"Choose your last words, this is the last time."



3

I walk into the Bayard Building, still feeling the frustration from this past weekend. Honestly, I'm just relieved I'll never have to see him again. One-night stands aren't my thing—they're simply not my style.

I spoke with my mom this morning, and I'm really glad she called. She made me feel a little better. I told her everything that happened—it wasn't anything out of the ordinary for me to have a sex life, but I'm just not that open about it.

I took the elevator up, and it almost closed before someone stopped it. To my surprise, it was Stassie. She noticed me, and a guilty look crossed her face.

"I'll just get the ne—" she began, but I cut her off, dragging her inside with me, followed by Elliot.

"Good morning, ladies," Elliot murmured as we all greeted him back.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. "You've been avoiding me all weekend," I whispered, frustrated.

"I'm sorry, okay?" she replied quickly. "What happened that night was unexpected. I looked around and you were gone. Someone told me you left with the guy from the balcony." She paused, her arms crossed. "I invited you out under my responsibility. What kind of friend am I, you know?"

She looked down, and a slow smile tugged at my lips. "I didn't know we were friends."

"Of course we are! I like, love you already," she said, playfully.

"You're not off the hook, though. You didn't respond to my calls or texts."

"I know, but we have to talk about what happened after you left. I want all the details." We both laughed.

"God, just hug already," Elliot sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I can't have this bickering on working hours. End it now, please." He stepped off the elevator, and we shared a look, grinning before following closely behind him.

•••

The day went on and we were sat in a meeting room, with the other students Elliot and Luke asked to stay back. They were seated at the head of the table.

"Okay, people we have our most important investors joining us today. I'll be handing out a file of our most major clients, you'll be discussing their current accounts and answering any questions."

As soon as I opened the file, Elliot handed it to me, and I immediately wanted to close it. The name on the file was Reign Gusev. I had removed the last name earlier, recalling that the maid had mentioned it, but now I couldn't help wondering: Is it really him? This man was handling serious money—investing rare collectibles into the company while keeping his funds here. It made me question just how much wealth he was sitting on.

My thoughts overwhelmed me, and before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "S-sir, my apologies, but would it be possible to swap out for a different client?"

Everyone in the room turned to look at me, the silence hanging heavy for a brief moment.

Elliot broke the tension with a small smile. "Everyone, could I have a few moments of your time?"

The others quickly filed out, leaving just me and Elliot. I hadn't intended to speak up like that—it just slipped out before I could stop it.

"What's wrong with the file?" he asked, his tone curious.

"Nothing is wrong I—," he cut me off.

"Brilliant! Get to the lobby, we don't keep clients waiting. Remember our discussion points." Just like that he left me alone in my thoughts.

I nodded anyway feeling a little frustrated and terrified at the same time.

I took a deep breath, feeling a bit panicked. I was about to face the man I had run out on after such an intense night. Could you imagine the state I was in? The elevator dinged as it reached my floor, and I stepped out, quickly scanning the room. My eyes landed on him almost instantly. He had his back to me, but his two associates were facing my direction, their gazes sharp and fixed on me.

I walked toward him, my nerves getting the best of me. My palms were sweating, and my heart raced with every step.

"Mr. Gusev," I spoke softly, barely above a whisper. He turned, his eyes locking onto mine. Those blue eyes—eyes I had gotten so lost in before—were now filled with a quiet intensity. There was desire in them, but no emotion. It felt as though the rest of the world didn't matter, as though we were the only two people in the room. He looked like sin, a dangerous combination of irresistible and handsome, his presence both captivating and forbidden.

I don't know what came over me, but the urge to reach out and touch him surged through me. Just as I was about to move, the lobby telephone rang, snapping me out of my trance. I quickly extended my hand to him, forcing myself to focus.

"Amina Martin," I stammered, "I—I'll be your advisor for today." I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze any longer.

He took my hand gently, then pressed a soft kiss to it, his lips lingering just a moment too long.

"Lead the way, beautiful." His accent was thick, each word carrying a weight that sent a shiver down my spine. It triggered every dirty thought I tried to suppress. I had to swallow the sudden wave of fear creeping up on me, but it still gnawed at me, itching to break through. His eyes never left me, and the intensity of his gaze made me feel small and vulnerable.

We made our way into a private office. His men stood guard outside the door, while I took my seat behind the desk, him across from me.

"S-so you mentioned to your former accountant that you wouldn't mind using your... investment balance to take ten percent ownership in this business," I said, my voice shaky with nerves. I refused to look up from the computer, focusing on the screen to hide my discomfort.

He was completely silent, his hard gaze unwavering as it bore down on me, a weight I could feel pressing on my chest.

"Who gave you permission to leave?" His voice was low and deliberate, the question hanging in the air like a storm cloud. He was addressing the elephant in the room, and I knew there was no avoiding it now.

"I'm sorry?" I looked at him, confused, but the cool, calculating expression on his face told me he wasn't looking for an apology.

He didn't answer, just stared at me, waiting for the proper response. I cleared my throat, trying to steady my nerves.

"As cliché as this sounds, it was a mistake that shouldn't have happened."

I continued, "And I didn't think I needed your permission to leave your home."

"Don't you enjoy being told what to do Ms Martin? " he bites back as mischievous run through his gaze.

I look at his men intimidatingly standing behind him, I swallow finding my words again, "I don't think this conversation is appropriate to have."

"I'm not a appropriate man."

"It was a mistake Mr Gusev."

"I don't accept it." A dark smirk curled at the corners of his lips.

"The mistake wasn't you being on top of me or your remarkable face planted in my sheets ... It was you running out my house, and the next time you do Amina, I will have you on your knees."

I gasp, "I-It can't happen again."

He smirks, "What won't happen again?" His eyes challenging me.

"Us."

"I truly admire your ability to be indenial, your just as beautiful."

His words hit harder than I expected. I fell silent, unable to find a response. The tension thickened between us, and I forced myself to focus on the appointment, though I couldn't ignore the feeling of his cold stare fixed on me. I was too afraid to even glance his way, afraid that any eye contact would give away more than I wanted him to see.

The session finally came to an end, and he rose from his seat with deliberate slowness, his presence filling the room.

"I'll be seeing you tonight," he said, his voice smooth and steady. I finally looked up, meeting his eyes—eyes that were dark and full of something intense. Something I couldn't quite name, but it made my heart race. Admiration, maybe, but there was something else beneath it. Something that made me shiver.

I felt a powerful urge to nod, unable to speak in that moment.

"Use your words, I do remember them," Reign's tone was calm, but there was no mistaking the quiet authority behind it. This was a man who was used to being obeyed.

"Tell me what I want to hear."

The tattoos peeking out from his sleeves and the silver rings on his fingers only added to his commanding presence. He was danger wrapped in charisma, and it was hard to ignore the pull he had over me.

I barely managed to mutter, "Y-yes, Sir. I'll see you."

He didn't wait for any further response, his voice a low command. "Come here Amina."

A rush of heat shot through me at his words, my body reacting instinctively as I hesitated for just a moment before stepping toward him. He moved with calculated precision, his arms enveloping my waist, pulling me in close. His hands settled on my hips, giving them a firm squeeze that made my breath catch.

Without thinking, my hands rested on his chest, fingers trembling against the taut muscle beneath the fabric of his shirt. I felt the thud of his heartbeat beneath my palms, my own pulse quickening in response to the intimacy of the moment.

"You'll very soon learn about me, little one," his voice was low and laced with something dark, something that made my stomach tighten.

The words hung heavy in the air, his gaze never wavered from mine, leaving me with the unmistakable sense that I was now part of his world—whether I was ready or not.

The way his words roll off his tongue sent shivers through me, and somewhere deep down I knew this Reign Gusev meant every word. He left out with his two men. Tonight I have to end it all with him, something tells me if I fall in to deep, I won't be able to get out.

•••

I took a warm shower changing into a dress with light makeup, and freshly curled hair, waiting for a knock on my door. I'm at a cross road, I feel this attraction from him I can't seem to push down. I know he's not good for me. I've been down this road before, tangled up in the charm of a guy who carries a dark energy—someone who says all the right things, does all the wrong things, and somehow leaves me breathless and broken all at once.

I've learned the hard way that those dangerous types, with their smoldering eyes and their reckless smiles, only leave destruction in their wake.

There's still something about this Reign guy, something that keeps pulling at me. It feels oddly familiar, like I've been here before—like I'm walking in circles.

Just as I'm lost in my thoughts, a knock on my door pulls me back to the present. It's Stassie, followed by the girls from the other night.

"Hey, what are you guys doing here?" I ask, opening the door to let them in.

"Get this," Stassie beams, giving me a tight hug. "We were heading to dinner and happened to be passing your building, so we thought we'd bring you along!"

"That's sweet of you, but I have plans with—" I glance at her, hoping she'll catch on without me having to say too much.

"Who is it?" Lynn asks, her smirk making it clear she's already imagining the details.

"No way, shy girl's got a date," Tommie jokes, her eyes glinting with mischief. Stassie quickly spins around, giving them a sharp look to hush them.

To my surprise, she grabs my face in her hands, her tone turning serious. "Amina, you can't go on this date. You know it's more than just a one-night stand. It would turn into something else, and you wouldn't want that messing with your career."

I flinch at her touch, but pull myself together. "Stassie, I hear what you're saying—"

"Perfect! Let's go!" Without another word, she pulls me out the door, the girls trailing behind her like a whirlwind.

•••

The restaurant was stunning, located on the Upper East Side. I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling I had about being there, but it faded as the girls got to know me better. Ever since I met Stassie, certain parts of my life have been shifting, though I'm still unsure if it's for the better or worse. What I do know is that I appreciate how open she is about bringing me along on her nights out. It's a joy I didn't expect to find in the midst of everything.

"What brings you to New York? Her dick suckers told us your from Chicago." Tommie smirks avoiding Stassies glare.

I let out a small chuckle. "I was born in Brazil and moved to America when I was five. My mom's Brazilian, my dad's from Chicago. I guess you could say I'm from Chicago since most of my childhood memories are from there. My dad passed away last year, and my mom moved back to Brazil, which... feels like she left me behind. Anyway, here I am, trying to get the job my dad always wanted for me."

The silence hung in the air, heavy and uncertain. I timidly met their gazes, unsure of what to say or how to break the tension.

"Hmph." Irina nodded in curiosity.

"I was rabbling wasn't I?" I place my hand on my forehead a little humiliated.

"No it's okay if it makes you comfortable." Stassies rubbed my shoulder in a comforting way.

"Then welcome to the city! Where your wildest dreams come true... we'll for most of us." Lynn winked at me as we cheers to that. Dinner went really nice we talked for a majority of it until we decided we were ready to go.

We reached the door, laughter still hanging in the air, but all movement came to an abrupt halt when we saw three trucks parked outside the entrance. Tommie asked what was going on, but no one answered. Four men stepped out of the vehicles, and my heart sank—one of them was the man I had been dreading to see all night. They all wore their usual intimidating black uniforms, their presence commanding the space with an unsettling authority.

Reign's gloom followed him made it all feel sinister, his powerful demeanor made it hard for me to keep down my emotions. Those daring blue eyes I could see from my place of standing. Strange men stood still for the longest minute.

"Polka, take them home." Reign spoke leaving his eyes on me. I felt like crying, why do I always want to cry when I see him? I knew everything he wanted to tell me just from looking into his eyes. They were so cold and lifeless.

"W-Wait no I can't leave my friend again." Stassie said crying out.

The man who I'm guessing is Polka, opened the car door for the girls to get in. Why weren't there any people around to witness this?

Reign moved his hard stare over to Stassie, "Get in the car angel. Last chance."

She spat out, "No! I don't know who the fuck you think you are but you--," a gun went off once turning Stassie's outburst to an ear piercing scream. I ducked covering my eyes screaming at the sound of a fire arm going off.

I was too terrified to move.

Everything gradually slowed down. I couldn't get to where stassie is, my heart cried seeing her failed attempts to pull away from that guy. Her face in agony as she flailed around in his tight hold.

My ears burned with the intensity of distant screams and gunshots, but everything felt muffled, like I was hearing it underwater. The only thing clear was the pounding of my own heartbeat, and I knew a panic attack could hit me at any moment.

I scanned the room, my eyes landing on Tommie, who was on her knees, clutching her stomach in pain. Chalynn stood frozen for a moment before she began to hyperventilate, tears streaming down her face. She tried to run to Tommie but stumbled, collapsing and vomiting into her hand.

"Someone help!" She frantically yelled out.

A man got her off her knees dragging her away gripping onto her arm. Lynn violently fought to remove his hands off hers. The stranger grew frustrated, he brutally hit her head with the gun placing her limp body carelessly in the car.

My mouth flew open in a silent scream.

"Chalynn!!" Stassie exclaimed, her face wet with runny mascara, she was then thrown into the backseat of a car. I looked around for Irina, but she was no where to be found.

The metallic stench hit my nostrils, it sealed it once I saw Tommies hands soaked of her own blood. My heart suddenly stopped working in normal beats, and double of everything became blurry. It's gut-wrenching trying to mentally process this horrific sight.

One more shot rang out, the sound sharp and final, echoing in my chest like a punch I couldn't defend against. I pressed my hands harder over my ears, squeezing my eyes shut, praying this was some kind of cruel dream. But the ache in my bones, told me otherwise.

I squinted, trying to clear the haze in my vision, but it lingered, a fog that wouldn't lift. Finally, I blinked it away, my heart pounding as the world came into focus.

There, on the cold ground, was Tommie. Still. Silent. Deceased. I couldn't move, couldn't think. The world felt like it had stopped spinning, as if the seconds were frozen in the space between us.

How had it come to this? How had everything shattered so quickly?

She laid there with a bullet to the forehead. Her head bent and eyes shot open, no longer full of life. I could hear my heart thump in my ears. Her green eyes will forever remain in my nightmares to come.

I tried to stand, but my legs were unsteady, trembling beneath me like I was walking on air. A part of me screamed to run, but the sight of Tommie's lifeless body shattered any hope of movement. I felt paralyzed, my heart crumbling under the weight of it. The sadness was a crushing force, a flood of sorrow that threatened to drown me. I wanted to dissolve, to disappear into the ground, anything to escape the image of her, gone so suddenly.

Heartless men had stolen an innocent girl's life.

Through the fog of my emotions, I could still hear Stassie's desperate screams, her fists pounding on the window as she called out our names, each one laced with defeat. But it didn't matter. Both cars had already driven off, leaving me to drown in the silence and the horror.

I collapsed onto my side, my body shaking as endless tears poured down my face. My chest tightened, unable to breathe past the overwhelming grief.

With one last ounce of strength, I whispered, "Please help—" the words escaping weakly, barely audible, as my body began to fail me.

Then, through the blur of my pain, I saw him. Reign. Standing over me like a shadow, his presence grounding me, pulling me from the edge of darkness.

I inhaled shakily, feeling the air return to my lungs, but the pain was still there, heavy and unrelenting. And with that, my vision faded, my curtains closing on everything.

•••