Seduction's Shadow

Chapter 47: The Edge of Control

Aiden took a deep breath, trying to calm his initial frustration. He glanced at the dented bumper of his favorite car, before turning back to Rose. Her offer surprised him, softening his stance slightly.

"You're damn right you'll cover the damage," Aiden replied, taking her card and examining it with a raised eyebrow. "But let's be clear. You need to be more careful on the road."

Rose folded her arms defensively. "Hey, accidents happen, okay? Besides, it's not like I did it on purpose."

Aiden shook his head, trying not to smile at her defensive posture. "Accident or not, my car doesn't deserve to be banged up because you were distracted."

Rose sighed, her irritation mixing with a hint of guilt. "Look, I said I'll cover it. Let's just get this sorted so we can move on with our lives."

They exchanged insurance details, with Aiden snapping a photo of Rose's driver's license for good measure. As they walked towards the mall entrance, Rose couldn't help but comment, "You're quite protective of your car, aren't you?"

Aiden chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You could say that. I have a thing for my wheels."

Inside the mall, Rose was still seething slightly from the altercation, but she couldn't deny the curiosity sparked by Aiden's presence. She glanced at him sidelong, noticing his muscular build and the confident way he carried himself. Despite their rocky start, she found herself oddly drawn to his commanding presence.

As they settled the details, Aari was inside the mall, shopping. She wore a sleek black skirt that accentuated her figure, paired with a stylish backless top that added a touch of allure. Her outfit was completed with knee-high boots that exuded both elegance and confidence.

Her perfume carried a delicate blend of jasmine and sandalwood, leaving a subtle yet captivating trail wherever she went.Bored with the mundane activity, she pulled out a brownie from her purse that Rose had given her last night. "These are happy brownies," Rose had said, forgetting to mention they were pot brownies. Unaware, Aari took a bite.

Aari had a right bundle branch block and asthma, conditions that could make this situation dangerous. As she continued shopping, the effects began to take hold. A guy approached her, trying to start a conversation. Aari, uninterested, tried to politely excuse herself. When nervous, she bit her lower lip, a habit that Nikol found irresistible. Feeling the high, she smiled more, and a sense of being watched crept over her.

Master: Missed me, Kittycat?

Aari: No, and stop texting me, Asshole.

Master: Don't bite that lip. Warning you.

From his hidden vantage point, Nikol watched her. Dressed in a black hoodie and jeans, he stayed unnoticed, his eyes locked on Aari. Her lip-biting made him lose control.

Nikol's frustration simmered as he watched Aari's reactions. He typed another message, his annoyance evident.

Master: I told you not to. I need to teach you how to behave Missy.

Aari, feeling a mix of irritation and nerves, couldn't resist needling him.

Aari: What are you, my shadow now? Watching my every move?

Master: Don't flatter yourself, Missy. You just happen to be interesting.

Aari rolled her eyes, despite herself.

Aari: Right, because pestering me with texts is so fascinating.

Master: You're tempting me to make it more interesting.