Crimson Love (Crimes On Love)

Part 3: Chapter 2: Into The Abyss

The night was cold, the kind that made the city streets feel sharper, more dangerous. Valentina sat on her motorcycle, the engine humming softly beneath her, as she waited for Diamond to arrive. She wasn't sure if this was a good idea—bringing Diamond deeper into her world, showing her the side of life that glittering rooftops and quiet cafes couldn't touch. But Diamond had asked for it, practically demanded it, and Valentina wasn't one to deny her anything.

It wasn't just curiosity in Diamond's eyes when she made the request. There was something else—something darker, a hunger for the thrill that only Valentina's life could provide. So Valentina had agreed, despite the warnings flashing in her mind, knowing this could push things too far.

The sound of heels clicking on the pavement caught her attention. She turned, and there was Diamond, stepping out of a sleek black car. She looked out of place in her tailored coat and designer boots, her hair carefully done, and her makeup flawless even in the dim streetlights. But Valentina couldn't deny the rush that surged through her at the sight of Diamond walking toward her.

"You're really sure about this?" Valentina asked as Diamond approached, her voice laced with both amusement and concern. "This isn't exactly dinner at some fancy restaurant."

Diamond smiled, her eyes glinting with something wild and reckless. "I didn't come here for fancy. I want to see your world, Valentina. All of it."

Valentina raised an eyebrow, impressed by Diamond's confidence, even if she knew it was born of naivety. "Alright," she said, handing Diamond a helmet. "Hop on. But once we go in, there's no turning back."

Diamond took the helmet without hesitation, sliding onto the back of Valentina's motorcycle. As her arms wrapped around Valentina's waist, the closeness sent a jolt through her, but she pushed it aside. Tonight wasn't about stolen kisses or tender moments. Tonight was about showing Diamond the reality she'd been craving to see.

Valentina revved the engine, the motorcycle roaring to life beneath them. Without another word, she tore off into the night, weaving through the darkened streets with a speed that made Diamond's grip tighten around her waist. The city blurred around them as they left the glittering high-rises behind, diving deeper into the rough, unpolished edges of Valentina's world.

It didn't take long to reach the destination—a warehouse on the edge of the city, where Valentina's crew had gathered for the night. The place was a far cry from the penthouses Diamond was used to. It was gritty, the walls covered in faded graffiti, the air thick with the scent of gasoline and smoke. Men and women lingered around the entrance, smoking cigarettes and drinking from cheap bottles, their eyes hard and calculating.

Valentina parked the bike, feeling Diamond's hesitation as she took in their surroundings. But Diamond didn't say a word as she climbed off, slipping her helmet off with a grace that seemed almost out of place here. She met Valentina's gaze, her chin tilted upward, challenging the world around her to scare her.

Valentina smirked. "Stay close," she said, her voice low and serious. "These guys respect me, but don't make any sudden moves."

As they walked inside, Diamond's wide eyes took in everything—the rusted metal beams, the makeshift bar in the corner, the group of men and women scattered around the room, their gazes sharp and predatory. This was Valentina's domain, a place where power was measured in fear and loyalty, not money or status. It was raw, dangerous, and utterly intoxicating.

Valentina's crew was there, all of them—Marco, with his broad shoulders and rough grin; Rosa, her sharp eyes constantly on the lookout; and Diego, the silent muscle who rarely spoke but never missed a thing. They were all rough around the edges, born and bred in the streets, but they were her family. The kind of family you fought for, bled for.

As they approached, Marco looked up, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Diamond. "Well, well," he drawled, standing up from his seat. "Didn't expect you to bring a guest, Val."

Valentina shrugged, her expression unreadable. "She wanted to see the real world."

Rosa snorted, taking a swig from her beer. "This ain't exactly her crowd, is it?"

Diamond met Rosa's gaze head-on, not flinching under the scrutiny. Valentina felt a surge of pride. Diamond wasn't backing down, even though she had every right to be terrified.

"I can handle it," Diamond said, her voice steady.

Marco chuckled, his gaze flicking between Diamond and Valentina. "She's got guts, I'll give her that." He gestured to the group. "C'mon, sit. Show her what we do around here."

Valentina led Diamond to a seat near the others, her eyes never leaving her crew. This was dangerous territory. She had never brought anyone from outside their world into these gatherings, let alone someone like Diamond. But there was something about the way Diamond sat beside her, poised yet on edge, that made Valentina feel like she was right where she was supposed to be.

"Alright," Marco said, leaning back in his chair. "Let's make it a proper night. Drinks, cards... and maybe a little business."

Valentina tensed slightly at the mention of business. She hadn't planned for Diamond to see that side of things, but she knew it was inevitable. As the night wore on, the crew drank and played cards, their laughter mixing with the low thrum of music coming from a busted old speaker in the corner. But beneath the surface, the real reason for the gathering was brewing.

Valentina watched as Marco and Rosa exchanged glances, their silent communication not lost on her. Something was coming. She could feel it in the air—the shift from casual to dangerous. Her instincts were sharp, always ready for what came next.

And then, it happened.

The door to the warehouse slammed open, and two men walked in—strangers, but Valentina recognized their type immediately. Rivals. They had been encroaching on her territory for weeks, and now they had the audacity to walk into her space, thinking they could intimidate her on her own turf.

The room went silent as the men approached, their eyes cold and predatory. Valentina stood, her body tense, ready for whatever was about to go down.

One of the men, tall and built like a tank, looked around the room before his gaze settled on Valentina. "We got a problem, Romero?" His voice was low, but it carried the weight of a threat.

Valentina didn't flinch. "You shouldn't be here."

The tension in the room was suffocating, the kind of tension that came right before violence erupted. Valentina could feel Diamond's eyes on her, but she didn't turn. This was her world now, and there was no room for weakness.

"I heard you've been moving product through our area," the man said, his voice dripping with menace.

Valentina crossed her arms, her expression cold. "Your area? Last I checked, you don't own shit."

The man took a step closer, but before he could make another move, Marco and Diego were on their feet, their hands resting on the guns tucked into their belts. Rosa didn't move, but her eyes were sharp, ready for anything.

The standoff lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like hours. Finally, the man sneered, his gaze flicking to Diamond for just a moment before turning back to Valentina. "This isn't over."

And just like that, they turned and walked out, leaving the tension hanging in the air like a storm about to break.

Valentina let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. The moment had passed, but the danger was still there, lurking beneath the surface.

She turned to Diamond, who had been silent through the entire exchange. "You okay?"

Diamond nodded, her expression unreadable. "Is that... normal?"

Valentina smirked, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Welcome to my world."