look in the mirror, assessing my appearance. I had opted for a light makeup look, accentuated by a dark shade of lipstick that added an air of mystery. My hair, usually a dull brown, was now disguised under a vibrant red wig, styled into a messy high bun, with a few loose strands framing my face. I adorned my ears with golden earrings that caught the light just right. To further conceal my identity, I had carefully applied freckles to my cheeks and nose. It was small but effective measure in ensuring no one recognized me.

As for the dress, Daniella had picked out a dress for me, but it felt too revealing, too much like something a hooker would wear. So instead, I chose a black off-shoulder ruched mesh bodycon that hugged my curves in all the right places. Paired with high black pumps, I felt confidence and fierce. With a nod of approval at my reflection, I deemed my look complete. It was time to join others.

Upon arriving, I took note of Min-Woo and Ryder’s attire. Min-Woo looked dangerously handsome in his black silk shirt, top buttons undone to reveal a glimpse of his tanned chest muscles. His black leather pants and combat boots exude a sense of power and strength. Ryder, on the other hand, exude a different kind of charm. His high neck sleeveless top and navy blue baggy trousers gave off an air of casual elegance, his messy yet styled hair adding to his allure. There was an elegance to him, a refinement that set him apart from Min-Woo’s raw magnetism.

As I step out the front entrance, I caught Min-Woo’s gaze. A gasp escaped his lips as his eyes met mine, and I couldn’t help but smile in response. His cheeks tinged with a hint of red, he seemed momentarily speechless.

“Holy f**k, you are looking beautiful.” Zane exclaimed, his surprise evident in his half-open mouth and dazed expression.

Beside him, Ryder’s lips curved into a grin as he echoed the statement, “You are looking beautiful.” Their compliments washed over me, warming me from the inside out.

The chill air brushed against my bare leg, as I step out of the car. Handing the keys to the valet, I take a moment to compose myself before heading towards the entrance of the club. It was all part of the plan – I had to go alone to avoid arousing any suspicion. Meanwhile, Min-Woo and Ryder were arriving together, blending in seamlessly. The pulsating music greet me as I step inside, accompanied by the unmistakable scent of alcohol and cigarette smoke. I suppress a cringe and make my way towards the bar, determined to maintain my composure. The bartender’s eyes lingered on me for a moment, seizing me up with a knowing look before I cut off any potential small talk with a curt request, “One Martini please.” I say, my voice steady despite the nerves churning inside me.

As I wait for my drink, I can feel Min-Woo and Ryder’s presence on the other side of the bar, their eyes undoubtedly trained on me. I resist the urge to glance their direction, instead choosing to focus my attention on the swirling sea of people dancing before me. Bodies moves and sway to the rhythm of the music, a cacophony of movement and noise that threatens to overwhelm me. I’ve never been found crowded places, especially ones where people are too touchy—freely for my liking.

Just as I begin to lose myself in my thoughts, my phone vibrates in my clutch, pulling me back to the reality. Retrieving it with a deft motion, I find two messages waiting for me, both from Min-Woo. Glancing up at him, he subtly gestures towards my phone, prompting me to check the messages and I comply without hesitation. Opening the messages, I’m met with a picture of our target. He’s not at all what I expected. Young, perhaps even younger than me, with striking features that make him stand out in the crowd. His black hair falls effortlessly across his forehead, framing almond-shaped blue eyes, a sharp nose leads down to a square, defined jawline, accentuated by plum lips, full and inviting, adding to his undeniable charm. He’s like something out of a movie, a hotshot detective with a dangerous edge that sets my heart racing.

Beneath the photo, a simple message from Min-Woo sends a surge of adrenaline coursing through my body. “Good Luck.” It’s all the encouragement I needed as I steel myself for the task ahead. Glancing up, I met Min-Woo’s gaze across the bar, his lips quirking in a subtle smile before his expressions shifts once more, masking any trace of emotions. With a silent nod of acknowledgement, I turn my attention back to the crowd, scanning the sea of faces until I find my target.

There he is, dancing with a girl who looks far too young to be here, a girl who barely looks out of high school. I steel myself for the task in hand despite the unease churning in my stomach. But for now, duty calls and I must answer.

The beat of the music pulsed through my body, as I stepped onto the dance floor, and I could feel the eyes of every guy in the room on me. The pulsating beat of the music seemed to synchronize perfectly with the sway of my hips. I could feel the collective gaze of the boys directed towards me, but my focus was singular. My eyes locked on him, my prey, my target in this crowded room.

To my delight, he noticed me, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It was all the invitation I needed. I started to move towards him, weaving through the crowd, every step calculated to draw him in closer. Within minutes, I found myself between him and the girl he had been dancing with. As his hand reached out to touch me, I playfully shook it away, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips. He was already on the edge, a pathetic loser in my eyes, and I relished in the power I held over him.

Despite the unease and the urge to vomit, I danced with him, his hands tracing my curves hungrily, his touch sending a wave of unease, but I pushed it aside and focus on the task. The girl he had abandoned, shot me a dirty look before stalking away, but I paid her no mind. His attention was mine now, completely and utterly. As the music came to a stop, I flushed him a coy smile before making my way back to the bar. I could feel his back burning through my back as I took a seat, and sure enough, he followed, sliding onto the stool beside me with a smoothness that made my heart race.

“One wine and a martini for the lady,” he said, gesturing towards me with a smirk. I smiled despite the unease churning inside me as the bartender handed me my drink. “Orion Sinclair.” He introduced himself, sitting close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“Serena Hayes.” I replied, my own voice barely above a whisper as I met his gaze. He took a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving mine as he appraised me from head to toe.

“Are you a campfire?” he asked suddenly, a mischievous glint in his eye. And then, before I could respond, he leaned in even closer, his lips brushing against my ear. “Because you’re hot, I want s’more.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his cheesy pickup line, though inside, my heart was pounding with excitement. And everything was going according to the plan, “Maybe I am a campfire,” I replied, a mischievous smile playing on my lips. “Do you want s’more.” He choked on his wine at my response, but then grinned, clearly impressed by my comeback. Leaning in, he pressed a kiss to my cheek before slipping something into my hand and walking away, leaving me with a fluttering feeling in my stomach and a sense of victory pulsing through my vein.

My heart pounded with anticipation and excitement, as I rose from my seat. I knew exactly what lay in the palm of my hand, and every step I took through the bustling crowd felt like a step closer to victory. Our plan, carefully crafted and flawless executed thus far, was nearing to its c****x. In just a matter of minutes, I would be on the brink of achieving my goal: slipping into his room, administering the sedative, and securing the documents we needed.

Gone was the nervousness that had gripped me earlier. Now, there was only determination, a steely resolve that propelled me forward, I strode purposefully through the empty hall, my gaze fixed on the note clutched tightly in my hand. Room number 177 stared back at me. Navigating the twisting layout of the building, I made my way towards the elevator. In this bar, the rooms were numbered in a peculiar manner, with those above hundred nestled on the first floor. It was a detail I had noticed during our careful planning, a detail that now served as my guide.

Entering the elevator, I stole a moment to check my appearance in its mirrored walls. My makeup remained flawless, a testament to the painstaking effort I had invested in my guise. With a practiced hand, I retrieved my lip balm, coating my lips with care before adding the final touch: a potent dose of the drug concealed within.

As the elevator hummed to a stop, I stepped out into the shadows of the corridor, my senses heightened to the slightest noise or movement. Each step brought me closer to my target, the anticipation coiling tight within my chest. Room 177loomed before me, its door slightly ajar, a silent invitation. With a quick glance around to ensure no prying eyes watched my approach, I slipped inside without hesitation. The room was bathed in darkness, save for the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. I paused, allowing my eyes to adjust to the dimness, the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Two hands slid across my waist, holding me there, I couldn’t help but flinch at the touch. But even before I turned, I knew who it was. The scent of his cologne, a mix of danger and allure, enveloped like a shroud. I played the part, pretending to be unfazed, as my target, the predator in this deadly game, approached. His presence was suffocating, his aura oozing power and control. And then, his lips found my neck, sending shivers down my spine. I clenched my jaw, suppressing the urge to recoil as he inhaled my rose perfume, his words dripping with desire.

“You smell so f*****g good.” He murmured, his voice low and dangerous. But amidst the façade, amidst the charade of seduction, something wasn’t right. It wasn’t him; it was me. A pang of dizziness gripped me, my vision blurring for a fraction of second. I fought to maintain my composure, to keep my focus on the mission at hand. Every move, every breath, was calculated. But as his grip tightened, as his proximity threatened to consume me whole, doubts gnawed at the edges of my resolve.

Was it fear that made my heart race, or something else entirely? In his room with him, I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Not when the stakes were so high, not when one misstep could destroy everything. But as his lips grazed my skin once more, igniting a fire I dared not acknowledge, I couldn’t help but flinch, my entire body was tensing up. It felt like my insides were on fire, my mind swirling in a haze that made everything distant and surreal. I hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol, yet I felt intoxicated, dizzy with confusion and fear.

Orion spun me around, his grip firm, his eyes locking onto mine with an unsettling grip playing on his lips. “Everything alright?” he asked, his tone dripping with a sinister edge that sent shivers down my spine. My heart plummeted at the thought of what could have gone wrong, at the terrifying possibilities of what he might do to me next.

“What did you do?” I managed to choke out, attempting to push him away, but my efforts were feeble, drained of strength. He effortlessly pushed me towards the bed, and I tumbled onto the soft mattress, the impact sending my head spinning even more.

I tried to focus, to steady myself, but it was futile. “You can say it was my gift.” He replied, his eyes oozing with arrogance and lust. He hovered over me, pinning me down with a gaze that made my skin crawl. I struggled against his hold, but his grip only tightened, imprisoning me further.

He leaned in, his breath hot against my skin as he sniffed my hair, and a wave of nausea washed over me. Disgust churned in the pit of my stomach, gnawing at my insides like a relentless beast. “Just poured my love in the drink so you can give me your love.” He whispered, his words dripping with malice.

I thrashed and fought, desperate to break free from his grasp, but it only seemed to fuel his desire. Slowly, he trailed his lips down my neck, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. I screamed, my protests echoing off the walls, but he paid no heed. His eyes bore into mine, dark and hungry, as he slapped me with a force that sent black spots dancing across my vision. Pain exploded across my cheek, a sharp reminder of my helplessness. He gripped my face roughly, his touch bruising, his intent unmistakable.

“No one can save you.” He growled, his words a chilling promise of what was to come. And then his mouth was on my neck, his teeth sinking into my flesh with a viciousness that stole my breath away. I screamed, the agony ripping through me, as the darkness threatened to consume me whole. My heart pounded in my chest, as I tried to push him away once again, fear coursing through my veins like a torrential river, he grabbed hold of my hair with a force that made my head snap back. My mouth fell open, ready to release a scream of terror, but before any sound could escape, he crushed his lips against mine in a suffocating, violent kiss. It was nothing short of torture, each press of his lips against mine filling me with revulsion and disgust. I fought against him with all my strength, every fiber of my being screaming for release and escape.

I thrashed against his weight, trying desperately to push him away, but he was too strong, pinning my legs beneath his knees as he sat heavily on my thighs. Panic seized me, my mind whirlwind of terror and desperation, “Help me.” I screamed inwardly, my thoughts a desperate plea into the void. But there was no one. Enrico, Ryder, Min-Woo — all lies. No one was coming to save me. I was alone. Silent tears streamed down my cheeks as Orion began to unbuckle his belt, his lips trailing sickening kisses down my neck. I pushed against him one last time, a final, desperate attempt at freedom, but he only laughed cruelly, seizing my wrists and binding them with his belt. My heart sank as he started unbuttoning his shirt, my mind reeling with horrors of what was to come.

But then, in a miraculous twist of fate, his eyes fluttered closed, confusion flickering across his face before he collapsed, unconscious, on top of me. Relief flooded through me like a tidal wave, tears of gratitude mingling with tears of fear as I realized how close I had come to fate worse than death.

And then, as it from a dream, the door burst open, a figure charging into the room and knocking Orion away from me. Strong arms enveloped me, pulling me into a protective embrace, lifting my chin to meet concerned hazel grey eyes. “Are you alright, Cara Mia?”