shadows of deceit by author berryy

CHAPTER 2

It wasn't all about her bravery, it's about her appearance too, which exactly says "fuck you"

She is a brave little thing, he thought.

The silence in the car was deafening, punctuated only by the soft hum of the engine and the occasional passing of another vehicle. Ryker Cormac kept his eyes fixed on the woman beside him, his gaze drawn to her profile like a magnet. Her big, sharp black eyes were cast out the window, her thoughts a million miles away. He took in her beauty, his eyes tracing the contours of her face - the high cheekbones, the straight small nose, the full lips that seemed to pout even in repose. Her hair was so black it seemed to absorb the light around her, a wild tangle of locks that framed her face like a dark halo.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Ryker spoke up, his deep voice low and smooth. "So, Lionessá... what's your name?" he asked, his eyes never leaving hers.

She turned to him, her gaze flashing with a hint of wariness before she replied, "Lila. Lila Emberfell"

Ryker nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "Lila," he repeated, the name rolling off his tongue like a promise.

Lila

Lila

"So Lila, what were you trying to do today?" Asked Ryker, thinking about how much the name suits her.

Dark beauty, that's what it means.

Lila's eyes flashed with guilt, but as soon as it came she shrugged that feeling.

"None of your business" said Lila with sharp voice.

Ryker laughed....a too much forced laugh. "You steal from me, so it is my business leonessá" he said.

Lila was getting tired of all the shit so she give him what he wanted.
"I needed money for my little brother's surgery"

"So you steal, little thief" he said it with a smirk that said it wasn't a question. He has made the assumption, though it wasn't an assumption bec she did steal everything..... everything she have.

Lila clenched her jaw, getting antsy.
She didn't speaked after that, nor did he asked any other question.
The two minute ride felt so long with the load of tension in the car.

Lila startled when the car stopped.

Her eyes widened as she stepped out of the car and took in the imposing structure before her. The castle loomed above, its dark towers reaching towards the stormy sky like skeletal fingers. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, and the crackling thunder above seemed to reverberate through every cell in her body. Strange, unearthly howls echoed through the night, sending shivers down her spine.

But despite the eerie atmosphere, Lila couldn't shake the feeling that this castle was different. It stood tall, proud, and unyielding, like a sentinel guarding secrets within its ancient walls. The modern tiling she'd noticed earlier hinted at a more recent occupation, and she wondered what lay behind the imposing facade.

Ryker appeared beside her, his eyes gleaming with a knowing light. "Welcome to Cormac Castle, Leonessá," he said, his voice low and husky.

Lila's gaze snapped to his, her heart fluttered in her chest at the sight of his beautifully cold eyes. She wondered why he has brought her here.

Lila was shocked that she is impressed by the empire he has built.
The empire which is the symbol of his ruthlessness.

Without saying anything, he stride inside, leaving an amazed Lila.

Lila hesitated for a moment before following him inside. Heart pounding with anticipation as the spiky iron gates, which swung open with a creaking groan, revealing a dimly lit courtyard beyond.

Going inside, her eyes adjusted to the dimly lit interior of Cormac Castle, and she couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine. Ryker's eyes, once warm and inviting, had turned cold and distant, his jaw clenched in a tight line. Without a word, he strode inside, leaving her to follow in his wake.

As she entered the grand hall, her gaze was drawn to Ryker, who was pouring himself a drink at the bar. The sound of the liquid splashing into the glass seemed amplified in the silence, and Lila felt a flutter in her chest. He raised the glass to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers, and took a sip. The movement of his mouth, the way his lips curled around the rim of the glass, sent a jolt of electricity through her veins.

The same lips she has fantasized about. Lila's cheecks flushed at the hot shame that.............she was wet.

Fucking hell dude
She thought

"Sit down," he commanded, his voice low and husky, setting her pulse racing.

Lila's pride might have rebelled against his bossy tone, but her body seemed to have other ideas. She felt a thrill at his authoritative manner, her mind flashing back to the countless times she'd imagine him using this tune in bed.

She sank into the nearest chair, her eyes fixed on Ryker as he took another sip of his drink.

Ryker's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her skin prickle. "So, Lila," he said, his voice dripping with promise. "Are you ready to hear my proposal?"

The air between them seemed to vibrate with tension, and Lila couldn't help but wonder what he had planned for her. One thing was certain, though - she was ready to find out.

SOON TO BE CONTINUE....

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Enjoy the second chapter berries<3
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