Bella’s POV The ride began quiet and smooth, I knew Emily had a lot to say but the future uncertainties kept us at bay. Indeed it’s hard to believe that I’m on the road searching for Arya, by this exact time last night we were having a heartfelt conversation in bed. I glanced over and noticed Emily’s drifting, she was fighting hard to stay awake, I couldn’t help but feel her helplessness. She just landed and had no moment of rest, the stress on her face testified to that.My body slightly tensed behind the wheels, staring at the building before me gave me a shuddering feeling. “We’re here” My voice above a whisper shot up Emily’s groggy eyes. “Where’s this?” She yawned a response and I mentally fell silent. If I was asked what to call this place, what would I say? My emotions were too complex right now so I just blurted out “Nicklaus’ friend’s place, he should have some answers”.With this I got out first and approached the gates, Emily followed behind but then I noticed she reac

Bella’s POV The temperature in the car dropped a notch, Klaus expression turned serious as he kicked the engines and made a U-turn at the intersection. I’m guessing our destination was Mega Casino Lounge. This wasn’t owned by my family but they were one of our major competitors. The owners were notorious for building Casinos that housed criminals and black market trading. It’s safe to say we’re driving towards a danger zone. Regardless, when Klaus told me to stay put in the car I was livid, “I can handle myself” I retorted but he didn’t respond and just shut the doors, circling the car to get to me. “You promised not to get in my way. Keep it and do as I say” I wanted to challenge him but remained quiet and folded my hands in displeasure. He didn’t mind and walked right into the bubbling Casino. The colorful lights displayed symbols that read all sorts of betting wins, it had the ability to make even a saint gamble, I had to give it to them, their marketing strategy was impressiv

Bella’s POV ‘Rule number one, never aim low. If you’re gonna take a risk then make sure it’s worth it!’ The echoing sound of my father’s voice resounded in my depths unknowingly creeping a smile on my cheeks. I remembered asking what’s rule number two but he’s answer shocked me. ‘There’s no rule number two. This isn’t a game of luck or intentions, it’s s a game of wit and agility. Never forget, there’s only one rule’. I didn’t realize how zoned out I was until I noticed his boys closing in on us,“Take her” His commanded baffled me, I haven’t even revealed my cards, yet he assumed I had lost. My gaze moved to Klaus and I caught his hands coiling around his gun. Things were gonna get messy!“Wait” I gestured with my right hand lifted and the room instantly fell still, every movement paused. The choked air was suffocating but I found a way to breathe as I spoke.“Why’re you in such a hurry?”Even if I tried I couldn’t stop the coy smile from forming my lips, seeing his confused

Arya’s POV If it was possible to eat back my words I would because the atmosphere became super gloomy within breaths. At this point I was certain my suspicions were right but his sudden change in demeanor made me fear for my life. But then he did something unexpected, he started laughing uncontrollably for a prolonged period. I never knew someone’s laugher could make me so uncomfortable! And it didn’t make matters better knowing that my brain kept reminding me that I’m in an enclosed space with a psychopath. I tired to make my presence invisible but who am I fooling? Finally, his laugher stopped and it didn’t take long for me to realize I took a breath of relief too soon, my whole being was paralyzed at his actions, he took a three hundred and sixty degree spin in emotions. I’ve never watched a grown ass man sob with so much intensity. Was my question that big of a deal? Maybe I shouldn’t I’ve asked. ‘Curses!’ When did I gain compassion for my captor? If anything I should be the

Hello” Nicklaus voice called out over the phone followed by a deep breath of satisfaction from Juliet. “How’re you doing this fine morning? Hope you had a goodnights rest? Well...what was left of it”“Cut the crap!”Over Nick’s harsh tone Juliet sang humorless laugher. “My bad, how could you sleep well when your bed warmer is somewhere lost with another man? I was too impulsive, forgive me”Her mocking voice seem to do the trick.“Enough! Say what you wanna say and get lost”“In that case, my night was fine, thanks for asking. I’ll text you the address now. You’ve got just thirty minutes to get there with my ransom of course, otherwise...”“...I’ll leave you to imagine the worst-”Nicklaus finger clicked the red button and ended the call. Her yammering usually had no effect on him but this time it was different. He was really losing it by the second. No doubt Juliet belongs in the psych ward, she’s like a mad dog that bites deep, not letting go until it’s got a good chomp! Wit