Cole’s Gamble

Cole's POV*

The air was heavier than ever with strain. I felt as though my office's walls were closing in on me. Even without seeing Aria's eyes, I could sense the weight of her look as she stood at the window with her back to me. She was aware of the problem. She did it every time.

I had no idea how long I could keep it a secret.

The image of Thomas, beaten and defenseless, was etched in my consciousness as the film ripped through me like a sword. My father made it quite evident that he wasn't finished with me. I couldn't leave him. Not until I had nothing left.

I now had to decide what to do. A risky one.

Aria's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Cole." It was firm yet not soft. "How are you going to proceed?"

With my hands clenched at my sides, I turned to confront her. Even in her anxiety, she looked stunning. I could see the uneasiness in her eyes when they met mine. She was familiar enough with me to know that I wasn't the type of man to back down from a conflict. However, this was no longer solely a business matter. It was more than just control or power. It has to do with something far larger.

She.

I had to keep her safe. I couldn't allow anyone, including my father, to harm her. But I had to play the game, and sometimes you have to risk everything to win in this world.

My phone was in my pocket when I grabbed it. Even though my hands were trembling, I kept it to myself. I didn't want Aria to notice the nagging doubt.

"Cole?" Her voice was now hardly more than a whisper, and it was clear that she was afraid.

I said plainly, "I'm selling Blackridge Holdings," as I dialed the broker's number I had discussed weeks earlier while looking at the screen in front of me. There was no other option. I had no choice but to buy us the time we required.

My gut tightened with every second that went by while the phone rang. I detested this. I was going to do something that I detested, but it was essential. My father couldn't continue to rule my life. No more.

The call went through.

The voice on the other end yelled, "Creed." "I didn't think you would call me back."

I wasted no time. Selling Blackridge Holdings is what I want to do. Get me the greatest deal, please. Right now.

On the other side, there was a sudden intake of air. "Hold on. Are you serious?

"Very grave," I snarled. "I want to close the deal today. We spoke about the buyer last quarter. I will find another person if you don't make this happen.

"I'll see it through. Just so you know, though, this will cost you money. You're giving up one of your most valuable possessions.

"I understand," I answered firmly. But I must have it removed. Right now.

Without waiting for a response, I hung up.

Aria sat motionless, staring at me as if I had just torn her entire world apart. Her mouth opened, but she remained silent for a while. Her voice was no more than a whisper when she did.

"You're selling Blackridge, Cole?" Her eyes widened in shock as she asked.

With a stiff jaw, I nodded. "There is no other way to keep you safe. To keep us safe.

Taking a step closer, she added, "But... that's your legacy." She touched my chest with her fingertips as though she was attempting to comprehend the man in front of her. "You're sacrificing it for me?"

In a harsh voice, I answered, "Not just for you." "For us both. You've never asked me to decide between my kingdom and you. However, it's not an option this time. Aria, I can't let you go.

Feeling the quick thump of my heart beneath her palm, she placed her hand against my chest. She stared at me for a while without saying anything, as though she was still processing what had just transpired. Her mouth opened once again, but my phone rang once more before she could say anything.

I looked at the display. Liam.

I replied hastily, my thoughts already changing course. "Talk to me, Liam."

With a strong voice, he declared, "We have movement." Kaitlyn just dropped something again. The new location isn't where we had anticipated.

I went cold. "What are you saying? You followed the video. You mentioned that it was a downtown abandoned warehouse.

Indeed. The signal originated there," Liam remarked. However, another building exists. Another drop point that we failed to consider. The coordinates will be sent to you shortly.

I hurriedly opened my phone's map app. The place chilled me to the bone. This was not far away. It was near. Too near.

Aria moved to stand next to me while she looked over my shoulder at the map. "What is it?"

I initially didn't respond. I was too preoccupied to think. It was a high-security location. This could not have been a chance drop. This was done by someone who knew what they were doing. For me, this was more than just a message. It was a trap.

"Aria, we must leave," I stated firmly, directing all of my attention to the task at hand. "Now."

She took hold of my arm and murmured, "Wait." "You won't accomplish this on your own. I will accompany you.

"No," I snapped, yanking my arm away. "You intend to remain here. It's too risky.

I stopped dead in my tracks when she gave me that look. "You believe that I will stay here while you put yourself in danger? Cole, no. We have this in common.

I started to disagree, but then something inside of me exploded. Perhaps it was the way she gazed at me. Perhaps it was the strength radiating from every part of her physique. Or perhaps—just possibly—I came to see that she was correct.

I whispered, "I'll make sure you're safe." "But you're not going to stay behind."

Her lips curled into a resolute smile as she nodded. "All right. Because I will not be leaving.

I took a final look at the map, picked up my jacket, and made my way to the door. Aria was on her feet already, walking steadily and resolutely after me.

We had no intention of giving up. Not now.

\---

**After a few hours**

The abandoned building loomed in front of us like a quiet sentinel as we stood at its edge. You felt your skin crawl from the terrible silence. Even though my gut was screaming, there was no going back now. We were too far into this disaster already.

Aria's hand touched mine and her fingers firmly intertwined. She remained silent. She didn't have to. She was sufficient.

Our footsteps were muffled by the dense darkness as we slowly made our way through the shadows. I kept my senses sharp and my eyes open, but there was nothing—no sound, no movement. The distant hum of the metropolis was all that could be heard.

As we got closer to the entrance, I motioned for her to stop. Even though there were a few guards at the door, they couldn't have known we were there. They failed to notice us. Not quite yet.

Just as I was about to move, I noticed something.

A flash. A swift motion.

I had hardly time to respond.

Before I could stop it, a sharp click reverberated in the darkness as a figure leaped out of the shadows.