Chapter Nine – The Devil Watches
Alora's POV
The morning air felt heavier than usual.
I stepped into the hall wearing a cream-colored two-piece dress that hugged my figure perfectly. My eyes darted around, silently praying I'd catch even a glimpse of him. Diago. But the mansion was still. Cold. Quiet.
He hadn't come.
The disappointment hit harder than I expected. It shouldn't hurt-he made himself clear last night-but my chest still ached from the way he pushed me away.
Then I heard footsteps.
Thomas.
He approached with his usual calm but gave me a soft, sympathetic smile. "Hey, beauty. Ready to leave?"
I nodded, my heart sinking even further. This was really happening. I was being sent away like some useless object. I should've been angry, but all I felt was heartbreak and humiliation.
As we drove, I sat quietly, watching the city blur past the window.
Then I turned to Thomas. "Can you take me to my best friend's place instead? I... I just need to be somewhere else right now."
He looked at me through the rearview mirror, hesitated, but nodded. "Of course."
My best friend, Sia, lived in a massive mansion on the other side of town. Her parents were international tycoons-always traveling-so she was mostly raised by their longtime butler, Mr. Hart, who now served as her guardian.
When we arrived, the sleek black car pulled into the marble driveway. Sia came running out in shorts and a satin robe, expecting a delivery-not a full-blown luxury vehicle pulling up in front of her gate.
She squinted, trying to see through the tinted glass, her mouth slightly open. When I stepped out, her jaw dropped.
"ALORA?!"
I ran straight into her arms, burying my face in her shoulder as the tears spilled freely again. "I was happy too soon, Sia... he doesn't want me. He doesn't want a virgin..."
"What the hell?" she pulled back, gripping my arms tightly. "What asshole says that?!"
I sniffled. "It's true. He said he doesn't do virgins. That the contract is off. He's sending me home."
Her eyes narrowed with fury. "Well then, f*ck him. That man's blind. You're the damn prize, Alora. Any man would kill to be with you."
"That's a lie," I whispered. "You're just saying that to make me feel better."
"Ok. Enough." She cupped my face gently. "No more crying, you hear me? You've cried enough for one day. And tonight, we're going out. We'll get dressed, get wild, and have some damn fun. No man's going to ruin our night."
I gave a weak smile. I didn't want fun. I wanted Diago.
But maybe fun would distract me. Maybe fun would numb this ache inside me.
---
Later that night
The music thumped low from Kiara speakers as we got ready.
I stared at my reflection, barely recognizing the girl in the mirror. My lips were painted deep red, my eyes lined like a temptress from a dream. Sia had styled my hair into soft waves that fell over my shoulders like silk.
I wore a red crop top with thin gold chains and a tight black leather mini-skirt that made my legs look like sin. For once, I didn't look like a girl Diago had to protect.
I looked like a woman who could ruin lives.
Sia stood behind me, arms crossed proudly. "Damn. I outdid myself."
I rolled my eyes, smirking. "Please. It's not your handwork, it's my face."
She gasped, fake offended. "Disrespectful brat."
We laughed.
Maybe this night could actually be fun.
---
The club was massive.
Gold chandeliers hung from the ceiling, lights danced across the marble floor, and the bass pulsed through the floor like a second heartbeat. Everyone looked rich, wild, and high on freedom.
What I didn't know was that somewhere in the upper VIP lounge, behind a private curtain, Diago was watching me.
Thomas stood beside him. A few other men-business partners-were seated around a large circular table, talking in hushed tones about deals, weapons, and codes I didn't understand.
But Diago wasn't listening.
His eyes were locked on the dance floor. On me.
I didn't know he was there.
I was already two shots in, the burn in my throat making me feel bold. Confident. Dangerous.
Sia handed me another. "Let's go!"
We hit the dance floor, both of us laughing, twirling, letting go. For a moment, I forgot everything. I forgot I was supposed to be rejected. I forgot I was supposed to be heartbroken.
And then, the guy came.
He had strong arms, sharp cheekbones, and eyes that screamed trouble. He danced behind me, hands sliding down my waist. I froze for a second, but I didn't stop him.
I needed to forget.
I needed to feel wanted-even if it was fake.
But something felt wrong. His touch was too rough. Too eager. His lips brushed my neck, and I flinched.
Still... I let it happen.
Until he leaned in, whispering, "Let's go somewhere private."
I nodded.
We stumbled into one of the bathrooms, half-drunk and breathless. He pressed me against the wall, his mouth hot on my skin.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured.
"Thanks..."
"Let's have some real fun."
Then he started touching me-everywhere-without permission. His kisses grew rough. His grip too tight.
"I... I changed my mind," I whispered, trying to push him back. "I don't want this anymore."
He didn't stop.
"Stop! I SAID STOP!"
He chuckled darkly. "It's too late to back out, baby. Don't act like you don't want it."
I screamed. Loud.
And that's when the door slammed open.
A dark shadow filled the space.
Diago.
His eyes burned with fire-deadly, violent, furious. His presence sucked all the air from the room. Even drunk, I froze.
The guy straightened, panicking. "Hey! Can't you see we're busy-"
He didn't get to finish.
Diago lunged.
One swift move. One snap.
The man's neck broke instantly. He collapsed on the floor like a rag doll.
I gasped, trembling, backing into the corner. My tears flowed again, this time from pure shock. From fear. From confusion. The monster I thought didn't want me... just killed for me.
Diago turned to me, crouching low.
"Sleep, kitten," he whispered.
And everything went black.
---
Later
He carried me in his arms, her body limp, her head resting against his shoulder like she belonged there.
Diago didn't say a word as he dialed Thomas's number.
"Take her best friend home. Alone. Now."
Then he looked down at me-his kitten.
And for the first time, his heart twisted with something he couldn't deny anymore.
Possession.
Obsession.
He had pushed her away... but tonight, he realized:
The devil didn't do virgins.