{Chapter: 200 - Sin City Negotiations}
Candice shifted uncomfortably in her seat as the commercial shuttle bus rolled slowly toward them. The streetlights reflected off the vehicle's polished metal body, and the low hum of its engine grew louder as it came to a stop.
Aiden glanced at her with a knowing smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He wasn't threatening, exactly—not directly—but his earlier words still lingered in the air like smoke from a fading fire. Candice pursed her lips and said nothing. She got on the bus first, followed closely by Rene, who sat silently beside her in the front row.
Aiden, of course, didn't rush. He held the door for Sarah, who giggled and whispered a playful "Thank you," before sliding into the backseat with him. He followed, casually placing his arm along the back of her seat, fingers just brushing the top of her shoulder.
As the bus pulled away from the curb, the air inside was unnervingly quiet. Candice remained silent, a tight line forming between her brows every time Aiden leaned close to Sarah and murmured something in her ear. Each whisper made Sarah chuckle under her breath, occasionally covering her mouth in mock embarrassment.
"You're seriously enjoying this, aren't you?" Sarah asked with a soft smile, tilting her head toward him, her hair brushing his cheek.
Aiden smirked. "I enjoy a lot of things. Your laugh might be my new addiction to that list though."
Sarah playfully rolled her eyes, but a faint blush touched her cheeks. "You're insufferable."
"I get that a lot. Right after they kiss me."
Up front, Candice gripped her seat a little tighter, her nails digging into the synthetic leather. She didn't dare speak—not after Aiden's thinly veiled warning. The last thing she wanted was for her illusion to shatter in front of Sarah. She could almost feel the pressure of Rene's presence behind her—quiet, unreadable, but always aware.
After a quiet, half-hour ride, the bus rolled to a stop at a sleek, modern facility with private landing pads and gleaming floodlights. The private airport was understated but exclusive, its presence quietly humming with wealth and power. A black helicopter stood waiting, rotors slowly spinning like a ticking clock.
Candice stepped off first, followed by Rene. Aiden offered a hand to Sarah, who took it with a grin and let him help her down. "Ever flown private before?" he asked as they walked toward the chopper.
"Not unless economy class with extra legroom counts," she teased.
"Well then, buckle up. You're officially on the rich guy's list now."
Inside the helicopter, Sarah sat beside Aiden while Rene remained opposite them. The hum of the rotor blades filled the cabin, and the city below quickly shrank into a carpet of lights. Aiden turned to Sarah, leaned in, and raised his voice just enough to be heard over the noise.
"You know what the best thing about flying is?"
"What?" she asked, curious.
"It gives me the perfect excuse to get this close to you."
She laughed, shaking her head. "Do all your jokes come with turbulence?"
"No, but they do come with charm. And a window seat if you're lucky."
Two hours later, the helicopter began its descent. Through the large windows, the glowing, pulsating heart of Las Vegas sprawled beneath them like a living, breathing organism. Neon lights blinked in time with the city's beat, while the sharp angles of skyscrapers sliced up into the night sky.
They touched down smoothly on the rooftop helipad of a gleaming high-rise tower. The moment the doors opened, Aiden gestured around them with a wry grin. "Told you her boss was rich. Not many people land on a casino like it's their private driveway."
They were led inside through a secure elevator that bypassed all floors straight to the top suite. The doors opened to reveal a room that looked like it belonged in a modern-day palace. Gilded furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Strip, and an understated but unmistakable scent of wealth—fine leather, aged whiskey, and control.
Inside, standing near the fully stocked bar, was an older white man with an elegant short white beard, a perfectly tailored suit, and a kindly expression that didn't quite mask the steel in his eyes.
"Welcome to Las Vegas," Daniel Linderman said warmly, stepping forward with outstretched hands.
Aiden shook his hand with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Linderman. I've heard you know how to make an impression."
He gestured behind him. "This is Sarah, my secretary. As for him"—he inclined his head toward Rene—"I doubt he needs an introduction."
Linderman's eyes flicked briefly to Rene and narrowed with something between nostalgia and unease. "No. No, he doesn't," he said softly.
The older man turned and motioned them to the bar. "Please, sit. Let me offer you a drink. Something smooth. Something aged, like myself."
Aiden chuckled. "As long as it doesn't put me to sleep."
They sat, and Linderman poured crystal-clear scotch into three glasses, handing one to Aiden and another to Sarah, who took hers cautiously.
"To new acquaintances," Linderman toasted.
"To cautious optimism," Aiden replied, tapping his glass to Linderman's but not drinking immediately.
The old man took a sip before speaking again, his tone becoming more serious. "Let me get to the point. I invited you here for two reasons. One, to meet you—face to face. People talk, and I listen. But I always prefer my own judgment."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "And the second?"
"To offer you a partnership. One that could change the course of things to come."
Sarah glanced sideways at Aiden, intrigued. He simply swirled the drink in his hand.
"Go on."
Linderman walked slowly across the room, looking out over the glittering city. "This world is changing, Mr. Aiden. People with abilities—gifts—are appearing faster than we can catalog them. And while many hide in fear, others embrace their power recklessly. They sow chaos. Break laws. Hurt people."
"And you want to stop them?" Aiden asked, expression unreadable.
"I want to shape the future. Guide it," Linderman said. "But I can't do it alone. You have... a unique gift. The ability to suppress others. Imagine a world where no one needed to fear being crushed by someone else's mutation or uncontrolled powers. A world where those who misuse their abilities are neutralized—gently, efficiently, and permanently."
"You want to make a utopia," Aiden said dryly. "By taking away choice."
"I want to make a better world," Linderman replied without hesitation. "With your help, we can do that. You'll have access to my resources, my network. Money. Influence. Safety. For you—and those you care about."
Sarah watched Linderman closely, her brow furrowed. Aiden was silent for a long moment. Not because he was unsure—but because he was calculating. Measuring. And not giving Linderman the satisfaction of seeing any interest.
Aiden swirled the wine in his glass lazily, the dark liquid catching the light as he leaned back on the plush velvet seat. His sharp eyes glanced sideways toward Sarah, who was observing the rich decor with veiled interest.
Then, without warning, Aiden turned his head toward her, a smirk dancing at the corner of his lips. "What do you think?" he asked, his voice low and deceptively casual.
Sarah blinked, surprised by the question. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, buying herself a second before answering. "It's your decision," she said with a faint smile. "I'm just your secretary."
Aiden chuckled softly and leaned over, his hand resting at the small of her back before his fingers lightly slid around her waist. He pulled her just a bit closer, enough to blur the lines between professionalism and something more. "I like a secretary like you," he said, his voice warm with flirtation. "Efficient, sharp, and beautiful. That's a rare combination."
Sarah gave him a sidelong look, equal parts amused and exasperated. "Don't flatter me unless you mean it," she murmured.
"Oh, but I do," Aiden replied, letting his fingers drift away and turning his attention back to Linderman with a more businesslike smile. "So, the purpose of this whole cooperation is to take other people's abilities. Sounds noble on paper, but what's the real catch?"
Linderman kept his composed demeanor, though his eyes narrowed slightly at the implication. "You're powerful, Aiden. I'd be a fool not to see that. I don't want to control you—I want to work with you. One day, I may ask for your help. Nothing more. No leash, no trap. Just a handshake and mutual benefit."
Aiden leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on the table as he stared directly at the older man. "Let's make one thing clear. My goal is simple. I take powers. I collect them. As for everything else... I do what I want."
His tone was light, but the menace beneath the words was unmistakable. Linderman's smile twitched, but he quickly recovered, raising his glass.
"Of course. I won't insult your intelligence with persuasion. But I do believe you and I... we both want a future shaped by our own design. A world where order and vision come from strength. From people like us."
Aiden remained quiet, letting Linderman's words hang in the air. It was a power move—one he'd learned watching politicians and monsters alike. He sipped his wine slowly, then suddenly changed the subject.
"It's a rare opportunity to be in Las Vegas. Mr. Linderman, I'll trouble you to arrange a place for me to stay. Something... indulgent."
Linderman laughed, the tension deflating just slightly. "Of course. I'll spare no expense. Enjoy the city—on me."
"Much appreciated," Aiden replied with a faint smile.
Candice, who had been quietly waiting by the door, caught Linderman's glance. She stepped forward with a professional smile, heels clicking softly on the marble floor. "I'll take care of it."
"Oh, and one more thing," Aiden said, standing and stretching slightly. He gestured toward Rene, who had silently observed the whole exchange like a shadow. "He's with me. That okay?"
"Of course," Linderman said smoothly. "Everyone's welcome under my roof... for now."
---
The gold-trimmed door opened, and Sarah stepped into the lavish hotel room first. The moment she saw the enormous circular bed with crimson silk sheets, she stopped.
"There's only one room?" she asked aloud, her voice echoing slightly in the luxury suite.
Aiden stepped in behind her and let out a mock sigh, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You sound disappointed."
Sarah turned her head slowly to glare at him. "It's not exactly professional."
"We haven't been professional since New York," Aiden quipped, walking past her and falling backward onto the bed. He bounced once, then grinned up at the high ceiling. "Besides, you worry too much. It's just a bed."
Sarah crossed her arms. "Linderman's words weren't simple. Are you really considering working with him?"
Aiden tilted his head toward her, admiring the way she stood—proud, cautious, loyal. "You're changing the topic," he murmured, standing again and stepping behind her. His hand brushed over her hip, fingers ghosting across her curve before giving her a playful swat. "You're cute when you're serious."
"Aiden..." Sarah warned, but there was a slight blush on her cheeks she tried to hide.
"Relax," he said with a half-smile, turning toward the window. "Linderman's handing me superhumans on a silver platter. I don't have to chase them, I don't have to get my hands dirty... and I get to do it all with you at my side. A vacation and a buffet? Sounds perfect."
Sarah frowned. "His motives aren't pure. And you know that. If he finds out what you really are—what you really want... things will get ugly."
Aiden shrugged. "Things always get ugly, Sarah. But until then, we enjoy the show."
She sighed, walking past him to the closet. "Well, don't expect me to be impressed. I need a shower and to change. Get out."
"Feisty." Aiden raised both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll be downstairs—casino floor. Try not to miss me too much."
She pushed him toward the door with mock annoyance, and he left with a chuckle.
---
The moment Aiden stepped into the hallway, the atmosphere changed. Music and the faint scent of perfume wafted in from the elevator. He hadn't taken more than three steps when a tall, sultry woman appeared before him.
She wore a little revealing mesh-patterned dress that left a lot to the imagination. Her long legs led up to a pair of high heels that clicked seductively on the tile. The curve of her smile was practiced and dangerous.
"You must be Mr. Aiden," she purred. "Seems your secretary doesn't know how to appreciate her luck. How about switching over to me instead?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow, amused. His eyes briefly scanned her figure before locking with hers. "Tempting," he said, his voice like silk. "But I like a challenge."
She leaned in closer, her perfume overwhelming now. "I can be a challenge," she whispered, lips nearly brushing his ear.