Onyx is a city ruled by the Ophidian Cartel . But to 19 year old Adalie Riva , Onyx is the land of opportunity as she leaves home to become a sultry jazz performer . Adalie is quickly enraptured with the vibrant city from its music , it's food and...
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Panic swirled in Adalie's chest . Of course Priscilla was there when Luca dropped her off and it was clear from her expression that she’d seen everything they had done.
And now here Priscilla stood , studying Adalie in surreptitious silence, her sable eyes knowing, her bow-shaped lips pinched. her brown hair lustrous, blood red rubies jeweled raiment around her neck.
Adalie settled into the chair , her marigold silk skirts rustling “I’m fine.” Adalie swallowed before smiling brightly.
Priscilla took a seat in the chair opposite Adalie " To be honest , I kept waiting for someone to call me and tell me you were dead " Priscilla said. It was so absurd, Adalie could not help but laugh. “You shouldn’t remember him. He isn’t . . . good for you, dearest.” Her hand flew to her mouth, as if to catch the words before they could spill more . Further proof that Priscilla was hiding something. She was keeping an important truth from her. “Was I not supposed to go with Luca ?” Priscilla exhaled slowly. Bit her lower lip. “There were men there with guns , does it have something to do with that ” Adalie pressed, her gaze intense. “ I'm gonna continue seeing him if you don't tell me .” Priscilla remained silent. “Please tell me, Priscilla . If you know something, please share it with me."
Priscilla stood in a rush "Adalie . Please. I’m begging you. Stay away from him. He isn’t right for you. Knowing him will bring you nothing but pain. There are so many suitable young gentlemen out there. Take your pick! "
"How can I stay away when you can't even give me a reason to !” Adalie raged.
"I could get killed for even saying this ,” Priscilla began in a hoarse whisper. “Luca Margaux is the leader of the Ophidian Cartel , this entire City is his and my-" She stopped midsentence, tension banding across her forehead.
Adalie blinked and gestured her friend to continue " And my cousin ... Ophelia , got involved with Luca for a few weeks but she disappeared Shortly after that . He claims to not know what happened to her saying she broke up with him over the phone and decided to go to Paris but she's not that impulsive and she Would've kept in touch you know annnd she hates Paris , always thought it was overrated." Priscilla admitted in defeat.
Horror took hold of Adalie , an icy wave spreading down her back. Adalie stood the next instant.“I need a moment to myself.” She stepped away from the table, taking in deep gulps of rose-scented air. Energy pulsing through her veins, she wandered closer to the balcony laced with grapevines, trying in vain to calm herself.
If it's true , if Luca had something to do with Ophelias disappearance how could Priscilla not tell her the truth about Luca instead of issuing a low level warning to stay away from him !. was it true , was she at risk of disappearing too ? Is Ophelia alive and indeed in Paris ? Is Lucas a cold blooded girlfriend slayer ?
He doesn't seem that way Just as suddenly, a image flared into sharp relief. Of his lips a hairsbreadth from hers. Of his fingers brushing across her skin, his touch soft and hard all at once. Asking and offering in equal measure. Luca . That damnably beautiful boy who had haunted her thoughts since she said goodbye to him this morning
Was it wrong that she was even more intrigued by Him now that she came upon the revelation that he was indeed the leader of a Cartel and they indeed ruled the entire City of Onyx
Perhaps it was best to forget about Luca.
Her custom made gown was supposed to arrive before noon like it said in the letter her anonymous client send her regarding tonight's performance and they wanted her to fit in with the elegant black dress code Regarding her generous benefactor She hoped today was a different story. Adalie intended for this event to serve several purposes, all in her favor.
