Chapter Ten
Shadows in the City of Light
Never before have Paris's streets appeared so stunning—and so ominous.
We got there late at night, with the city lights glimmering like a thousand stars stuck on Earth against the black sky. There was a heaviness to the air, but it was crisp, the kind that made every breath feel alive. It was impossible to shake the tension that pervaded the atmosphere and held onto everything.
As we entered the city's maze of twisting alleys and tall buildings, Damian's SUV slid through the congested streets with hardly any noise from the tires. With the exception of the engine's low hum and the sporadic movement of shadows, the outside world appeared to vanish.
I experienced an odd feeling of relief when we arrived at the apartment. Perched high above the city, this luxurious penthouse in the 16th arrondissement offered views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. Lovely and safe, but a cage.
Damian looked at me and turned off the engine, the tension still emanating from him.
He stated, "This is where we will stay for the time being," in a steady but aloof tone. "I will handle the security. You remain indoors.
My response, "I am not a prisoner, Damian," came out before I could stop myself. "I came here not to hide."
"I am not requesting that you hide. I beg you to continue living."
For a moment, his eyes softened, but they were cold. It was just intense enough to make my heart race. And anxiety. Fear that no matter how far I ran, I might not be able to get out.
Unwilling to argue further, I nodded. I was forced to do as he said for the time being. I had witnessed too much. With each step I took, the walls surrounding me closed in, and Gray's shadow was too close.
---The following day, Damian had vanished.
Outside, I could hear the faint hum of traffic and the occasional pedestrian as I woke up. However, the apartment was oppressively quiet. The weight of Damian's absence was like a physical burden on my chest.
The apartment was too good to be true. A location that shouted "untouchable." His world was right here, behind locked doors, and only those with the key could enter.
I walked over to the window and gazed at the city. Paris, romantic, gorgeous, and dangerous, stretched out in front of me. I could not help but wonder if this city had also trapped me because it was just as much of a maze as the one in my own head.
I was startled out of my reverie by the buzzing of the phone on the counter.
Damian had left a message.
> "Remain indoors. I will return shortly. Make sure the door is locked.
I could not simply wait here. I was no pawn to be kept out of sight. I was powerless to stop the questions that kept racing through my head and the increasing frustration that was eating away at me.
What exactly was going on between Damian and Gray? Why had Gray returned now, after so many years?
I did not know the answers, but I needed to find them. If Damian did not help me, I would have to go looking for them myself.
---Two hours later, I found myself walking through the streets of Paris, my coat tightly wrapped around me and my heels clicking against the cobblestones. I had no idea where I was going, but I could not stay locked up in that penthouse any longer.
The city seemed different in the daylight. The beauty was still present, but it was tinged with something darker, hidden beneath the surface. Paris held secrets, and I was determined to uncover them.
I found a café near the Seine and sat down at a corner table to order a coffee. My mind raced with everything that had happened—Grey's visit, Damian's cold demeanor, and Gray's haunting messages that I could not ignore.
I was still thinking about it when someone sat in the chair across from me.
Gray.I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.
He sat there, calm as ever, a dark smile playing at the corners of his lips. He had not aged much—his features remained sharp, and his eyes were as piercing as ever.
"You look surprised," he said with a low drawl. "Did you think I was going to disappear again?"
I could not speak at first, my mind racing for a response, a strategy, anything.
"Gray," I said finally, my voice tightening. "Why are you here?"
"Why not," he said casually, leaning back in his chair. "Do you think Paris is a beautiful city? But I am not here for the sights.
I did not respond because I was too stunned to speak. Seeing him again was like a cold slap in the face.
"You want answers, Naomi," Gray said, his eyes narrowing. "But you do not want the truth. "Not really."
"What do you want from me?" I inquired, my throat dry.
He smiled again, but it was hollow, like a shark grin before the kill.
"You," he said, his eyes fixed on mine. "Damian and I have unfinished business." And you are the piece that will tip the balance."
I did not understand. "What do you mean?"
Gray stood up slowly, his movements smooth and deliberate, like a predator assessing its prey. "Damian is not who you think he is, Naomi. And you are about to discover just how dangerous he is.
Gray was gone before I could react, disappearing into the crowd, leaving only his words to echo in my mind.
---I sat there for quite a while, staring at the empty chair across from me. I could not shake the feeling that I would made an irreversible decision.
Gray had played his hand. Now the question was: what would Damian do next?