10. PARTY

VYOM RAJPUT'S POV

I sit rigidly in the passenger seat of Vikram's sleek, black car, my mind racing with anxiety. How did I end up here? I didn't exactly agree to come with him, but somehow, he'd...persuaded me.

The interior of the car is luxurious, the leather seats soft and supple. But I'm not here to admire the decor. I'm a prisoner, a captive of Vikram's whims.

As the car glides through the city streets, I try to calm my nerves. What's the worst that could happen? I'll attend this party, make some small talk, and then I'll be free to go.

But deep down, I know it's not that simple. Vikram's got an ulterior motive, something he's not telling me. And I'm not sure if I'm ready for what's to come.

The car slows to a stop in front of a grand, ornate building. The sign above the entrance reads "Bellavista" in elegant, cursive script.

Vikram turns to me, a hint of a smile on his lips. "We're here, little prince" he says, his voice low and smooth.

"Can you stop calling me that?"

"That, what?"

"Little prince, I am not little by any angle."

"How about a 'no' ?"

"Fuck you."

"Here?"

"Asshole."

He laughed like menace.

I swallow hard, my heart racing with anticipation. What lies ahead?

As we step into the grand ballroom, I'm immediately struck by the sheer scale of the party. The room is a sea of black, with guests dressed in elegant, dark attire, their faces hidden behind elaborate masks. The air is thick with the scent of champagne and perfume.

But amidst the darkness, I shine like a beacon in my white gown. The dress hugs my body perfectly, the delicate fabric shimmering in the light. I feel like a ray of sunshine in a room full of shadows.

Vikram's eyes lock onto mine, a hint of approval in his gaze. He offers me his arm, and I take it, feeling a shiver run down my spine as his hand brushes against mine.

As we make our way through the crowds, I notice the way people look at us. They nod in respect, their eyes flicking to Vikram before returning to me. I realize that I'm not just attending a party – I'm making a statement.

We reach the center of the room, where a massive, crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The music is pulsating, the beat vibrating through my very being.

Vikram leans in close, his voice whispering against my ear. "You look stunning, Vyom. You're the only one who can shine brighter than the darkness."

I feel a flutter in my chest, my heart racing with excitement. What does he mean? Is this just a game to him, or is there something more?

As I look up at Vikram, I see the mask he's wearing – a black, ornate thing that hides his face. But his eyes...his eyes are gleaming with intensity, burning with a fire that makes my very soul tremble.

What secrets is he hiding behind that mask?

As we stand there, a tall, imposing figure approaches us, his mask glinting in the light. He's dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence commanding attention.

"Vikram, my friend," he says, his voice deep and resonant. "This is the first time you've come with...something." His eyes flick to me, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "Seems like he's somewhat special."

Vikram's expression remains neutral, but I sense a hint of tension in his body. "Just a friend, Marco," he says, his voice smooth. "Don't read too much into it."

Marco's eyes linger on me, his gaze piercing. "I'm not sure I believe you, Vikram," he says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're not exactly known for your... attachments."

Vikram's mask slips for a moment, a flash of anger in his eyes. But then, his expression smooths out, and he smiles. "Maybe I'm just expanding my horizons," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Marco chuckles, the sound low and menacing. "I'm shaking with anticipation," he says, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Do introduce us, Vikram. I'm dying to know more about your... friend."

He took my hand, in his and kiss the back of it.

Vikram's eyes narrow, his jaw clenched in anger. But then, he seems to relax, a cold, calculating smile spreading across his face.

"Vyom, this is Marco," he says, his voice dripping with venom. "One of my... associates."

I nod, trying to keep my cool. "Nice to meet you, Marco," I say, my voice firm.

Marco's eyes linger on me, his gaze piercing. "The pleasure is all mine, Vyom," he says, his voice low and menacing. "I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of each other."

As Marco walks away, I feel a shiver run down my spine. What have I gotten myself into?

Vikram's eyes lock onto mine, a hint of warning in his gaze. "Stay close to me," he whispers, his voice urgent. "Marco is not someone to be trusted."

I nod, feeling a surge of fear. What secrets is Vikram hiding? And what does Marco want from me? Why was he looking at me like that?

His stare was totally different than that of vikram. Vikram looks at me like he wants to possess me. He wants to have me by himself. Like he love...

No.

Damn what was i thinking?

I have already live this shitty live of power, luxury. It's just fascinating oon the outside, but rotten and smelly from inside.

Where everybody just care about their damn reputation.

Who dies or live is none of their concern.

As I stand at the sink, washing my hands, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The mask I'm wearing seems to stare back at me, its intricate design gleaming in the dim light. I feel a shiver run down my spine as I realize I'm not alone.

Marco's voice is low and smooth, sending a tremor through me. "Vyom, we meet again."

I spin around, my heart racing, to find Marco standing in the doorway. His eyes seem to bore into mine, as if searching for secrets.

"You want something, Marco?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Marco's smile is enigmatic. "Oh, I just wanted to get to know you better, Vyom. You seem like a fascinating person."

He takes a step closer, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Vikram's friends are usually so... dull. But you... you're different."

I feel a surge of unease as Marco's gaze lingers on me. What does he mean? And what does he want from me?

Suddenly, Marco's eyes flicker to something behind me, and he nods. "Ah, Vikram. Right on cue."

I turn to see Vikram standing in the doorway, his eyes narrowed in anger. "Marco, what are you doing?"

Marco's smile grows wider. "Just having a little chat with Vyom, Vikram. Don't worry, I was just leaving."

As Marco walks away, Vikram's eyes lock onto mine, a hint of warning in his gaze. "Stay away from him, Vyom," he whispers, his voice urgent. "He's not someone to be trusted."

I nod, feeling a surge of fear. What secrets is Vikram hiding? And what does Marco want from me?

As Vikram turns to leave, I catch his arm. "Vikram, wait. What's going on? What does Marco want?"

Vikram's eyes seem to cloud over, his expression unreadable. "You don't want to know, Vyom. Trust me."

I feel a shiver run down my spine as Vikram's words hang in the air. What secrets is he hiding? And what does Marco want from me?

.

.

.

~to be continued