Aurora stepped into the bright morning with a numbness she couldn't shake.
Her body still hummed with the memory of Rafael — the brutal thrusts, the way his hand had wrapped around her throat like he owned her soul. She could still feel him deep inside her, like a phantom echo she couldn't chase away.
But she didn't turn back.
She slid into the waiting black car. The driver gave her a curt nod and pulled away from the curb without a word.
The city blurred past in streaks of silver and sunlight, but something felt wrong.
Too quiet. Too fast.
She glanced into the rearview mirror. The driver's eyes weren't the usual dull gray of Rafael's staff.
These were cold. Calculating. And unfamiliar.
Her stomach dropped.
"This isn't the way to the airport," she said slowly.
No answer.
She leaned forward. "I asked you—"
He cut her off. "Sit back."
Her breath caught.
And then she saw it — the gun resting on the console beside him.
Every nerve in her body tensed.
Before she could react, the man pressed a button and the locks snapped shut. Windows up. Doors sealed.
Panic surged.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
He didn't look at her. "I'm the man Rafael's been hiding you from."
Her blood went cold.
She slammed her palm against the glass. "Let me out!"
"Too late," he said smoothly. "You should've chosen him, sweetheart."
The car veered off the main road, speeding into a narrow alley.
Aurora's pulse thundered. Her heart screamed. But her body — traitorous, confused, burning — still ached for Rafael.
Still hoped he'd come.
But this man? This wasn't Rafael.
He parked behind a crumbling warehouse. Got out. Yanked open the back door.
She tried to fight — teeth, fists, knees — but he caught her wrist, twisted it behind her back, and dragged her inside.
Concrete walls. Chains bolted to the floor. A camera in the corner blinking red.
"What is this?" she breathed.
"Your audition."
He shoved her forward. "Strip."
"No," she spat, trying to kick him.
He laughed. "Then I'll do it for you."
He grabbed the neckline of her blouse and tore it clean open. Buttons flew. Her breasts spilled free, nipples hard from the cold and fear. He shoved her onto the mattress in the center of the room.
She thrashed, but he pinned her.
And then—
The door burst open.
A shot rang out.
The man collapsed beside her — dead.
Aurora gasped, wild eyes turning toward the doorway.
There stood Rafael. Drenched in rain. Gun smoking in his hand.
His voice was ice. "Did you really think I'd let anyone else touch what's mine?"