The Encounter

Clutching tightly to Max’s thick leather collar, Aria held on for dear life as the massive dog bounded through the garden. She had been trying to find a way to escape unnoticed, terrified her stepmother would find her in this helpless state. Max had been her only hope of getting out of the house, but his boundless energy was quickly turning her plan into chaos.

“Max, slow down!” Aria squeaked, her tiny voice barely audible over the pounding of his paws on the ground.

The world was a blur of colors and motion as Max zigzagged through the garden, flowers and bushes rustling in his wake. Aria’s small hands gripped the leather tightly, her knuckles white with effort. She was certain if she let go, she’d be flung off like a leaf in the wind.

Instead of slowing, Max burst through the back gate, his excitement sending it swinging wide open. Aria tightened her grip, her heart racing as he bolted down the driveway and into the quiet suburban street.

“Wrong way!” she cried, but Max wasn’t listening.

The sound of tires crunching against gravel made her stomach drop. A sleek black car rolled down the street, its dark-tinted windows gleaming under the morning sun. The vehicle exuded power and authority, and Aria’s tiny form stiffened with dread as Max bounded straight into its path.

The car came to an abrupt halt, the tires skidding slightly as the driver slammed on the brakes. Aria clung to Max’s collar, her heart hammering in her chest.

The rear passenger door opened, and an imposing figure stepped out. Mikhail Kuznetsov, the infamous mafia boss known as “Deadly" stood tall and commanding in an impeccably tailored black suit. His sharp, icy gray eyes scanned the scene with a mixture of irritation and curiosity.

“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, his deep voice resonating with authority.

The butler, who had been driving, stepped out as well, bowing his head. “Apologies, sir. A dog ran into the street.”

Mikhail waved him off dismissively, his gaze now fixed on Max—and the tiny figure clinging to his collar.

“What... is that?” Mikhail murmured, his sharp eyes narrowing.

Aria froze, realizing she had been spotted. She desperately tried to hide behind Max’s thick fur, but it was no use. Mikhail’s piercing gaze had already locked onto her.

“Bring the dog here,” he ordered.

The butler hesitated for a moment but did as he was told, carefully approaching Max. The dog wagged his tail enthusiastically, completely unfazed by the tension in the air.

“Easy, boy,” the butler murmured, holding out a hand. Max responded with a joyful bark, his tongue lolling out as he trotted closer. Aria’s heart sank; there was no escaping now.

Mikhail knelt, his presence overwhelming as he leaned closer to get a better look. The scent of leather and faint cologne surrounded him, an odd combination of danger and refinement. When his eyes met Aria’s, she felt like a deer caught in headlights.

“Well, this is unexpected,” he said, his tone softening slightly. “A tiny woman? What are you doing here?”

Aria’s hands trembled as she clutched Max’s collar tighter. “P-Please don’t hurt me,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mikhail raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Hurt you? Do I look like the type to harm something so... unique?”

Aria wasn’t sure how to respond. His words were calm, almost reassuring, but his reputation preceded him. This was Mikhail, the most feared man in the region. Trusting him felt like a gamble she wasn’t sure she could afford.

“What’s your name, little one?” he asked, his voice lowering to a gentler tone.

“Caesaria,” she whispered, barely audible.

His lips curved into a faint smirk. “Fitting. Caesaria. And how exactly did you end up like this?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “I woke up like this. I didn’t ask for it. Please, just let me go.”

Mikhail studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without warning, he reached out and plucked her gently from Max’s collar.

“Hey!” Aria protested, squirming in his grasp.

“You’re coming with me,” Mikhail said simply, his tone brooking no argument.

“What? No! You can’t just—”

“I can do whatever I please,” he interrupted smoothly. “And in your current state, I’d say you’re better off with me than out here in the streets.”

Aria glared up at him, her fear momentarily overshadowed by frustration. “You don’t even know me! Why would you want to help?”

Mikhail’s smirk returned, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Let’s just say I have a soft spot for the extraordinary.”

Before she could argue further, Mikhail turned and gestured for the butler to open the car door.

“Prepare the guest room,” he instructed. “She’ll be staying with us for now.”

Aria’s protests fell on deaf ears as Mikhail stepped into the car, cradling her carefully in his hand.

"What about my dog?!" She yelled "Hey?! Did you hear me!!?" She felt a mix of fear, frustration, and an odd sense of safety as the car began to move.

The luxury interior of the car surrounded her with smooth leather seats and polished wood accents, a stark contrast to her chaotic morning. Aria tried to process what was happening, but her mind was a whirlwind of emotions.

Her world had been turned upside down in the span of a single morning, and now she was in the hands of the most powerful man in the city.

Whether that was a blessing or a curse, she had no idea....

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