Playing with fire

Episode 12: Playing with Fire

Evelyn knew this was reckless.

Meeting with Donovan Graves was like walking into a lion’s den, blindfolded. But if her father wouldn’t give her the truth, then she would take it from someone who would.

And she wasn’t doing it alone.

Leon sat beside her in the car, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel as they pulled up to The Dominion—a high-end, exclusive club known for hosting the city’s most dangerous men.

“Are you sure about this?” Leon asked, glancing at her. His golden eyes were sharp, but there was something else there—something like concern.

Evelyn exhaled. “I have to be.”

Leon smirked, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Alright, princess. Just remember—Graves isn’t the kind of man you negotiate with.”

Evelyn met his gaze. “Then it’s a good thing we’re not here to negotiate.”

Leon chuckled. “I really like this version of you.”

Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to stay calm. She had to be strong.

Because this was war.

—

The Dominion | Private Lounge

The air was thick with cigar smoke and whispered conversations.

Donovan Graves sat at the center of it all, dressed in a tailored suit, a glass of whiskey in hand. His gray eyes flickered with amusement when he saw Evelyn and Leon enter.

“Well, well,” he mused, setting his glass down. “The Everleigh princess and the mafia prince. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Leon smirked, leaning lazily against the bar. “Cut the act, Graves. We both know why we’re here.”

Donovan chuckled. “Do we?”

Evelyn stepped forward, her voice steady. “I want the truth. About my father. About the Black Rose Society.”

The amusement in Donovan’s eyes faded slightly. He studied her for a moment, then sighed. “Curiosity is a dangerous thing, Miss Everleigh.”

Evelyn’s jaw tightened. “So is keeping secrets.”

Donovan leaned forward, his expression unreadable. “You’re playing a game you don’t understand.”

Leon scoffed. “Then enlighten us.”

Donovan smirked at Leon before shifting his gaze back to Evelyn. “Tell me, dear… How much do you really want to know?”

Evelyn swallowed, but she didn’t back down. “Everything.”

Donovan exhaled, shaking his head. “Your father was once a respectable man. But power changes people.” His voice lowered. “And some debts? Can’t be paid with money alone.”

Evelyn’s breath hitched. “What do you mean?”

Donovan took a slow sip of his whiskey, then set the glass down with a soft clink.

“Your father sold something, Evelyn.” His gray eyes darkened. “Something that didn’t belong to him.”

A chill ran down her spine.

Leon’s smirk faded. “What did he sell?”

Donovan smiled faintly. “A life.”

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. “Whose?”

Donovan tilted his head. “Yours.”

The world tilted.

Her pulse roared in her ears.

Leon stiffened beside her, his golden eyes narrowing. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Donovan exhaled. “Your father made a deal with the Black Rose Society before you were even born. A deal that would guarantee his power, his legacy.” His gaze sharpened. “And in exchange… they would come for you when the time was right.”

Evelyn’s vision blurred. No. That couldn’t be true.

Her father wouldn’t—he couldn’t—

Leon slammed a hand on the table, his voice low and dangerous. “If you’re lying, Graves—”

Donovan chuckled. “Believe me, Valenciaga, I don’t have to lie.”

Evelyn forced herself to breathe. “And when is the ‘right time’?”

Donovan studied her, then smirked. “Let’s just say… your time is running out.”

Evelyn’s blood ran cold.

Leon reached for her wrist, his grip firm. “We’re done here.”

But as they turned to leave, Donovan spoke one last time.

“Oh, and Miss Everleigh?”

Evelyn stopped.

Donovan’s smirk widened.