Shattered Roses Chapter 4: Sparks in the Dark

[On call]

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Tell me EVERYTHING! What did Killian say after?

Aria Flores

He asked me to meet him for drinks. Said we "have a lot to catch up on."

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Oh my god! This is huge, Aria! He’s taking the bait.

Aria Flores

It’s only the beginning, Lila. I can’t mess this up.

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Just be yourself. You’re already under his skin. What’s the next move?

Aria Flores

Get him to trust me. Once I’m close enough, I’ll figure out what she’s hiding.

Lila (fl’s bsf)

You’re playing this like a pro. When’s the drink date?

Aria Flores

Tonight. His private lounge at The Luxor Hotel.

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Private? That sounds… intimate.

Aria Flores

Exactly. That’s what worries me.

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Don’t be. You’re in control. He thinks he’s the one pulling the strings, but this is your game.

Aria Flores

I just need to keep my emotions out of it. This is about revenge, not falling for him.

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Exactly! Keep your heart guarded. This is business.

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[Aria arrives at The Luxor]

Killian Reid

[Standing by the bar, his suit perfectly tailored, eyes following her as she enters] Right on time.

Aria Flores

[Smiles, feeling the intensity of his gaze] I don’t like to be kept waiting.

Killian Reid

[Pours two glasses of wine, handing one to her] Neither do I. So, what’s really brought you back into my world, Aria?

Aria Flores

[Takes a sip, holding his gaze] Maybe I missed the thrill of it. Or maybe I’m here for something... unfinished.

Killian Reid

[Steps closer, his voice low] Unfinished business can be dangerous. Are you sure you’re ready to dive back in?

Aria Flores

[Tilts her head, heart pounding but maintaining her cool] I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge.

Killian Reid

[Smirks, his eyes dark and calculating] Good. Because I don’t play games lightly.

Aria Flores

[Leans in slightly, voice barely a whisper] Neither do I, Killian.

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[on call]

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Okay, how’s it going now??

Aria Flores

He’s definitely interested. I can feel the tension. But I’m not backing down.

Lila (fl’s bsf)

OMG, I’m so proud of you! Just be careful. He’s smart—don’t let him figure out your angle.

Aria Flores

I won’t. I’m in control. But... there’s something about him, Lila. He’s not like I thought.

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Aria, don’t tell me you’re catching feelings.

Aria Flores

No... it’s not like that. I’m just... curious. He’s not all cold and ruthless.

Lila (fl’s bsf)

Be careful. Curiosity can get you burned.

[call ended]

As Aria left The Luxor, the night air cool against her skin, she felt the stirrings of something she hadn’t expected: intrigue. Killian Reid wasn’t just a target anymore. There was something beneath the surface, something that made her want to dig deeper. But she couldn’t let herself get distracted. This was still about revenge... wasn't it?