Chapter 4 The price of curiosity

I thought I could handle it-this world of shadows and power. But as the days wore on, I realized how naïve I was. Being under Zane Stormborn's roof meant living in constant fear, not just of him but of the ruthless men he called "associates." Every face held secrets, every glance was a warning. And as I moved through the mansion, I started to see just how deep his empire's darkness went.

One evening, as I was cleaning the main hallway, I overheard a heated conversation. A man in a dark suit, unfamiliar but with the same cold, dangerous presence as the others, was arguing with one of Zane's top men. Their voices were low and tense, but I could make out fragments: threats, broken deals, talk of retribution.

I tried to slip away unnoticed, but the man's eyes locked onto me before I could disappear. He narrowed his gaze, suspicion clear on his face. "You," he called, his tone sharp and laced with danger. "What are you doing here?"

My heart pounded as I tried to find the words. "I was just-"

Before I could explain, Zane appeared, his presence commanding immediate silence. His gaze flicked between the man and me, and I felt his simmering anger directed at the stranger.

"Is there a problem here?" Zane's voice was deceptively calm, but I could sense the threat beneath it.

The man shifted uneasily. "Just a misunderstanding, Mr. Stormborn."

Zane's eyes narrowed. "Then perhaps you should watch who you direct it toward." He motioned for me to leave, his expression unreadable. I didn't need to be told twice quickly slipped away, my heart still racing.

But I couldn't ignore what I'd seen. There was a darkness in Zane's world that went beyond mere whispers and rumors. I'd felt it firsthand, and I couldn't shake the feeling that, as much as he'd protected me in that moment, I was still only a pawn in a much bigger, more dangerous game.

Later that night, I heard a knock at my door. It was him.

Zane stood there, his gaze steady and assessing. "You're not to get involved in any business that doesn't concern you, Bella. I won't always be there to stop it."

I swallowed, his warning settling deep within me. "I didn't mean to overhear..."

He stepped closer, his gaze softening, though a hint of that cold edge remained. "I know. But remember-curiosity comes with a price here." His hand brushed my shoulder lightly, lingering for a second, almost protective, before he pulled away. "Stay safe."

When he left, I stood there, my mind spinning. He had warned me, protected me even, but I felt something else pull I couldn't explain. Beneath his harsh exterior, there was something else, something that made my pulse race and kept me awake at night. And no matter how dangerous it was, I was beginning to wonder if I wanted to uncover the mystery of Zane Stormborn... even if it meant risking everything.