CHAPTER 2

ARIA POV

The man stopped a few steps in front of me.

Close up, he was even more intimidating. He is tall, calm, with broad shoulders. He seems completely in control of himself.

The red lights of the room shone across his face, casting a dark shadows along his jaw. His sleeves were rolled to his forearms, revealing his strong hands, filled with tattoos that looked as if they were used to being obeyed.

He studied me quietly, he wasn't just staring at me, but observing me. Like I was something interesting he had just discovered.

Then he spoke. “First time here.” His voice held authority behind it. 

It wasn’t a question.

My spine straightened immediately, was it really that obvious? I lifted my chin, trying not to look nervous.

“Is it that obvious?” I asked.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “Only to someone who knows this place well.” He answered with so much confidence. 

Something about his, calmness and confidence made my stomach tighten. He extended his hand toward me.

“Adrian.”

Just Adrian, no last name.

I hesitated for half a second before placing my hand in his.

His grip was warm and gentle. 

The moment our fingers touched, I almost pulled my hand back. 

“Aria,” I said.

His eyes shifted downward weighing me. 

“Aria,” he repeated slowly.

The way he said my name made heat creep up the back of my neck. Then his gaze drifted around the room before returning to me again.

“You’re watching everything with rapt attention.” He said out of the blues. 

I frowned. “What does that mean?” I asked. 

He tilted his head slightly.

“People who belong here or comes here often don’t look that shocked.”

I crossed my arms. “Maybe I’m just observant.”

A small smile appeared on his lips.

“Maybe.”

Then he leaned a little closer, lowering his voice just enough that only I could hear.

“Or maybe you walked into something you don’t understand, something strange.”

A soft shiver ran down my spine.

I looked away from him and glanced around the room again.

Chains hung from the ceiling. Soft music filled the atmosphere. People moving around us like this place was completely normal to them.

But to me… it still felt unreal, I didn't know a place like this existed.

“What exactly is this place?” I asked quietly.

Adrian followed my gaze calmly. “It’s a private club.”

“That, I figured.”

His expression didn’t change.

“It’s built on rules, trust, control, submission, and domination.”

The last word made something twist in my chest.

Control.

I had lived my entire life under someone else’s control. My father decided everything for me, my school, my friends, my schedule. Even the way I dressed at events like tonight.

Adrian continued speaking, his voice calm and composed. 

“Nothing happens here unless both people agree to it.”

I blinked.

“That’s… surprising.”

He looked at me.

“Why?”

I shrugged slightly.

“It just doesn’t look that way.”

His gaze softened slightly, like he understood what I meant.

“Control here is chosen,” he said. “Not forced.”

That sentence stayed in my mind longer than it should have.

Chosen.

For some reason, that idea fascinated me.

I suddenly remembered something and turned quickly.

“Ashley?”

My eyes searched the room, but she wasn’t beside me anymore. I spun around.

“She was just here.”

Adrian followed my gaze calmly.

Then he glanced across the room and nodded slightly.

“She left with someone.”

My heart jumped. “What?” I gasped in shock. 

He looked back at me. “Relax. She’s fine.”

“You sound very sure,” I answered. 

“I know the people here.” He replied, and the confidence in his voice made it hard to argue.

Still, my chest felt tight. Now, I realised something. I was alone.

Completely alone, with him.

Adrian seemed to notice the change in my expression.

“You’re thinking about leaving. You're scared.” He said. 

I blinked.

“How do you know that?” I question in shock. 

“Because part of you seems excited and lightened up,” he said calmly. He paused. “... and the other part is terrified.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Maybe you’re just guessing,” I muttered, trying my best to sound bold. 

His dark eyes held mine. “I never guess.” He growled. 

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

The music beat softly around us. People moved through the room, laughing, talking, whispering, smooching, and sexing.

But somehow the space between us felt strangely quiet.

Then Adrian lifted his hand and gestured toward the hallway behind me.

“The exit is that way.”

My eyes followed the direction he pointed. Then he gestured deeper into the club.

“Or…” His voice lowered slightly. “You can stay.”

My heart began beating faster.

“... and learn why people come here.”

I swallowed hard.

For the first time in years, no one was telling me what to do. The choice was right in my hand. 

I looked toward the exit again. If I left now, everything would go back to normal.

My father’s rules, my father’s life, are controlled by him. 

Then I looked back at Adrian. Something rebellious sparked inside my chest again.

“What happens if I stay?” I asked quietly.

Adrian studied me for a long moment. Then he reached out and gently took my hand.

My heart skipped a bit.

“Then I show you.” He whispered, his voice deeper and darker. 

My heart pounded in my chest as he turned and began leading me deeper into the club.

The music grew louder, and the lights grew darker.

And as I followed him into only God knows, one thought echoed in my mind.

Maybe tonight would change everything.

Or maybe…

I had just made the most dangerous decision of my life.