Desperate Measures

Liya Glensdale stared blankly at her untouched coffee while the rain washed against the windows of the little diner she sat in. She constantly picked at her nails with nerves unsettled as the minutes flew by on the wall clock, drawing the inevitable meeting with the man who could decide her brother's fate, closer.

When the bell above the diner rang, Liya's eyes popped up as she watched a man enter and shake the rain off his trench coat, his presence immediately changing the atmosphere of the entire room. Her heart began racing as she watched Damian Viktor approach her table.

He was by far taller than she had thought, with a scrawny face and a smile that made him look more sinister and cruel than kind. Even with his sharp suit that emphasized he was well-off, his appearance screamed that he was a dangerous man, the kind you don't get involved with. He sat down across from her, skin spread like he owned the place.

"Liya Glensdale," he said with a flat yet rough voice. "I've been anticipating this meeting.

Liya gulped, her pulse racing. "Let's cut to the chase. This is about my brother"

"Oh, Liam". Damian cut in. " What a rash and audacious boy. He has quite a gift for making enemies but is lucky enough to have a dear sister to beg on his behalf."

"I'm here to strike a deal, not beg. Name your price and I'll pay you back." Liya shot back with a shaky voice despite her bravery.

Damian let out a hollow laugh that made her shiver in her seat. " Oh darling, trust me, you would not be able to afford what Liam owes me. Except..." He narrowed his eyes as he calculated her.

"Except what?" Liya asked

" Ever heard of the saying one good turn deserves another? Well, someone owes me a favor and you'll be the perfect settlement to make us even." Marcus spoke as though he was talking about the weather or the latest fashion.

Liya's stomach knotted " And what do you mean by that."

Leaning forward, Damian gives her a wild wide smile. "I want you to marry Aldo Marino."

She sucked in a choked breath at the name. A name that ruled the city. Everyone knew Aldo Marino- a billionaire who allegedly had ties to dangerous people. He was feared as he was respected and no one dared to rupture the fort he had created around his private life.

"That must be a joke. Are you insane?" Liya said disturbed.

" Not at all," Damian said, joining his fingers. "Aldo and I have...a complex history. He owes me a good deed, and you are going to make sure he pays it. In return, I'll wipe your brother's debt clean."

Her mind raced. The idea was ridiculous and impossible. She didn't know Aldo, but he was the kind of guy your mother warned you to stay away from. However, the vision of Liam-beat, bloody, and petrified flashed in her mind. If she didn't act fast, Damian would make good on his threats.

"What if Aldo rejects the idea." She voiced quietly.

"He won't," Damian said with confidence. "Aldo doesn't have the luxury of refusing. You are going to be his salvation. Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Liya stared at him in disbelief "Why me?"

Damian's smile became wicked. " simple. You're the best option. Beautiful, clever, and desperate enough to do anything. Aldo will see your worth just as I do."

Liya wanted to yell and tell him he was out of his mind. But the burden of her brother's life weighed heavily on her, drowning any argument.

"What if I refuse?" she asked, already terrified by his answer.

Damian's gaze clouded. "Then Liam's debt becomes yours. And trust me, my tolerance for repayment is shorter than you think."

Her chest tightened at his words. She thought of her brother, her careless, lovable brother who always found himself in some kind of trouble. She had spent her life tidying up his messes but this...this took the crown.

"I'll do it," she whispered, the words tasting like ash in her mouth.

Damian clapped his hands, his grin stretching. "Excellent. I knew you were wise." He slid her a business card. "Be at the address tomorrow evening. Aldo will be expecting you."

"And you promise Liam's debts will be wiped clean?" Liya asked him instead.

"Spotless," Damian said standing. "As long as you don't play me, your brother is a free man. I'm a man of my word, Liya."

With that, he turned and left the diner. Leaving Liya alone with her thoughts and the gravity of what she had just agreed to.

------------------------

Liya couldn't sleep that night. Anytime she closed her eyes, images of Aldo Marino danced in her mind. Though she had never met him, his influence was terrifying and she dreaded getting involved with him.

The next evening, dressed in the only formal wear she owned, stood before the gigantic gates of Aldo's estate. The entire mansion looked like an inaccessible castle with stone walls and sky-high windows screaming both wealth and isolation.

The gates automatically opened and a sleek black car approached her. The driver stepped out, nodded, and opened the door for her.

"Miss Glensdale, Mr Marino is waiting," he said.

She hesitated, her mind yelling at her to walk away from the madness. But she had to stick to her words. Straightening her posture, she climbed into the car.

The ride to the mansion was long, and the driveway felt like an eternity. When the car finally stopped at the entrance of the mansion, new waves of fear washed over her. With her stomach in knots, she stepped out, her heels clicking on the pavement as the door swung open.

A lady stood at the door, her stern face softened only by the slightest hint of curiosity.

"Miss Glensdale," she asked.

"Yes," Liya said in a shaky voice.

"I'm Melinda Gusto, Mr Marino's assistant." The woman said stepping aside to let her in. "He's waiting for you in his study."

Liya followed Melinda through the winding halls, her footsteps echoing against the marble floors. The house was cold and unwelcoming, just like she had guessed. It was filled with furniture, paintings, and dim lighting which gave it an eerie look.

When they reached the study, Melinda knocked once before pushing the door open.

"Mr Marino," she announced " Your visitor is here."

Liya stepped inside, her breath hitching as her eyes landed on him.

Aldo Marino stood by the fireplace, his talk frame broad back to her. He turned slowly, his electric blue eyes fixating on hers.

He was extremely handsome, but there was an edge to him, a quiet fierceness that made her blood turn ice.

"Liya Glensdale," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I've been expecting you."

She opened her mouth to respond but no words came out. Aldo's gaze was hard to read, his appearance a mask of calm and authority.

"I believe Damian went through the arrangement with you," he said, stepping closer. "Is there anything you'd like to ask?"

She gulped, her throat dry. "Why would someone like you agree to something like this?"

Aldo gave a faint, humorless smile. "Let's say I have my reasons. Just like you."

His reply only added to her restlessness. Before she could question him further, he extended his hand.

"Shall we," he asked.

Liya hesitated, she felt like she was about to dive into the unknown. As her hand touched his extended hand, the lights suddenly flickered, and then there was a smashing sound followed by the sound of glass shattering.

"What's happening?" Liya demanded in a panicked voice

"Don't leave this room," Aldo ordered as he moved towards the door.

She looked through the window, the shadows running and shifting. And that's when she saw it, a figure stood in the darkness, watching her beyond the glass.

She could see the outline of a weapon aimed at her.

Suddenly, the window shattered, and Liya let out a loud scream.

Liya's scream echoed throughout the room as the window shattered, spraying shards of glass all over the study. Her body stumbled backward impulsively, her heart pounding noisily in her chest. She rushed for shelter, her hands trembling as she took cover behind the gigantic desk, the wood digging into her back.

A figure emerged in the broken window, his face concealed by a mask, then with sharp and precise movement, he hauled his body through the broken glass. His silhouette was frightful, shaped by the roaring night outside and the glimmering weapon in his hand glaring at her. The air around him felt thick with danger and her breathing came in panicked gasps.

"Miss Glensdale, move." Melinda's frantic voice cut through the mayhem. She emerged in the doorway, a gleaming black firearm in her grip.

Liya didn't wait for her to repeat herself. She dashed further into the study, cowering behind a heavy oak desk as the infiltrator advanced toward her. The intruder's face was masked, his figure covered in black from head to toe, and he carried a lever that glimmered dangerously in the dull light.

An ear-splitting gunshot from Melinda cracked through the confined space of the study. The figure ducked and rolled to escape the bullet before charging at Melinda. She dodged with rehearsed ease, giving a ruthless kick to his stomach.

Liya peered over the desk, her heart beating frantically with fear. The intruder was unstoppable, swinging the lever so wildly that Melinda barely managed to evade.

Where is Mr Marino?

Her thoughts were brought to a halt as Melinda screamed at her, " Run! Get out of here immediately!"

Liya was reluctant, stuck between running away and staying back to help Melinda, but the sound of footsteps drawing closer made the choice for her. More intruders?

Before she could move, the door opened with a bang again and Aldo marched in, his face carved with extreme fury. He was quiet–he didn't need to speak, his stance and appearance said it all. The atmosphere of the room seemed to change under the heaviness of his presence.

The intruder turned to Aldo, raising his weapon, but Aldo's movement was faster. In a swift motion, he disarmed the masked man with a ruthless strike to his wrist and a punch to his face that sent the man slumping on the floor.

" Don't you dare move," Aldo snarled, his voice low and threatening.

The intruder groaned, gripping his broken hand but Aldo wasn't done with him. Grabbing him by the collar, he lifted him off the ground effortlessly.

" Who sent you? Who do you work for?" Aldo demanded, his voice so low and menacing that it shook her to the core.

The intruder's eyes pinched in rebellion, but it was obvious he getting weak and could not hold his own.

"Damian sends his greetings," he snapped, his voice filled with hate.

Liya froze. Damian? That name sent shivers down her spine. He was the reason she was in that mess...her brother too.

Aldo's face became enraged, his jaw hardened as he fisted the masked man's shirt pulling him closer. " Don't make me repeat myself," he said, his voice cutting like a sharp razor.

The intruder's lips twisted in a sly grin before he quickly bit down on something he had in his mouth. Melinda let out a choked shout, but it was already too late. The intruder's body became limp in Aldo's hands, his eyes glossing over as the body slumped over.

Melinda dashed toward the body but Aldo stepped back letting the body fall to the floor without so much as a second glance. His eyes focused on where the body had dropped down, the burden of what just transpired coming down on him like a heavy rock.

"Inspect the perimeter," Also commanded, his voice sounding far off, as though he wasn't affected by the entire experience. "Ensure this was an isolated infiltration."

Melinda nodded firmly, her eyes shifting to Liya briefly before she turned and disappeared down the hallway.

Aldo stood in the middle of the study, his gaze indecipherable. The distant and dangerous aura that always accompanied him seemed to inflate, shoving everything else out of its surroundings. Liya wanted to say something, but she couldn't find her voice, the entire ordeal left her shaken.

Her thoughts were in a marathon. What just happened? Damian...was he really behind this? The same Damian who had arranged this marriage? The same one who had bullied her and threatened her brother's life?

Aldo turned to her, his eyes searching hers. It was penetrating, and for a split second, she believed he could read into her soul–into every unrevealed act she had always kept to herself. His mouth moved and she held her breath, anticipating something cold, something mean, but the words that left his mouth stunned her.

"Are you harmed?" he asked, his voice more delicate than she had ever heard it. His eyes shifted to the shards of glass that surrounded her before settling back on her.

"No," Liya said in a shaky and nervous voice, her hands still trembling by her sides. "I–I'm okay."

Aldo seemed to debate on it for a second before nodding his head, his lips curling in a way to express his satisfaction with the answer. Then without any further signal, he turned his attention back to the fireplace, his back to her again.

"What just happened," Liya asked, her voice sounding a little firmer now that the current threat seemed to be over.

Also didn't give her an immediate response, as if he was contemplating his next words. When he finally replied, his voice was curt and to the point. "Looks like Damian decided to send a message."

"A message?" Liya voiced, her stomach churning.

"An attack," Aldo explained. The invasion was to remind me that he's far from done with me."

Damian had masterminded her union with Aldo to wipe off her brother's debt, but this felt like it was more than just her brother's debt. What was going on? Her mind swirled with different thoughts.

" But why would he do that now? Liya asked, her voice rising with fear. "Why would he send someone after you? Why me?

Aldo's eyes jerked back to her, his countenance hard to read. "That's because you are a party to this game now Liya," he said plainly. "And Damian is aware of that."

Liya frowned. "Part of the game? What are you talking about?"

Aldo's gaze clouded as he advanced towards her leisurely, his steps steady. "You're here for one reason and that's for my protection. To act as a shield that makes me look vulnerable...even mortal." He stopped before he continued, his eyes fixed on hers. "You're more than just collateral in this game plan. You are a weapon, just so you know."

Her chest constricted as his words settled in. This wasn't just an arranged marriage, a marriage to pay off her brother's debt. It was deeper than she thought. She was in the middle of a more risky scheme that she didn't understand.

Before she could open her mouth, Melinda reemerged in the room, her face taut. "The perimeter is secured, but we need to act fast," she said to Aldo. "The others will be waiting for us."

Also nodded, the muscles in his jaw tensing. Then he turned his attention back to Liya, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not letting you leave, not after what just happened, you are safer here."

Liya's pulse thrummed at the decisiveness in his voice. She didn't want to be anywhere close to the danger looming around and being with Aldo meant being in danger. She didn't want to be part of his world or any game with Damian. But Liam–her brother's life was in danger. Damian's threat still weighed heavily on her.

"I–I don't want to stay, I don't want to be a part of this." She muttered more to her gearing than to his.

Aldo's expression softened briefly. "You don't have other options."

Liya's stomach lurched. Every fiber in her told her to run, to leave immediately while she could. But when she thought of her reckless brother, Liam, the choice was already made for her. She couldn't go back on her deal with Damian.

"Please, tell me what's really going on. Why did Damian do this?"

Aldo's eyes darkened again. "You'll understand it later. Right now, what you need to know is this is just the beginning of Damian, the tip of the iceberg."

Liya stared at him, her mind spinning. She dove into this world with no ammo–just the desire to free her brother. But now it didn't seem as easy as she had imagined before.

Aldo looked at Melinda who gave him a faint nod. He turned back to Liya, his voice barely above a whisper, "I don't trust anyone, not even you. But right now, you have to trust me. Stay with me and I'll protect you. If you leave, then your life and that of your brother will barely see the crack of dawn."

His tone made her wonder if his protection came with a price. "Trust you?" she repeated. What a hypocrite, she thought to herself.

Aldo nodded. "For now, yes, you have to."

Liya felt the pressure of his words settling over her like a heavy cloak. She wasn't just caught in a dangerous game, she was at the center of it, and she didn't know how to escape.

The atmosphere outside the mansion seemed weirdly silent compared to the chaos that just happened in the study. The storm had passed leaving the night wet and calm, but Liya's heart was anything but still. The scene repeatedly played in her mind. Every detail plagued her mind as she followed Aldo and Melinda down the shadowy hallway, her stride quick to keep up.

Liya's breath came out in pants, her palms sweaty as she wrapped her arms around herself. She had never felt so uncomfortable, so totally exposed. The lavishness of the mansion, with its pristine floors and luxurious chandelier felt more like a sugar-coated cage rather than a shelter.

Aldo stopped suddenly, turning to her. His fierce gaze on her and for a minute, her breath stopped. "We don't have a lot of time," he said in a low but firm voice."Damian won't stop just after a single attack. This was the first of many, so we need to hurry."

Liya's stomach knotted. Thoughts of the lifeless human in the study filled her mind. His last disturbing words: Damian sends his greetings, weighing heavily on her and suffocating her mind. "Why would Damian decide to attack you now? I thought... I thought the deal was finalized when I agreed to marry you?" She asked with a trembling voice.

Aldo's jaw hardened. " Damian never honors any deal unless it's beneficial to him, so don't put too much faith in him. The marriage was just a move on his chessboard and he is still playing the game."

"And I guess I'm just another piece in this game of his." Liya whispered bitterly.

"Absolutely," Aldo voiced without stalling, his tone harsher than she predicted. "But you are not a puppet anymore, you're something more, Liya. And that's the reason Damian will keep seeking you and coming after you."

Liya blinked, confusion and alarm bells ringing in her head. "More? What do you mean?"

Aldo didn't give her a response immediately. His eyes moved to Melinda, standing silently with her hand fixed on the gun hidden in her hip. The strain between them made Liya uncomfortable.

"There's no time to explain everything right now," Aldo said, evading her question. "Right now, you need to stay close and do as I say. Make sure you follow my lead."

His tone made Liya boil with anger but she withheld her comeback. Even though she hated the way he treated her like a child who could barely comprehend the entire situation, she couldn't overlook the fact that he had just saved her life. For now, she had no choice but to trust and listen to him, even though her intuitions screamed at her not to do so.

Aldo guided them down another hallway, his actions conscious and quiet. The elegance of the mansion was displayed continuously before them–arts that were the kinds displayed in museums, fancy woodworks that must have taken so long to design but Liya couldn't take a moment to deeply admire them. The squeak of the floors and every shadow that appeared in the dark posed a threat to them, the hair at the back of her neck standing like they were being watched.

They finally reached a large wooden door at the end of the hall. She got through the doors and into the room only to come face to face with an expansive underground room loaded with a range of advanced tech equipment; monitors, weapons, and maps draped out on the walls. A bunch of men and women with hard expressions were already stationed inside, their attention shifting to Aldo as he entered.

"Give me a status update," Aldo demanded, his voice slicing through the tense room like a sword.

One of the stern-faced men, a lean figure with a vertical scar on his cheek came forward. "We've guarded the surroundings, but the attack shows somebody from within supplied Damian with info, cause he knew precisely where to strike. It's too accurate to be a coincidence."

Aldo's entire appearance darkened and Liya felt the warmth in the room drop. "A rat," he whispered. "Find them immediately. I don't care what it takes, they'll wish they never double-crossed me."

The scarred man nodded and vanished into the darkness while the others carried on with their tasks. Liya hovered around the door, her anxiety building as the seconds passed by. She had believed the storm was over, but if it was true that there was a mole, then this night was far from being over.

Aldo turned to her abruptly, his gaze piercing. "Stay here, don't leave until I say it's safe for you to do so."

"What?" She exclaimed fear taking over her. "No! You can't...you can't just leave me here alone! What if–"

"You'll be safe," he cut her off, his tone leaving no room for an argument. "This room is highly secured. Melinda will stay here with you."

Liya's gaze moved to Melinda who stood at the side. While her presence gave her a slight sense of comfort, the thought of staying back while Aldo faced the danger lurking in the shadows made her chest constrict. "I don't want to just sit back and be clueless, I deserve to know what's happening," she said in a trembling voice.

"You'll know what there is to know when the time is right, this isn't a battle you're prepared for, trust me." His voice held an edge to it as he stepped closer to her, his presence towering over her. Having said that, he turned and left the room, leaving her with Melinda.

----------

Time went by as Liya paced the room, her anxiety growing as the seconds went by. Melinda just stood by the monitors with a heavy expression as she watched the different areas of the mansion displayed on the screen.

"Is he always like this?" Liya muttered, not being able to bear the silence any longer.

"Like what?" Melinda asked, her brows wrinkled.

"Blocking people, acting like he can't rely on anyone but himself," Liya said in frustration.

Melinda smirked. "In a world like his, trust is like a poison that kills you slowly. He is not used to depending on anyone but himself."

Liya wanted to question her further, to understand the man she was forced to marry, but before she could open her mouth, the screen of the monitors blinked and showed the front gates of the mansion.

Liya paled. A black car was parked outside, its engine running. She tried to look inside but the tinted windows made it impossible. A chill ran down her spine as she turned to Melinda, "Tell me that's back up." she whispered to Melinda, scared her voice would carry through the monitor.

Melinda studied the screen and became rigid. " No, they are not our men," she equally whispered as she reached for her earpiece. "Aldo, there's a situation at the front gates, an unknown SUV is parked out front."

His reply squeaked through the earpiece. "Maintain position, I'm on my way."

Melinda nodded and faced Liya. "Stay here, I'll be back."

"What! No! No!" Liya said, her voice hysterical. "You can't leave me alone, what if they get in here?"

Melinda's eyes softened for a second. " That's impossible Liya, this room is like a fort, nobody can get through to get in. You'll be safe."

Liya watched as Melinda slipped out of the room, the doors locking behind her, leaving her with the view from the monitors and panic-filled thoughts.

---------

Minutes crawled by as Liya sat on the steel chair, her hands fisted so tightly her knuckles turned white, her posture stiff, and her ears on alert for any sound. The monitors showed Melinda and Aldo approaching the front gates, both of their guns drawn.

Liya leaned forward, her heart beating rapidly as they approached the SUV. The driver exited first, then a tall wide-shouldered man in a suit followed. His face was partially covered by the darkness but something familiar about him made her blood run dry.

He exchanged words with Aldo, and though she couldn't hear them, she could tell they were intense. Aldo's entire demeanor was stiff.

The man suddenly reached inside his suit pocket. Liya gulped, fear gripping her, but Aldo was faster than she imagined, drawing his gun and aiming it at the man.

The screen flickered and went blank.

"No!" Liya banged her hands on the monitor, wondering what had happened. Her mind raced with dangerous scenarios. Was Aldo okay?

A loud thud sounded through the walls of the room, accompanied by gunshots. Her breath caught in her throat as she lowered herself against the wall, panic surging.

Suddenly, the doorknob jingled. Liya sat frozen willing it to be Melinda or Aldo coming to her rescue. The handle twisted and the door cracked open, a silhouette appearing in the doorway. Her face paled as the figure stepped into the light, his face coming into view.

It wasn't Aldo. It wasn't Melinda. It was someone different.

Not again.