Victor’s presence had become even more suffocating in the past few days. It wasn’t just his eyes watching her from everywhere, but the constant tension, the weight of the knowledge that danger was always lurking just out of sight. Olivia could feel it, an undercurrent of danger that surrounded both of them, stronger than ever.She had never seen him like this, his eyes dark with unspoken worry, his jaw tight, his movements more guarded. The cold and calculated Victor she had known seemed to be slipping away, replaced by someone who, was increasingly desperate to protect her.It was frightening.Tonight, as she walked through the hallways of the mansion, she couldn’t ignore the way the guards’ eyes lingers on her… sharp. Something had changed.A knock at the door startled her from her thoughts.“Come in,” she called, still uneasy about the entire situation.Victor entered in without hesitation. His sharp eyes saw the room, as if ensuring everything was in its place.“Olivia,” he said,
Victor’s estate was quieter than usual, yet the silence seemed on edge. The threat from the rival gang hung over everything, but inside the mansion, there was a different kind of battle steeped between Victor and Olivia…. one of control, trust, and a promising connection.Victor had always been cautious, keeping Olivia under a metaphorical lock and key. However, something in her recent decision to cooperate had softens him. Though she still bristled against his authority, her willingness to acknowledge the danger surrounding them marked a light shift in their dynamic.That morning, Victor summoned Olivia to his office. When she entered, she noticed how different he looked. His usually harsh expression had softened, and there was an unusual calm in him.“You wanted to see me?” Olivia asked, keeping her voice even.Victor gestured for her to sit, his dark eyes scanning her face. “I’ve been thinking,” he began. “Perhaps it’s time to loosen some of the restrictions.”Her eyebrows shot up
The air in the estate was cold. News of the ambush had spread quickly among Victor’s men, and the once-solid fortress now felt fragile. Olivia sat in her room, her thoughts racing. Victor hadn’t returned since the gunshot, and the guard who escorted her inside had offered no answers.She paced back and forth, her mind flickering between anger and worry. The kiss they had shared earlier haunted her…. how close they had been, how real it felt. And yet, it only made his sudden absence more unbearable.A sharp knock at the door snapped her from her thoughts. Before she could respond, the door swung open, and Victor stepped inside. He looked different, wild, his shirt stained with blood, though it didn’t appear to be his.“Victor!” she exclaimed, rushing towards him. “What happened? Are you okay?”He held up a hand, stopping her in her tracks. His expression was dark, his usual controlled posture was at the edges. “I’m fine,” he said curtly. “But things are about to get worse.”Olivia’s he
Olivia’s heart tightens as she watched Victor pace back and forth in his study, his phone pressed against his ear. His voice, sharp and commanding, carried through the room as he barked orders to his men.The mansion was still winding from Emilia’s bold attack. Broken glass littered the hallways. Olivia knew she was walking on a fine line, but she couldn’t stand by while chaos consumed them.When Victor ended the call, she cleared her throat. “Victor, we need…..”He shot her a warning glance. “Not now, Olivia.”“No, we’re talking now,” she said, standing her ground.Victor’s jaw tightens, but he said nothing, his silence granting her permission to continue.“I think I can help,” she said, her voice softening. “If Emilia wants revenge, then maybe we can offer her something that will make her back off. A truce, or...”Victor’s sharp laugh cut her off. “You think you can reason with someone like Emilia? She doesn’t want a truce, Olivia. She only wants blood.”“But have you even tried?” s
Olivia sat on her bed, her knees drawn up to her chest, staring out the massive window of Victor’s mansion. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in colors of orange and red, but its beauty did little to ease the storm inside her.Victor’s words from the night echoes in her heart: You’re everything.She had seen the fear in his eyes, the desperation in his voice when he’d begged her to stay out of his affairs. He wasn’t just trying to control her; he was terrified of losing her.It was a revelation that both softened and confused her. Victor’s actions… his overprotectiveness, his jealousy, even his violence wasn’t just about power or control. They were born from a place of deep, all-consuming love.But was it love?Olivia hugged her knees tighter. Love was supposed to be tender and freeing, not suffocating and cruel. And yet, there were moments like when he held her in his arms or whispered her name that made her heart ache.The door creaked open, pulling her from her tho
The following morning, the sunlight came through Olivia’s windows, its warmth was opposite to the cold tension of the night before. Her mind replays the events in the archives, the look of fear and willpower on Victor’s face as he swore to protect her. It left her tensed, torn between gratitude for his protection and frustration at the cage he kept her in.The knock at her door startled her. Before she could answer, the door swung open, and Victor stepped inside. He was perfectly dressed, as always, but there was a softness in his eyes she wasn’t used to seeing.“I’ve arranged for you to have access to the gardens,” he said without introduction.Olivia blinked, unsure if she’d heard him correctly. “The gardens?”He nodded. “You’ve been closed up inside for too long. You deserve a bit of fresh air.”She stared at him, her mind racing. Was this a joke? Some kind of test? But his expression betrayed nothing but sincerity.“Thank you,” she said cautiously.Victor steps closer, his fingers
The tension in the mansion was deep, like the calm before a storm. Olivia had barely slept since the incident at the southern gate. Whispers among the staff spoke of an organized attack, though Victor had kept the details from her.The next morning, she found him in his study, surrounded by maps, documents, and his most trusted advisors. His expression was as cold and calculating as ever, but the dark circles under his eyes betrayed his exhaustion.“Victor,” she said, stepping into the room.His head snapped up, his sharp eyes softening slightly when he saw her. “You shouldn’t be here,” he said, though there was no bite in his voice.Ignoring his warning, Olivia approached the table. “I want to help.”The room fell silent as Victor’s men exchanged uneasy glances. One of them, a tall man with a scar on his left eye, cleared his throat. “Sir, with all due respect, this is no place for…”“She stays,” Victor interrupted, his voice leaving no room for argument.The man nodded and stepped b
The morning sun cast a soft glow over the mansion, but Olivia’s mind was anything but calm. She sat in the library, a quiet corner of Victor’s expansive home that she had come to cherish. A heavy book rested in her lap, but the words on the pages fades as her thoughts drifted to the events of the night before.Victor’s touch lingered like a phantom on her skin. She had spent the night in his arms, his possessive grip refusing to let her go even in sleep. And while her body still felt the echoes of his dominance, her mind was at war. Was his obsession love, or something darker?As she tried to shake off the memory, her eyes fell on a file left on the nearby desk. It was unlike Victor to leave anything out in the open, he guarded his secrets fiercely. Curiosity tugged at her, and despite the risk, she reached for the folder.Inside were documents, maps, and photographs. At first glance, they seemed to be intelligence reports on Victor’s enemies. But as she flipped through the pages, her
Inside Victor’s penthouse, bathed in the soft golden glow of city lights, Olivia lay beneath him, her body tangled with his. The weight of the past few months… the fights, the betrayals, the near-death experiences had faded into the background as they focused only on each other.Victor traced his fingers down her bare spine, his touch featherlight, sending a shiver through her. “You’re mine,” he whispered, his voice husky.Olivia arched into him, her lips curving into a soft smile. “And you’re mine.”It wasn’t just a claim, it was a promise.Victor didn’t waste another second. He captured her lips in a deep and consuming kiss, his tongue tangling with hers, drawing out a soft moan from her. His hands roamed her body with a respect that made her heart ache. He had always been possessive, but tonight, there was something different… something softer, more tender.His mouth got down her jaw, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck, lingering at the sensitive spot where her pulse r
The weight of the past no longer felt as suffocating as it once did. Olivia was sitting on the edge of Victor’s massive bed, her fingers tracing the edge of the silk sheets. The events of the past weeks had been overwhelming…. betrayal, danger, and the lingering ghosts of her father’s mistakes.But now, for the first time, she felt free.Victor stood across the room, watching her. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing the toned muscles beneath, his dark eyes were filled with something. He knew what tonight meant. Not just for him, but for her.She turned to look at him, her lips parting slightly as she whispered, “I’m ready to move on.”Victor took slow and measured steps towards her, his presence consuming her senses. When he reached her, he cupped her face in his hands, his fingers brushing against her jawline with a gentleness that sent shivers within her.“You’re sure?” His voice was husky, deep with desire but laced with restraint.Olivia nodded, her hands finding their way to his
The tension in the room was suffocating. Olivia sat across from Victor in his private study, their hands intertwined on the polished wooden desk between them. Neither of them spoke for a long time, the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on them.Russo was more than just another threat…. he was a ghost from Victor’s past, someone who had been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And now, he had made his move.“I don’t want you involved in this,” Victor finally said, his voice low but firm.Olivia tightened her grip on his hand. “You don’t get to make that choice for me.”Victor’s eyes darken. “This isn’t like before, Olivia. Russo isn’t just another rival looking to take my empire, he wants blood. My blood.” His jaw clenched. “And if he knows how much you mean to me, he’ll come after you, too.”Olivia’s heart pounded. “Then let’s stop him before he gets the chance.”Victor exhaled sharply. “You don’t…..”“I understand perfectly,” she interrupted. “You’ve spent your entire life
The morning light filters through the window, casting a warm glow over the safehouse. Olivia sat at the kitchen table, absentmindedly tracing patterns on the wooden surface. She felt the quiet peace of the moment, but the weight of the past weeks lingered in the back of her mind… a constant reminder of the danger they had barely escaped.Victor was uncharacteristically silent as he moved around the kitchen, his movements purposeful. The tension in his shoulders was less pronounced, but his eyes remained guarded. Olivia could sense he was lost in his thoughts, and she wondered if he was considering the same thing she was: their future.“What’s on your mind?” she finally asked, breaking the silence.Victor paused, setting a mug of coffee in front of her.“Everything,” he replied, his voice low. He leaned against the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he regarded her. “Our lives. What comes next.”Olivia met his gaze steadily, her fingers tightening around the warm mug. “We’ve talke
The air smelled of smoke and blood. The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving only a suffocating silence in their wake.Olivia stood beside Victor, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the gun still warm from the final shot she had fired. Around them, the bodies of their enemies lay motionless, the last remnants of a threat that had haunted them for too long.It was over.Or at least, it should have been.Victor exhaled, running a hand through his bloodied hair. His dark eyes scanned the scene, ensuring there were no survivors. His entire body was tense, shoulders tensed, fists clenched. He wasn’t celebrating. He never did.“This was their last move,” he muttered. “They had no backup plan. No one else is coming.”Olivia swallows hard. “Then why don’t you look relieved?”Victor’s eyes flickered to her. “Because peace never lasts in this world.”She knew he was right. Even as they stood victorious, Olivia could feel the weight of everything they had lost, of everything the
The air inside Victor’s office was unspeakable. A large map of the city was spread across the table, red markings and hastily scribbled notes covering its surface. His men stood around, speaking in low, urgent voices, but Olivia’s focus was only on Victor.He looked more dangerous than she had ever seen him. His suit jacket was draped over the chair, sleeves rolled up to reveal his powerful forearms. His jaw was clenched, his dark eyes scanning the map with deadly eyes.“This isn’t just another power move,” Victor finally said. “They’re coming for everything. My business. My territory. And you.”A chill ran down, but she forced herself to stand firm. She wasn’t the same woman who had fought to escape him.Now, she was fighting to survive with him.“So what’s the plan?” she asked.Victor’s gaze flickered to her, studying her reaction. “You want to fight? You’ll fight.”Olivia barely had time to react before Victor turned to his men. “Get her a gun. And prepare the car.”Her heart pound
The ride back to Victor’s estate was silent.Olivia was sitting in the passenger seat of his black SUV, staring out at the passing city lights. Her body ached from the fight, her wrists sore from where Marco had grabbed her, but none of that compared to the storm inside her.Victor’s fingers drummed against the steering wheel; his knuckles still bruised from the fight. He hadn’t said a word since they left the warehouse. His jaw was locked tight.But she knew him well enough by now.He was furious.Not just at Marco. Not just at his enemies.At her.She exhaled sharply and turned to face him. “Say something.”Victor didn’t respond.“Victor.”His grip tightened on the wheel. “You could have died.”Olivia bit her lip. “So could you.”He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “That’s different.”“No, it’s not.” She clenched her fists. “You act like you’re the only one allowed to make sacrifices. But I chose to do that. Just like you always do.”Victor suddenly pulled the car over, the
The tension in the room was suffocating. Olivia sat across from Marco Ricci, one of Victor’s most dangerous enemies, trying to steady her breathing as she made her proposal.“I’m not here as Victor’s pawn,” she said, keeping her voice firm. “I came on my own. To negotiate.”Marco leaned back in his chair, a cruel smirk curling on his lips. His dark eyes studied her, filled with amusement and something dangerous.“You must think highly of yourself,” he murmured. “Walking into a lion’s den without your master’s leash.”Olivia clenched her fists under the table. “Victor doesn’t own me.”Marco chuckled, swirling the glass of alcohol in his hand. “No? Then why does he tear the world apart for you?”She had no answer for that.Marco leaned forward. “So, tell me, sweetheart. What do you think you can offer me that would make me reconsider my war with Victor?”Olivia swallowed. This was the moment that could change everything.“A deal,” she said. “A ceasefire. I know you want Victor’s world,
The silence between them was suffocating.Victor was standing in front of Olivia; his piercing eyes were locked onto hers.Her body still ached from the suffering of being kidnapped, her mind still reeling from the fear of almost losing herself again. And yet, here she was, face to face with the man who had burned himself into her heart, despite all the things he had done.She swallowed hard before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper but carrying the weight of everything she felt.“If I asked you to let me go… would you?”Victor’s entire body tensed.He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a slow step toward her, his movements deliberate, controlled. But Olivia didn’t back away this time.His jaw clenched. “Why are you asking me this?”Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. “Because I need to know.”Victor exhaled sharply, his hand running through his dark hair in frustration. “Olivia, after everything… after what they did to you… you’re asking me if I would let you