Chapter 2 A Devils obsession

The afternoon sun bathed the city in a golden glow, but Isla felt none of its warmth. She sat in a quiet corner of the café, her fingers wrapped around a cup of coffee gone cold, her mind whirling with everything she had uncovered about Adrian DeLuca.

The more she dug, the deeper the abyss seemed to stretch. There were whispers of business deals gone awry, partners who had vanished without a trace, and a past so meticulously shrouded in secrecy that it sent a chill down her spine.

Yet, instead of fear, something in Isla burned brighter defiance. She had never been one to back down, and she wasn't about to start now. Her laptop lay open before her, the screen glowing with scattered notes and articles she had compiled over the past week. Every search led her further into a labyrinth of half-truths and speculation.

Adrian wasn't just a businessman; he was a force of nature, his influence stretching far beyond what the public knew. But Isla wasn't content with half-truths. She needed facts. She needed something real.

She tapped her fingers against the table, scanning her notes once more. An old article mentioned a business partner, Viktor Mikhailov, who had suddenly severed ties with Adrian years ago.

It was a name that had surfaced more than once, always followed by silence. Isla's instincts screamed at her Viktor knew something. Just as she was about to type his name into a database, a prickling sensation crawled up her spine.

The distinct feeling of being watched. She stiffened, her fingers pausing mid-type. It wasn't paranoia. She had felt it before, the weight of someone's gaze lingering too long. Carefully, she glanced toward the café's entrance, her breath hitching as she caught sight of a man seated near the window.

Dark sunglasses, an expensive suit, and an air of calculated detachment he was watching her. Her pulse quickened.

She closed her laptop slowly, forcing herself to remain calm.

If Adrian had her followed, it meant she was close to something he didn't want her to find. Good. Let him know she wouldn't be scared away so easily. Isla stood, adjusting her coat, and made her way to the counter as if nothing was amiss.

But inside, her mind raced. Should she confront the man? Call him out and see if he flinched? Or would it be wiser to pretend she hadn't noticed and use it to her advantage? Opting for caution, she paid for her coffee and stepped out onto the bustling sidewalk.

The cold air hit her cheeks, grounding her.

She pulled her scarf tighter, resisting the urge to look over her shoulder. If Adrian was playing this game, she'd play it too.

But she wouldn't be the prey. Adrian Deluca leaned back in his leather chair, watching the live feed from his security team.

Isla Romano was proving to be more than just a journalist looking for a headline. She was relentless, digging into things that should have remained buried.

And instead of fear, she exuded an intoxicating defiance that intrigued him more than it should. He watched as she moved through the crowd with a determined grace, aware but unshaken. A slow smirk curved his lips. She had sensed his man watching her smart girl. "Sir," a voice crackled through his speaker.

"She's on the move. Orders?" Adrian exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "Keep your distance.

Don't let her see you again." "Yes, sir." He tapped his fingers against the desk, contemplating his next move.

Isla thought she was hunting for the truth, but she had no idea she had already stepped into his world, into his game.

And in his world, no one walked away untouched. His obsession with her was unexpected, but undeniable.

Leaning forward, he studied her file once more. If Isla wanted to dance with the devil, he would oblige. But he would set the rhythm. Isla's steps were measured as she walked the familiar path toward her apartment.

The feeling of being watched hadn't left her since she stepped out of the café. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to run, to slip into the shadows and disappear, but she forced herself to maintain control. She wouldn't give whoever was following her the satisfaction of seeing her rattled.

The streets were alive with people couples strolling, street vendors shouting, cars honking but she felt isolated in her own world, trapped in a silent game of cat and mouse.

She subtly glanced at the reflections in the shop windows she passed, catching a glimpse of the man in the suit.

He was keeping his distance, but he was still there. Taking a sharp turn down an alleyway, she pressed herself against the cool brick wall, her breath shallow.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited. Moments later, soft footsteps echoed in the alley. Closer. Closer. Isla moved swiftly, stepping out of the shadows. "Who are you?" she demanded, voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

The man didn't flinch.

He merely adjusted his sunglasses and smirked.

"Just making sure you get home safe, Miss Romano." "Following someone isn't exactly reassuring," she shot back.

He took a slow step forward, forcing her to tilt her chin up to meet his gaze.

"Then maybe you should stop looking where you shouldn't." A chill raced down her spine, but she refused to back down.

"Tell Adrian he'll have to do better than sending one of his dogs to scare me off."

The man chuckled, shaking his head. "You think this is about scaring you?" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "You've caught his attention, Miss Romano.

That's not something many people can say." Her breath hitched. "Enjoy your night," he said before turning on his heel and walking away, disappearing into the city's chaos. Isla stood frozen, her mind spinning.

Adrian wasn't just keeping tabs on her-he was toying with her. And that was far more dangerous than she had anticipated.

Adrian watched from his office, his fingers steepled under his chin. The tension in Isla's posture, the way she tried to hide her fear but still stood her ground it fascinated him. "She's bold," he murmured to himself.

"But boldness can be broken." He reached for his phone and dialed a number.

"Keep her close, but let her think she has the upper hand." A pause. "And if she gets too close to the truth bring her to me." His lips curled into a slow, satisfied smile. Isla thought she was in control. She had no idea she was already tangled in his web