Chapter 9: Trust No One
Ellie’s POV
I sat on the edge of my bed, turning the necklace over in my fingers. The crescent moon pendant shimmered under the soft glow of my bedside lamp, but its beauty felt tainted by the engraving inside: Forever Yours.
A chill ran down my spine.
My phone buzzed again, yanking me from my thoughts.
Another message.
Unknown Number: Be careful who you trust.
My hands trembled as I set the phone down. Who was sending these messages? And how did they know about Adrien—or worse, my connection to Liam and Victor?
The weight of everything pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. My mom’s fragile health. My dad’s awkward attempts to reconnect. Adrien’s unsettling interest in me. It was too much.
I wanted—needed—to talk to Liam. But after what happened at the gala, I wasn’t sure where we stood anymore.
\---
The next morning, I tried to focus on work, but my mind kept circling back to Adrien’s words the night before: Don’t make me regret trusting you.
What did he mean by that? Did he suspect something?
My unease grew when I overheard him speaking in hushed tones with one of the café’s regulars—a wealthy businessman with sharp features and cold, calculating eyes.
“Tell him I’m handling it,” Adrien said smoothly, his voice casual but firm.
I froze mid-step, pretending to organize menus behind the counter.
Handling what? And who was he?
Before I could dwell on it, Sophie walked in, looking frazzled but determined.
“Hey, boss lady,” she teased, sliding onto a stool at the bar. “Got a minute?”
“Of course,” I said, forcing a smile. “What’s up?”
She sighed dramatically. “I just needed to get out of the house. Being unemployed is driving me insane. Thought I’d come see how the fancy life treats you.”
I chuckled, though my smile felt forced. “It’s not as glamorous as it looks, trust me.”
As we chatted, Lucien emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. His gaze lingered on Sophie for a moment too long.
“Who’s this?” His voice was smooth, accented.
I gestured between them. “This is my best friend, Sophie. Sophie, this is Lucien, our head chef.”
Lucien extended a hand, his smile warm but a little too polished. “A pleasure to meet you.”
Sophie shook his hand, raising an eyebrow. “The pleasure’s all mine. So, you’re the genius behind these heavenly croissants?”
“One and only.” Lucien leaned casually against the counter. “If you ever want a private tasting session, let me know.”
I rolled my eyes. “Alright, Romeo, back to work.”
Lucien smirked, bowing slightly before disappearing into the kitchen. Sophie turned to me, her expression gleeful.
“Well, well, well. Looks like someone’s got a crush.”
“He’s trouble, Soph,” I warned lightly, though my voice held an edge. “Just… be careful, okay?”
Sophie waved me off. “Careful is my middle name.”
I highly doubted that.
\---
Later that evening, Sophie stuck around after my shift, helping me clean up. As we worked, Lucien reappeared, carrying a plate of freshly baked pastries.
“For the ladies,” he announced, setting the plate on the counter.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I said, though I still grabbed one.
“It’s no trouble,” Lucien replied smoothly, his gaze flicking briefly to Sophie. “Especially if it means impressing certain guests.”
Sophie laughed, clearly enjoying the attention. “You’re laying it on thick, aren’t you?”
“Only because it works.” Lucien winked before retreating to the kitchen.
After closing up, Sophie turned to me, cheeks flushed. “Okay, spill it. Is he single? Taken? Vampire?”
I froze, my stomach twisting at the last word. “Why would you even joke about that?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. He just has this vibe.”
My pulse quickened. “He’s… complicated. But ultimately, it’s your call.”
\---
Sophie's POV
Over the next few days, i spent more time at the café, often staying late to talk to Lucien.
One evening, after everyone else had left, he invited me into the kitchen.
“Ever seen how magic happens?” he asked, gesturing to the scattered pots and pans.
i grinned. “Show me your secrets, Chef.”
Lucien moved with practiced ease, telling me stories of his travels while he cooked. By the time dinner was ready, the two of us were laughing like old friends.
“This is amazing,” i declared, savoring a bite of pasta. “You’re wasted working here—you should open your own restaurant.”
Lucien smirked, leaning closer. “Maybe someday. For now, I’ll settle for cooking for beautiful women.”
our banter turned flirtatious. One moment, we were talking; the next, we were tangled on the couch in his office. Clothes came off quickly, passion escalating as Lucien kissed me fiercely, his hands roaming my body.
Then he bit his lip teasingly.
i froze, catching my breath.
His teeth looked sharper than they should have—almost like fangs.
“What…” i began, voice trembling.
Lucien pulled back slightly, his expression serious. “I told you—I’m not like other people.”
i stared at him, torn between fear and fascination. “Are you…?”
“A vampire? Yes.” His voice was soft as he brushed a strand of hair from my face. “But I won’t hurt you, Sophie. Not unless you ask me to.”
Despite the shock, i didn’t pull away. If anything… i leaned in closer.
\---
Ellie’s POV
Meanwhile, I fought my own demons.
Every night, I was haunted by dreams of Liam’s past, waking up exhausted and on edge.
Then Morgana showed up, her expression grim.
“Moving didn’t buy you time,” she said. “It only made you easier to find.”
A shiver ran down my spine.
Victor knew exactly where we were.
\---
At dawn, my phone buzzed with another cryptic message.
Unknown Number: He’s watching.
My breath hitched. I glanced out the window, half-expecting to see Victor lurking in the shadows.
But all I saw was…