CHAPTER 5- BOUND TO THE DEVIL

The mansion felt too quiet, too vast, like it was holding its breath. Aria walked behind Madam Rosa, her steps echoing against the marble floor. Every wall whispered wealth and warning. Every shadow seemed to watch her.

Madam Rosa stopped at a double door and turned. Her tone was firm but not unkind. "You'll work here. Keep to your duties. Don't speak unless spoken to. And whatever you do-don't cross him."

Aria wanted to ask why everyone spoke about Lucian Moretti like he was both king and curse, but the look in Madam Rosa's eyes silenced her. She nodded instead, swallowing her fear.

Hours passed before she saw him again.

Lucian entered the grand hall without sound, like the darkness itself obeyed him. His black suit fit perfectly, every movement deliberate. His gaze flicked to her briefly, unreadable, then back to the papers in his hand.

"You'll work under Madam Rosa's supervision," he said finally, voice deep and steady. "You owe a debt, Miss Russo. You'll repay it here. No arguments."

Aria crossed her arms before she could stop herself. "And what exactly am I repaying? I didn't borrow a damn thing."

Enzo, standing by the doorway, froze. Matteo smirked like he couldn't believe her guts.

Lucian lifted his eyes then, slow and deliberate. "Your parents did. You'll carry their consequences."

Her jaw tightened. "Then maybe you should've gone after them, not me."

His silence felt heavier than shouting. He stepped closer, just close enough for her to feel his presence, the quiet power that made men tremble. "They're dead," he said softly. "You're what's left."

Aria's pulse quickened, but she refused to look away. For a moment, neither of them spoke. He searched her face as if trying to understand how defiance could look that beautiful.

Finally, he turned away. "Dinner's at eight. Don't be late."

That night, Aria ate in silence with Madam Rosa and Ivy, Lucian's younger sister-a whirlwind of laughter and curiosity. Ivy leaned close, whispering, "He doesn't let just anyone stay here. You must've done something impressive."

Aria smiled faintly. "I think existing was enough."

When Ivy laughed, it broke some of the tension in the room. Even Madam Rosa's expression softened for a heartbeat.

Later, when the house fell quiet, Aria wandered into the garden. The city lights glimmered below the hill like fallen stars. For the first time in days, she could breathe.

Then she heard footsteps.

Lucian stood a few feet away, watching her. The night air made his voice sound even colder. "You shouldn't be out here alone."

"I wasn't aware this place had rules for breathing," she shot back.

A ghost of a smile flickered at his lips-barely there. "You'll learn them soon."

Their eyes met in the dim light, a silent battle of pride and something neither of them understood yet.

He turned to leave, but his last words lingered like smoke. "Don't mistake my patience for kindness, Aria. I'm not the hero in your story."

She didn't move until he disappeared inside. Her heart was pounding, but not just from fear. For the first time, she wondered what kind of devil could sound so human.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into her new room. Everything was neat, polished, and too perfect to feel real. Madam Rosa assigned her to work in the east wing-cleaning, organizing files, and helping Ivy with errands.

Ivy, dressed in an oversized hoodie and expensive slippers, appeared midmorning with a grin. "So, you're the girl who dared to talk back to my brother."

Aria blinked. "Does everyone know?"

"Enzo nearly choked on his drink telling the story," Ivy said, laughing. "You might be my new favorite person."

They spent hours together-Aria dusting shelves while Ivy told her about growing up in the mansion. By afternoon, Ivy dragged her to the music room, insisting she sit while she played the piano. For a moment, Aria forgot where she was.

Matteo strolled in halfway through, coffee in hand, his tone playful. "Careful, Ivy. Lucian doesn't like strangers in this wing."

"I'm not a stranger," Aria said without looking up.

Matteo chuckled. "Not yet."

Ivy rolled her eyes. "Ignore him. He's harmless."

Matteo smirked. "You say that now."

Their banter was light, but when Matteo left, Aria caught him glancing back at her thoughtfully-like he'd just discovered a secret Lucian hadn't noticed yet.

That evening, Aria passed Lucian in the hall. He didn't stop her, but his gaze followed her until she turned the corner.

Inside his study, Matteo leaned against the desk. "You're watching her again."

Lucian didn't respond. His eyes stayed on the closed door.

"She's different," Matteo said quietly. "You know it."

Lucian set his pen down. "Different doesn't mean safe."

But even as he said it, his mind betrayed him. The sound of her voice, the fire in her eyes-they'd already begun to haunt him.

And deep down, Lucian Moretti, the Devil of New York, knew one truth he could never admit.

He wasn't the only one in control anymore.