جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 70

Ari’s POV I stood in front of the mirror, wrapping my hair into a loose bun as steam from the hot shower still clung to the bathroom. My reflection looked composed, but inside, my nerves twisted like a live wire. I could still feel the touch of Cross all over me and somehow, I didn’t want it anywhere off. Today was the day. All was going to go well and Kouvu would be caught. Once Kouvu was caught, I will be promoted for taking a mafia lord off the streets and of course, I could easily give it off that Cross had helped achieve it. I could clear his name! And then, I and Cross… well… I tried not to think about it too much. I could not start building castles in the air now and begin picturing my happy ever after with a street lord. I needed to give myself a break. Grabbing my badge and holstering my gun, I tried to ignore the gnawing pit in my stomach. Selling this story to Aaron wasn’t going to be easy. But it had to work—everything depended on it. It was just that it may be qu

Ari’s POVThe world felt like it was spinning too fast. Sirens blared, drowning out the sound of my pounding heart as Aaron was loaded into the ambulance. Blood seeped through his shirt, staining everything around him.“Hang on, Aaron,” I whispered, clutching his hand as I climbed in beside him.His breathing was shallow, his eyes fluttering open and shut. “This wasn’t… your fault, Ari,” he managed to say, his voice weak.Tears streamed down my face, but I forced myself to stay strong. “Don’t talk, Aaron. Just hold on. We’re almost there.”The ride to the hospital felt endless, and by the time we arrived, the paramedics were shouting medical jargon I barely understood. They rushed him through the doors, leaving me standing in the sterile, fluorescent-lit hallway, feeling utterly helpless.Gina arrived shortly after, along with a few other officers who’d been at the scene. The tension in the waiting room was palpable. No one spoke much, and the air was thick with worry.When the doctor

Ari’s POVThe morning light streamed through my window, but it didn’t bring the usual promise of a fresh start. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts a whirlwind.To think Cross had the guts to show up again at my door.To hell with him!It was painful for even me to have to direct all the anger towards Cross. Still, who else was there to blame? He gave me a goddamned information without being sure!I wanted to call Kaelie, to tell her everything—about Aaron, the failure, the humiliation. But I stopped myself.“No,” I muttered, sitting up. “I can’t fall apart like this.”Kaelie didn’t need to be dragged into my mess. I needed to handle this on my own.After a quick shower and throwing on some jeans and a hoodie, I decided to visit Aaron in the hospital. The hospital was quieter than I expected, the sterile scent heavy in the air as I approached the front desk.“I’m here to see Aaron Briggs,” I told the nurse.She looked at her screen, then at me. “I’m sorry, but you’re not

Ari’s POVI quickly tapped myself out of it. This was not supposed to be happening. I didn’t even know who this was, but wouldn’t that make it all the better? I would just have to have this one time fun and pretend none of it ever happened. At this point, as I and this guy strolled into the room alone, I knew all I wanted was him – Cross.Or I needed a substitute…The man leaned in and placed his tough lips on mine. I melted into the kiss, my body subconsciously drawing closer to him as his lips wrapped more aggressively around mine, sucking in my breath. His hands were calloused and rough, but his touch was gentle, and I felt a sense of longing that she hadn't felt before."What are you doing to me?" He murmured, his voice low.I drew back, my cheeks burning. "What are you talking about?""You're different," he said, his gray eyes searching my face. "You're not like the other girls."I laughed, my tone sarcastic. "So I've been told."From Cross.His breath grew more rapid. "You're ex

Cross’ POVThe moment I stepped inside the dimly lit room, the sight before me made my blood boil.Ari. Half-naked. Pressed against the wall.And him. Some bastard standing too close, his hands on her skin like he had any damn right.His gaze flicked toward me, and instead of moving, he smirked. “Wrong room, buddy. Get out.”I didn’t move. I couldn’t. My fists curled at my sides, my entire body vibrating with barely contained rage.Ari’s eyes met mine, wide with panic. “Cross…” her voice was shaky, as if she was still processing my presence.The bastard chuckled, running a hand lazily down her arm. “So, this is your guy, huh? Should’ve told me earlier. We could’ve had a little fun with him watching.”My vision blurred with fury.Ari tried to step away, but he tightened his grip on her wrist, keeping her pinned. “What’s wrong, baby? Weren’t you just begging me to take you somewhere private?”“Let me go,” Ari snapped, struggling now.“Let her go,” I growled, my voice deadly calm.The gu