Chapter 3: A Dangerous Invitation

Aurora had been really cautious while leaving her room. She looked down the hall to make sure no one was around. The cool evening air kissed her skin as she stepped out of the house, her heart beating rapidly. She clutched her purse tightly, her mind preoccupied with Dominic's invitation.

But what she did not know was that Patrick had become suspicious. Ever since their confrontation, he had this nagging feeling that Aurora was hiding something—or someone. So he sent one of his most trusted men, Caleb, to follow her.

Caleb, a shadow in the night, trailed her silently. He was an expert at remaining unseen, blending into the darkness as Aurora made her way to Dominic's house.

Aurora stood outside Dominic’s house, her hand hesitating over the doorbell. She had spent the entire day debating whether she should come. The memory of his lips on hers and the way his touch left traces of fire on her skin made her heart race—but the risk of being discovered made her stomach churn.

Before she could change her mind, the door swung open. Dominic stood there, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong, tanned arms. His signature smirk greeted her.

"Right on time, sweetheart," he said, stepping aside to let her in.

The house was warm and inviting, a surprise from the brooding and dangerous aura Dominic usually carried. Soft candlelight illuminated the dining table, set with silverware, a bottle of wine, and a single red rose in the center.

"You really went all out," Aurora said, raising an eyebrow.

"For you? Always," he replied, shutting the door behind her and placing his hand lightly on her lower back as he ushered her inside.

They sat down to dinner, Dominic pouring them each a glass of wine. Aurora couldn't help but notice how his gaze lingered on her, making her feel simultaneously flustered and exhilarated.

"You look stunning tonight," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Aurora threw a glance down at the dress: an unostentatious black number that she had chosen for subtlety. "It's just a dress."

"It's not the dress," Dominic leaned into say. "It's you."

Her cheeks colored; with a swift motion, she reached for her glass of wine and took a hasty sip to conceal her surprise.

They spoke as they ate, their conversation easy. Dominic told stories about his travels and business ventures, weaving humor into his tales that made Aurora laugh more than she had in weeks. For a moment, she almost forgot the danger that surrounded them.

After dinner, Dominic took her to the living room. A small fire was crackling in the fireplace, softly lighting up the room. He gestured toward the plush sofa, and she sat down, the comfortable cushions swallowing her weight.

Dominic returned with another glass of wine and a small box. "I got you something," he said, handing her the box.

"Dominic, you didn't have to." Aurora trailed off as she opened it, revealing a delicate silver necklace with a pendant in the shape of a crescent moon.

"It reminded me of you," he said, his voice softer now. "Beautiful, mysterious, and impossible to ignore."

Aurora felt her breath catch in her throat. "I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything," Dominic replied, moving closer. "Let me put it on you."

He took it and leaned in, the tips of his fingers skimming her neck as he secured the clasp. The intimate gesture sent shivers down her spine.

As Dominic's hands remained on her shoulders, he leaned closer, his lips near her ear. "You drive me crazy, Aurora," he whispered.

Turning, she faced him while her heart pounded. "Dominic, we shouldn't—

"Stop thinking," he cut her off, his eyes fastening to hers. "Tonight, just tonight, let's forget the rest of it even exists."

And without further warning, his lips were on hers. He kissed her slowly and intentionally, his hands softly cradling her face to bring her closer to him. Aurora felt herself melting into his embrace, her resolution dissolving with each ticking second.

Just as things were heating up, a loud crash shattered the moment. Aurora pulled away, her breath ragged.

"What was that?" she whispered.

Dominic's expression darkened as he stood, his body tense. "Stay here."

He moved toward the source of the noise, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway. Aurora sat frozen, her mind racing. She glanced toward the window and saw the faint outline of a figure outside.

Before she could act, Dominic was back, his jaw clenched. "We're not alone," he said grimly.

Aurora's heart was racing. "What do we do?"

Dominic grasped her hand, his grip firm, reassuring. "You're safe with me," he said, but the storm in his eyes told a different story.

As he guided her toward the rear door, Aurora couldn't shake the feeling that their clandestine meeting had just become much more hazardous.

Aurora lay nestled in Dominic's arms, her fingers dancing softly around his chest. The room was warm, the air thick with the intimacy that had just been shared between them. Dominic leaned down and placed a soft kiss to her temple as her eyes fluttered shut.

But the serene moment was disrupted by the shrill sound of Dominic's phone ringing beside his bed. His body stiffened to reach for it, while his eyes narrowed at the screen.

"Sir," an urgent voice greeted the other end, "there is a car parked in your garage that has been there for more than an hour now. It's one of Patrick's. He sent his men to watch over you."

Dominic's jaw clamped down, his free hand clenching into a fist. "Stay there. I'm coming down now," he said, his tone icy before ending the call.

Aurora sat up, her brow furrowed in concern. "What's going on?"

"Patrick's men," Dominic said, his voice low and controlled. "They're watching us."

Fear flashed in Aurora's eyes. "What are you going to do?"

Dominic placed a reassuring hand on her cheek, his gaze steady. "Stay here. I’ll handle it."

Dominic quickly dressed, his movements sharp and efficient. Slipping on his jacket, he grabbed a firearm from the drawer and concealed it inside. Before leaving, he turned back to Aurora.

"Lock the door and don’t open it for anyone but me," he instructed.

Aurora nodded, her heart pounding as he stepped out into the night.

Down in the garage, two of Patrick's men leaned casually against a sleek, black car, their casual demeanor belying their alertness. As Dominic stepped closer, the air was sucked from the room, it seemed. The men straightened, their hands automatically hovering near their concealed firearms.

"You've been here long enough," Dominic said coldly, his voice carrying an undeniable tone of authority. "What do you want?"

One of the men, a burly figure with a scar running down his cheek, sneered. "Just following orders, Mr. Dominic. Patrick wanted us to keep an eye on things."

Dominic stepped closer, his calm demeanor masking the storm brewing inside him. "Tell Patrick he doesn't have the right to spy on me. And if I ever catch you near me-or Aurora-again.

He pulled the concealed firearm just far enough for them to see it, his gaze dead serious. ".you won't get a second warning."

The men exchanged uneasy glances, their bravado faltering under Dominic's icy stare.

"We'll go," Scarface muttered, raising his hands slightly.

"Good choice," Dominic said, his tone cutting. "And if you breathe a word about tonight, I'll make sure neither of you sees another sunrise. Understand?"

The men nodded, scrambling into their car and driving off without another word.

Dominic locked the garage behind him and headed back upstairs. His steps were measured, but his mind was racing. Patrick's interference was getting more blatant, and Dominic knew they were running out of time to keep their secret safe.

When he entered the room, Aurora rushed to him, her worry etched on her face. "What happened?"

"They're gone," Dominic said, his voice softer now. He placed an assuring hand on her shoulder. "But Patrick's getting bolder. We'll need to be more careful."

Aurora turned to him, fear etched in her eyes along with resolve. "Maybe. maybe we should stop this before it's too late."

Dominic’s expression hardened. He stepped closer, cupping her face in his hands. "I’m not giving you up, Aurora. Patrick doesn’t get to dictate our lives. Not anymore."

His words were firm, but the tension between them lingered. Aurora leaned into his touch, letting herself believe him, even as she felt the weight of their dangerous secret pressing down on her

Patrick sat in his plush office, the low light casting shadows across his defined features. His fingers tapped out a rhythmic beat on the armrest of his chair as he waited for word from his men. The heavy oak door creaked open, and the two lackeys stepped inside, their heads bowed low.

"Well?" Patrick's voice was cold and commanding.

The burly man with the scar, still visibly shaken, stepped forward. "Sir, we… we saw nothing unusual at Dominic's house."

"Nothing?" Patrick repeated, his voice laced with disbelief and anger.

The man hesitated, then added, "Dominic caught us before we could do much. He warned us-threatened us, actually-not to come near him or his house again. He made it clear he won't spare us next time."

Patrick's jaw tightened, his knuckles whitening as his fist slammed onto the desk. "You mean to tell me," he growled, "that I sent you on a simple task-to watch him-and you failed? You found out nothing?"

The second man, clearly terrified, tried to salvage the situation. "Sir, Dominic is. intimidating. His reputation-"

Patrick cut him off with a sharp glare. "Intimidating? Intimidating? You're supposed to be my eyes and ears, and you cower like children? He's hiding something, I'm sure of it, and you let him walk all over you."

The men exchanged nervous glances, their confidence completely shattered.

"You're useless!" Patrick roared, rising from his chair. "If you can't do your job, then I'll find someone who can."

"Sir—" one of them began, but Patrick's raised hand cut him off.

"Get out of here. Now," he concluded, and his tone brooked no further argument.

The two men didn't need telling twice. They scurried out of the room, leaving Patrick seething with frustration.

The door slammed shut behind them, and Patrick began pacing the room, his mind racing. His gut told him Dominic was up to something, and he refused to be outplayed. Dominic was too calm, too secretive, and now Aurora seemed distracted as well.

Patrick picked up his phone, dialing a number he hadn't called in years.

"It's me," he said when the line connected. "I need someone who can dig up dirt on Dominic-and fast. No mistakes this time."

The voice on the other end chuckled. "Ah, I see you're in need of my services again. Consider it done. Dominic won't be able to hide a single secret from me."

Patrick smirked, anger giving way to cold determination. "Good. Because this time, I won't just watch him. I'll destroy him."