Eryx.
I woke to the soft glow of morning light, my mind gradually coming online. Adeline's face lingered in my thoughts, a persistent presence I couldn't shake. Her radiant smile, the way her eyes sparkled, and her effortless charm had left an indelible mark.
A low hum of attraction coursed through me, a sensation I hadn't experienced in a long time. It was unsettling, yet intriguing. I acknowledged it, refusing to dismiss the spark.
But I wasn't naive. Infatuation, maybe. Attraction, certainly. Yet, I knew better than to mistake it for something more. Love wasn't on the table, not for someone like me.
My gaze drifted to the cityscape outside, but my mind remained fixed on Adeline. Her vulnerability had struck a chord, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath her polished exterior.
My thoughts drifted to Ethan, her ex. Something about the guy rubbed me wrong. I made a mental note to dig deeper into his background.
What was it about Ethan that had drawn Adeline in? His charm? His wealth? Or was it something more sinister?
I recalled the possessiveness in Ethan's eyes, the aggression in his tone. It wasn't just jealousy; it was entitlement.
My gut tightened. I'd seen men like Ethan before, men who believed they owned the people in their lives.
What had Adeline endured during their relationship? Had she been trapped in a web of manipulation and control?
My instincts screamed for me to uncover the truth, to protect Adeline from further harm.
My phone buzzed, breaking my thoughts on Ethan. I glanced at the screen.
"Reno," I answered.
"Eryx, we've got an update on Vector's interrogation," Reno said, his voice crisp. "Looks like Grant's involvement runs deeper than we thought."
My instincts kicked in. "I'm on my way."
I tossed off the covers and rose from bed, Adeline's image lingering in my mind.
"What's the situation?" I asked Reno, already moving towards the shower.
"Grant's lawyer is pushing for a plea deal," Reno replied. "But we think there's more to it. We need you to review the new evidence."
"I'll be there in 30," I said, ending the call.
My focus shifted to the Vector case, but Adeline's face still lingered, a constant presence.
***
I arrived at Omnia Investigators, my mind shifting gears from Adeline to the Vector case.
Reno briefed me on the updates: Grant's lawyer pushing for a plea deal, potential witnesses coming forward, and hints of a larger conspiracy.
As I reviewed the new evidence, my gut told me this was more complex than initially thought.
"What's your take, Reno?" I asked, eyes scanning the documents.
"Grant's hiding something," Reno replied. "And I think it's tied to his business dealings."
I nodded, my mind racing. "Get me everything on Grant's financials and connections."
Reno nodded and left to gather the information.
My thoughts drifted to Adeline, her vulnerable smile flashing in my mind. I pushed the image aside, focusing on the task at hand.
Vector.
I couldn't afford distractions.
"Stay on track, Eryx," I told myself.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond The Lie
RomanceI laughed and joked with the group, feeling carefree for the first time all evening. But then, I saw Eryx's dark gaze on me, his eyes narrowing as he strode towards me. "Excuse us," he said curtly, his hand wrapping around my elbow like a vice. He p...
