THE TEMPTRESS

||Luca||

•STEPHANIE•

The car eased to a stop in front of a massive iron gate blocking the way. AJ lowered his window and exchanged a few words with the guard stationed outside. After a brief conversation on his walkie-talkie in a language I couldn't understand, the guard signaled for the gates to open.

Slowly, the double gates creaked apart, and AJ took control, gripping the wheel and driving through.

I recognized Luca's house immediately. I had come across pictures during some casual surveillance about a year ago, but I had never been here in person.

This wasn't what I had signed up for when Kaden mentioned a fun trip, especially with his friends packed into the car alongside us.

I had no clue about Kaden's plans, but whatever he had up his sleeve, I wasn't a fan. Thankfully, I always kept my guard up, ready for any unexpected twists.

We all got out of the vehicle and I stared at the huge mansion in front of me. The air was heavy with an ominous vibe, a dark aura that clung to the towering structure before me.

Approaching closer, I was struck by the sheer magnificence of the mansion. It stood tall, radiating wealth and grandeur.

The architecture was a marvel, with towering spires and intricate designs adorning its exterior. The windows, framed in gold, glimmered in the fading light, giving the mansion an otherworldly aura.

Even the meticulously manicured gardens seemed to wilt under its imposing presence.

Despite the surrounding darkness, there was an undeniable allure that drew me in.

I couldn't shake the feeling of being both captivated and intimidated by the sheer splendor of Luca's mansion.

Kaden wraps an arm around my waist and gave a small smile before leading all of us inside.

I entered the house, my heart racing with a mix of amazement and discomfort. The foyer, lit softly by golden chandeliers, was breathtaking.

The marble floors felt cool beneath my feet, echoing my every step. Tall pillars stretched upward, adorned with ancient carvings that whispered secrets.

The air was thick with a luxurious scent, and grand tapestries on the walls absorbed the dim light, creating eerie shadows.

Amidst the splendor, there was an unmistakable darkness in the air, overshadowing the grandeur. The furniture was lavish, and the rooms, though beautifully adorned, concealed secrets in their shadows.

Two men dressed head-to-toe in black stood at the base of the staircase. One of them gave Kaden a nod, motioning for us to follow him up the stairs.

With Kaden's hand gently resting on my lower back, we ascended the long, winding staircase. A sense of unease washed over me, and I stole a quick glance back to find the others slowly trailing behind us.

"Why are we here?" I whispered to Kaden,

He smirked, keeping his gaze forward. "You wanted to meet my father, right?"

My heart skipped a nervous beat. We halted in front of grand double mahogany doors, and he turned toward me.

"Why the long face? Isn't this what you've been wanting?" he teased, while AJ and Ben stifled their laughter from the sidelines.