In a world where shadows whisper secrets and danger lurks behind every corner, Amelia finds herself ensnared in a web of manipulation and desire. The daughter of the notorious crime lord, Victor DeLuca, she lives a life dictated by her father's ruth...
As I head out of the bathroom, I'm immediately hit with the sound of my father's and his employees' voices. My heart sinks, and I feel a wave of panic wash over me. I look up, and my eyes land on my father's back, turned towards me. I quickly push my hat down, trying to conceal my face, and grab my cart, attempting to walk away as quickly and quietly as possible.
But as I glance back, I see Kallis walking up with his team. My heart skips a beat as I take in his imposing figure. He's a giant of a man, with a broad, muscular upper torso that seems to ripple beneath his skin as he moves. He's wearing just a vest, with his guns fastened on either side of his hips and under his arms, and his knives are glued to him, making him look like a walking arsenal.
As he scans the area, his eyes lock onto my father, Victor, and I can sense a spark of recognition between them. It's as if they know each other, but Kallis's expression is unreadable. He doesn't even glance in my direction, simply passing by me as if I'm invisible.
But I know he's looking for me. I can feel it.
As he walks through the store, every female eye is drawn to him, and I can sense their admiration and lust. Yeah, yeah, he's handsome, I tell myself, trying to downplay the flutter in my chest. But it's more than that. Kallis exudes a raw power and energy that's impossible to ignore.
I watch, transfixed, as he scours the store, his eyes scanning the aisles, searching for me. His scowl deepens, and I can sense his frustration growing. He's not used to being thwarted, and I know he won't give up easily.
My heart is racing now, and I feel like I'm trapped in a nightmare. I know I have to get out of here, but my legs seem rooted to the spot. I'm frozen, unable to move or look away from the man who's hunting me.
And then, suddenly, Kallis's eyes lock onto mine, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through my body. He's found me, and I know I'm in trouble. Big trouble.
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As I take off in a sprint, I know I'm making a mistake. Kallis will catch me, and when he does, I'll pay for my disobedience. But I run anyway, my heart pounding in my chest as I weave through the crowded store.
Kallis chuckles, a low, menacing sound, and takes off after me. His men hold back, letting him handle the situation. I can hear his footsteps behind me, heavy and deliberate, and I know I'm running out of time.
In mere seconds, his hand closes around my neck, and he towers over me like a giant. He forces me to look up at him, his eyes blazing with anger.
"You think you can run from me, puppet?" he growls, his voice low and menacing.
I try to speak, but his hand tightens around my neck, cutting off my air. I gasp, my eyes watering as I struggle to breathe.
"Lena said you're in love with me," I manage to choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. "But that's not true, is it? Someone who loves someone doesn't kidnap them."
Kallis's eyes soften slightly, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of something else there, something that looks almost like...vulnerability.
But then, the softness is gone, and the anger is back, burning brighter than ever.
"You don't know what you're talking about, puppet," he snarls, his hand tightening around my neck. "You don't know what love is."
"I know that it's not this," I gasp, my eyes locked on his. "I know that it's not kidnapping someone and holding them captive. That's not love, Kallis. That's obsession."
Kallis's eyes flash with anger, and he slams me against the wall, his body pinning me in place.
"You don't know what you're talking about," he repeats, his voice low and menacing.
"I know that my father is in the store, looking for me," I remind him, my voice steady. "And if you don't let me go, I'll scream. I'll scream until he finds me, and when he does, you'll be the one who's sorry."
Kallis's eyes narrow, his gaze burning with intensity.
"You think your father can save you, puppet?" he sneers. "You think anyone can save you from me?"
I nod, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Yes," I say, my voice firm. "I know he can. And I know that you're not going to hurt me, not here, not now. Because if you do, my father will make sure you pay for it."
Kallis's eyes flash with anger, and for a moment, I think he's going to lose control. But then, he seems to regain himself, his expression smoothing out into a cold, calculating mask.
"We'll see about that, puppet," he says, his voice low and menacing. "We'll see about that."
