Obsession in the shadows

Chapter 5

NEXT DAY_

Aaron stared at his reflection in the mirror as he adjusted his tie.

Perfect.

Crisp white shirt. Dark tailored suit. Weapon hidden where only muscle memory could find it. His face gave nothing away—no fatigue, no irritation, no trace of last night.

Across the room, the tablet blinked to life.

Camera feed.

Aurora Suite.

Ariel stepped into view, slinging her bag over her shoulder like nothing in the world could touch her. Her walk was steady, chin high, pride stitched into every movement—though Aaron noticed the subtle stiffness she tried to mask.

Interesting.

He shut off the screen, slipped his gun into place, and stepped out of his room just as her door opened.

Their eyes locked.

For half a second, the air snapped.

Then Ariel rolled her eyes dramatically and turned on her heel, heading straight for the elevator.

She wore a black crop top that hugged her perfectly, a white jean mini skirt that showed too much leg for a president’s daughter, and black-and-white sneakers that screamed rebellion. Her hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, skin glowing effortlessly.

Beautiful.

Aaron didn’t blink.

Didn’t slow.

Didn’t care.

He followed at a measured distance, silent as ever.

They got into the car.

Same space. Same tension.

“Can’t believe they hired such an annoying asshøle,” Ariel muttered under her breath, staring out the window.

Aaron didn’t look at her.

“Seems like yesterday’s whipping wasn’t enough,” he replied calmly. “You’re sitting fine. That small mouth of yours is still running.”

Her head snapped toward him.

“Do you know how much ice I applied?” she snapped. “You’re lucky those red marks are gone. And don’t you dare follow me to class.”

She was a final-year student.

Used to freedom. Used to control. Used to winning.

Aaron leaned back slightly, unbothered.

“I go where you go,” he said. “That’s the job.”

The rest of the drive passed in a suffocating silence.

The gates finally opened.

Università di Roma Aurelia.

One of the most exclusive universities in Italy.

Massive iron gates. Marble walkways. Ancient Roman architecture fused with modern glass structures. Private security patrolled discreetly. Luxury cars lined the parking lots. Power breathed in every corner.

This wasn’t a school.

It was a breeding ground for elites.

Ariel stepped out of the car without waiting.

Two girls rushed toward her immediately—designer bags, flawless makeup, confidence dripping.

Camilla. Lucia.

“Hey, baddie,” Lucia greeted, smiling—until her eyes slid past Ariel.

Her smile froze.

Then widened.

“Oh my God,” she breathed. “F**k—your new bodyguard is hot.”

Ariel groaned.

“Ew.”

She turned slightly, only to regret it.

Because they were right.

Aaron stood tall and broad behind her—muscle carved beneath fabric, tattoos peeking up his neck like secrets. Sharp jaw. Straight nose. Brows that promised violence. Eyes dark, cold, and dangerously unreadable.

A perfect weapon wrapped in a man. He looked like irresistible temptation.

Those tattoos, the very reason she had demanded he remove his shirt.

He was perfection but she would never admit it.

Never.

It'll only feed his pride.

“Give me his number,” Camilla said, biting her lip shamelessly.

“Cut it out,” Ariel snapped, grabbing both girls. “He’s annoying.”

They headed toward the building, laughter spilling between them.

Aaron followed.

Eyes turned. Whispers followed. Phones came out.

Ariel told them what he’d done.

Their gasps were loud.

“With a belt?!” Lucia whispered.

“He should spank me instead,” Camilla added, glancing back. “Not with a belt though.”

“B*tch,” Ariel hissed.

They burst into laughter.

The first lecture ended.

Ariel slipped away quietly.

She glanced over her shoulder.

No Aaron.

A slow, satisfied smirk curved her lips.

She pulled open the door to a car and slipped inside.

Someone was already there—Jake, her boyfriend, seated and waiting.

“Missed me?” Jake murmured, his voice low, lazy, like he already owned the moment.

Ariel’s lips curved before her brain could catch up. Being here felt familiar. Safe. Stupidly comforting.

“Yes, baby,” she breathed, fingers already clutching his shirt like she was afraid he’d disappear again.

He didn’t answer with words. He kissed her. Hard. Deep.

The kind of kiss that stole thought and left heat behind. His mouth claimed hers like he was making a point, like he needed to remind her who she belonged to.

His hands slid down her sides, confident, greedy, until they cupped her breasts, thumbs brushing just enough to make her gasp.

“Want daddy to give it a good suck?” he asked against her lips, filthy and playful.

She laughed softly, breathless, nodding because the words tangled in her throat.

“I’ve been craving you,” she whispered, pressing closer, like proximity could fill the hollow ache she’d been carrying for days.

“I’ll make you feel good,” Jake promised, already tugging at her top.

Fabric lifted. Cool air kissed her skin. She barely registered when her shirt came off, her body already buzzing, her mind already foggy. His fingers moved to her bra, slow, teasing, like he enjoyed the anticipation more than the act.

Then the world shattered.

The car door flew open with a violent jerk.

Ariel screamed as rough hands wrapped around her arm and yanked her out like she weighed nothing. Her back slammed against the car, shock stealing her breath.

“What the f**k!” she snapped, panic and fury colliding.

“Let go of me, you bastard!” she yelled, twisting, biting down hard on his arm.

He didn’t flinch.

Didn’t curse.

Didn’t react.

Instead, his other hand fisted in her ponytail and pulled.

Pain exploded across her scalp, sharp and blinding. A cry tore out of her before she could stop it. Her fingers loosened. Her teeth released him.

“Let go of my girlfriend!” Jake shouted, scrambling out of the car.

Aaron finally let her go.

“Girlfriend?” he echoed calmly.

He raised his phone.

The screen lit up.

Ariel’s world slowed.

Footage played. Clear. Cruel. Jake. Laughing. Kissing. His hands on two other girls. The timestamps burned into her vision. Minutes before she arrived.

Her knees felt weak.

Her chest hurt.

A year. A whole f*****g year.

Her lips parted but no sound came at first. Then her voice broke.

“You… you cheated on me with those sluts?” she stuttered, tears blurring her sight.

Her heart cracked, the sound loud in her ears.

“You promised,” she whispered. “You said you loved me. You said you wouldn’t do it again.”

Jake scoffed, scrambling for control. “I’m sorry. He’s framing me.”

Ariel laughed, sharp and hysterical. “You want to tell me that’s Photoshop? You asshole!”

Her palm connected with his face before she even realized she’d moved.

The slap echoed.

Jake’s expression twisted. The mask dropped.

“And so what if I f****d them?” he snapped. “I’m a man, for crying out loud. And what do you think you are, a goddess? I’m not bowing to you, bitch.”

Something inside her snapped clean in two.

Her tears vanished, replaced by something cold. Mean.

“And you thought you were the only one cheating?” she fired back. “He’s not my bodyguard. He’s my lover. You were just a toy.”

Jake laughed, cruel and disbelieving. “Do I look five to you?”

“Here’s your proof,” Ariel said, walking toward Aaron.

Her heart pounded like it wanted out. She rose on her toes, leaning in, eyes locked on his mouth.

At the last second, his hand came up, stopping her.

Her breath hitched.

Anger flared.

She grabbed his wrist, yanked it away, and kissed him anyway. Hard. Desperate. Reckless. She jumped, wrapping her legs around his waist like she was daring the world to burn.

His hand landed on her ass.

Squeezed.

Her eyes widened, shock rushing through her veins.

Jake gasped.

Aaron’s voice was calm. Low. Deadly.

“Want me to do more?” huhhh?