Shadows Of Desire

Chapter 4

(a few nights after last chap)

                                                     Leandra Moreno

After the chaos of the past few days, I finally find peace in the quiet space of my apartment. The city outside was still alive with the hum of nightlife, but within these walls, I had a momentary reprieve from the relentless pace of my existence.

I flick on the bathroom light and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. A smirk plays on my lips as I examine the bruise forming on my cheek.

Aw, how cute. They left a souvenir.

"Well, Zura," I say, addressing the kitten as she pawed at my feet, "it's just you and me against the world, huh?"

Zura meows in agreement, her eyes wide and curious. She was a feisty little thing, much like me, and I found comfort in her company.

I slip out of my suit, folding it and placing it at the bathroom counter.

Marco said he's tailoring a new suit. So, I'll just throw that one away.

I take my hair out of the tight high ponytail it was in. I let relief wash over me as I massaged my scalp, the ends of my hair touching the lower part of my waist.

I turn on the shower, waiting for the water to heat up before I enter, the water cascading down in a soothing rhythm. The steam enveloped me, washing away the tension and grime of the day. I let my thoughts drift, replaying the night's events in my mind. Eduardo's threats, the heist, my mother and, of course, Zade.

Zade De Luca—dangerous, enigmatic, and infuriatingly compelling. There was something about him that stirred a fire within me, a challenge I couldn't resist. Most people cowered in his presence, but I reveled in it. 

But for now, I had the luxury of peace, however fleeting. I step out of the shower, wrapping myself in a towel, and padded into the bedroom. Zura was already curled up on the bed, her small form a reassuring presence.

I open my closet, pulling out a pink robe. I take off the towel, and put on some lotion before tying the warm robe around me.

I put on the matching sleeping mask before I slipped into bed, exhaustion pulling me into its embrace. As sleep claimed me, my thoughts lingered on Zade. 

He's so hot, 

I wonder how much he works out.

Does he even work out..

Yes he does, isn't it obvious.

I pet the kitten a bit, mentally preparing myself for 2 days worth of missing sleep.

Just as I was about to doze off, a loud knock at my door interrupts my sleep.

I instinctively grab a dagger from my nightstand before walking towards the door.

I peek through the peep hole to see it's one of Eduardo's men. I don't let my guard down though, clutching the knife in my hand tightly.

I let out a heavy sigh before turning the door knob. I open the door to be met with one of Eduardo's men, looking as stiff and humorless as ever.

They need to get a life..literally.

I arch an eyebrow, letting sass slip into my voice. "Well, if it isn't one of Eddie's lapdogs, Aw what's the matter, Can't he handle his own dirty work?"

The man didn't even flinch. "Eduardo wants to see you. Now"

I asked for one night of sleep, ONE