The city lights glowed through the tinted car windows as Dominic and Sasha sat in tense silence. The adrenaline from their escape had barely faded, and the charged silence between them was thick with unspoken words. Dominic’s hand lingered on Sasha’s knee, firm and steady, grounding her through the swirl of emotions she couldn’t contain. They had barely escaped Luca’s grip, and yet, somehow, she still felt the looming presence of his threat.
Dominic’s phone buzzed again, and he clenched his jaw, ignoring it this time as he looked out the window. Sasha watched him, her own pulse quickening as she took in his profile—the controlled fury simmering beneath his calm exterior, his protectiveness hidden under his usual impassive demeanor. The lines in his face told a story of a man who had fought for everything he had, who had been ruthless when he needed to be, yet the way he looked at her told a different story—a gentler, conflicted one that she didn’t fully understand. “Dominic,” she finally whispered, breaking the silence. “What’s going to happen now?” His gaze snapped to hers, the intensity of it nearly stealing her breath. “Now?” he echoed, his voice a low growl. “Now, I make sure Luca can never come near you again. He broke his last chance.” Sasha shivered, a mixture of fear and excitement stirring within her at his possessive tone. But there was more to her question—questions he seemed to read in her eyes. “You’re safe with me,” he said softly, his hand moving to brush a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “No matter what it takes.” She nodded, her throat tightening. “But Dominic, Luca… he said things. About you. Things I didn’t understand.” She paused, hesitating, then took a breath. “He said that I was a distraction. That you’d become… weak because of me.” Dominic’s expression hardened, a flicker of something unreadable flashing across his eyes before he quickly masked it. “Luca has always been a snake. He’ll say anything to try and plant doubt.” But Sasha couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more beneath his words, something he wasn’t telling her. She leaned closer, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “Dom, if there’s something you’re hiding—” A sudden explosion rocked the night, the blast so close it rattled the car. Dominic’s arm shot out protectively, pulling her against him as his driver slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a jerking stop. The night outside was filled with shouts and the glare of headlights as Dominic’s men scrambled out of their vehicles, forming a protective perimeter. “Stay down,” Dominic ordered, his tone sharp, but Sasha’s instincts kicked in. She ducked behind him, peering out the window to see what had happened. A sleek black SUV was parked diagonally across the street, blocking their path. Its headlights were blinding, but she could make out the figures emerging from it—men dressed in black, heavily armed and clearly intent on one thing: Dominic. Dominic’s hand closed around hers as he pulled her out of the car, swiftly guiding her into the shadows beside a nearby alleyway. “Go back to the car,” he hissed, pushing her gently back, but Sasha gripped his hand, refusing to leave his side. “I’m not running,” she whispered fiercely, her eyes locking with his, her resolve clear. Dominic hesitated for a split second, but then he nodded, a flicker of pride flashing in his gaze. “Stay close to me, then. Don’t let go of my hand.” They moved silently, weaving through the shadows as Dominic’s men engaged in a standoff with the intruders. They kept low, slipping through a narrow side street that led away from the chaos, and Sasha’s heart pounded as the sounds of gunfire echoed behind them. As they reached the end of the alley, a black car pulled up beside them, and a man with dark eyes and a rugged face stepped out, glancing between Dominic and Sasha with a curious glint. “I heard you might need an exit plan,” the man said with a smirk, opening the back door. “Alistair,” Dominic muttered, a mixture of surprise and relief crossing his face. “I didn’t expect you’d come.” “Let’s just say old debts need settling,” Alistair replied, his tone cryptic as he gestured for them to get in. Sasha slid into the backseat, and Dominic followed, his gaze flickering between Alistair and the chaos behind them. As they sped away, Sasha glanced at Dominic, her curiosity piqued by the interaction. “Who is he?” she asked quietly. Dominic sighed, running a hand over his face. “Alistair was… an ally. An old one. We haven’t seen each other in years.” He hesitated, as if weighing his next words carefully. “He used to be part of the family business until things took a… different turn.” “A different turn?” Sasha pressed, sensing there was more to the story. Dominic’s jaw tightened, his expression darkening. “Luca wasn’t always my enemy,” he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “Once, we were… close. Closer than brothers. Until he betrayed me.” Sasha’s heart ached as she saw the pain flicker across his face, his guard lowered for just a moment. “What happened?” He looked away, his gaze distant. “Luca wanted power. He wanted control, and when I refused to share it with him, he turned against me. Alistair… he took my side, helped me cut ties with Luca before things spiraled out of control.” Sasha’s mind spun as she tried to piece together the fragments of his past. “So you and Luca… you weren’t always enemies?” Dominic nodded, his expression guarded. “We were once like family. But he’s changed, Sasha. He’s ruthless, obsessed with tearing everything I’ve built apart. And now, with you in the picture… he’ll do anything to destroy me.” Her chest tightened as she absorbed his words, the weight of Dominic’s past bearing down on her. She could see it now—the pain, the betrayal that had shaped him into the man he was today. But beneath that hardened exterior, she saw glimpses of something more. Something vulnerable, something deeply scarred. And for the first time, she realized just how deeply she was connected to this man, how inextricably tied her fate was to his. The silence between them stretched, charged with unspoken words, until Alistair broke it, glancing back at them in the rearview mirror. “You’re not safe yet. Luca’s reach is far. He won’t stop until he’s either dead or… you are.” Dominic’s gaze sharpened. “He can try.” Alistair’s smirk faded, his voice turning serious. “There’s more, Dom. Luca’s not alone. He’s made alliances with others, people who want to see you fall. I’ve heard whispers of a deal—a powerful backer who wants control over your empire.” Dominic’s fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. “Who?” Alistair hesitated, his gaze dark. “Your father.” The words landed like a blow, and Sasha felt the air shift as Dominic froze beside her, his face hardening into an unreadable mask. For a moment, she couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Dominic’s father? The man who had been gone from his life for years, presumed dead or lost? “That’s impossible,” Dominic whispered, his voice rough with disbelief. “He’s gone. He left everything… he wouldn’t…” Alistair’s gaze was sympathetic yet unyielding. “He’s alive, Dom. And he’s been building a network—a shadow empire hidden from the public eye. Luca was just the beginning. Your father is the real enemy, the one orchestrating everything from behind the scenes.” The weight of the revelation settled over them, thick and suffocating. Sasha reached for Dominic’s hand, squeezing it in silent support as he processed the shock of betrayal. His father—alive, conspiring with his enemies, working to dismantle everything Dominic had built. It was a betrayal so deep it cut to the very core of who Dominic was, the wounds of his past reopened with a brutal clarity. She could see it in his eyes, the storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface—the hurt, the anger, the confusion. But there was something else, too, something darker and more dangerous. A resolve. He lifted his gaze, meeting Alistair’s eyes with a steely determination. “If he wants to come for me, then let him. But I won’t stand by and let him destroy everything.” Alistair nodded, his expression respectful. “I knew you wouldn’t. That’s why I’m here. I’ll stand by you, Dom, whatever it takes.” Dominic’s grip tightened around Sasha’s hand, his jaw set as he looked at her with a fierce protectiveness that left her breathless. “We’re not going to hide, Sasha. We’re going to face this head-on. Whatever it takes, I’ll protect you. I’ll protect us.” Her heart pounded as she took in his words, the weight of his promise settling over her. She knew the path ahead would be treacherous, filled with dangers she could barely comprehend, but with Dominic by her side, she felt a strength she hadn’t known she possessed. “I’m with you,” she whispered, her voice steady, her resolve mirroring his. He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers as he took a deep breath. “Then let’s finish this.”The morning sunlight filtered through the high windows of Dominic’s penthouse, casting long shadows across the floor. Sasha stood in the middle of the vast living room, feeling dwarfed by its emptiness. She had barely slept, haunted by Alistair’s revelation, and the painful reminder that danger was never far from Dominic—or from her. She hadn’t yet shared her thoughts with Dominic, but she could feel a shift between them, a silent weight hanging in the air.Dominic entered the room, his expression shadowed, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he spoke. “We need to prepare,” he said, voice steady but lacking his usual warmth. He glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck. “There are places to go, people to talk to. This… alliance my father’s built with Luca, it’s been under my nose, right where I never thought to look.”Sasha moved closer, her voice soft. “Dom, I can’t imagine how hard it is to hear that he’s alive—and worse, working against you. But you’re not alone in this.
The early morning light cast a pale glow over the city as Sasha lay beside Dominic, her head resting on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. The events of the night before lingered in her mind—the weight of Dominic’s past, the terrible revelation about his father’s betrayal, and Luca’s ominous threats. She had promised Dominic she wouldn’t leave him, but a gnawing doubt had settled deep within her. Would she be strong enough to face the demons from his past, or was she only adding to the risk he already faced?Dominic stirred, his arm instinctively pulling her closer. “You’re up early,” he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.Sasha smiled softly, tracing patterns along his chest. “Couldn’t sleep. Just… thinking.” Her tone was light, but she felt the tension in his body, sensed his hesitancy.He tilted her chin up, his gaze searching her face. “What are you thinking about?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.She hesitated, uncertain how to voice the tangle of emotions chur
Sasha sat in the dimly lit kitchen of Dominic’s penthouse, replaying Luca’s words over and over. “Dominic sacrificed his own brother for power.” It felt impossible to believe, but the way Luca had said it left a gnawing feeling in her stomach that she couldn’t shake. Her hands trembled as she wrapped them around a mug of tea, her mind racing. If there was even a shred of truth in Luca’s words, it meant she’d built her love on a foundation of secrets. Could she trust Dominic?The sound of the elevator doors opening snapped her back to the present. She watched as Dominic strode into the room, his face hard, his eyes unreadable. He stopped when he saw her sitting there, his expression softening.“You’re still up,” he said quietly, setting down his keys.Sasha forced a smile, though she felt her heart pound painfully in her chest. “I couldn’t sleep.”Dominic frowned, sensing her hesitation. He crossed the room and reached for her hand. “Something’s wrong. I can see it in your eyes. Talk t
Sasha arrived at the upscale, dimly lit bar where Dominic had asked her to meet him. She wrapped her arms around herself as she stood by the entrance, her pulse racing with anticipation and dread. Her thoughts were a maze of questions, doubts, and lingering love, each one cutting deeper as she waited. Dominic had asked her to come so he could “explain everything.” But after everything she’d heard, she wasn’t sure what “everything” even entailed anymore.Just as she was about to turn and leave, unsure if she was ready to face him, Dominic stepped out of the shadows. His gaze met hers, intense and unwavering, and for a moment, she forgot to breathe. He was magnetic, his presence a force that pulled her in, despite everything that had happened.“Sasha,” he said softly, his voice laced with a mix of relief and tension.She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat as she tried to steady herself. “Dominic.”They walked in silence to a private booth, the weight of unspoken words filling the
The hours leading up to her meeting with Luca were the longest of Sasha’s life. She tried to keep herself busy, but nothing could quiet the storm of thoughts and emotions swirling in her mind. She missed Dominic, his touch, his warmth, the way he could make her feel secure even when her world was in chaos. But now, with Luca’s words echoing in her head, every memory of Dominic was tinged with doubt and betrayal.By nightfall, Sasha had changed three times, unable to decide what felt right. She finally settled on a black trench coat over dark jeans and a sweater, hoping the nondescript outfit would blend into the shadows of the city. Luca had chosen a secluded spot, a rundown warehouse by the docks, and as she stepped out of her car, she felt an eerie chill in the air. The silence of the deserted area, the faint sound of water lapping against the dock—it all felt like the setting for a scene she wasn’t sure she wanted to play.“Sasha.” Luca’s voice cut through the darkness as he emerge
The air was thick with tension as Sasha and Dominic sat across from each other in the penthouse, their earlier embrace fading into a distant memory. She held his hand, but the warmth was marred by the storm raging in her heart. Dominic’s promise to leave his world behind meant everything, yet the looming reality of his past felt like a weight neither of them could shake.“You understand what this means, Dominic?” Sasha whispered, her eyes searching his. “Walking away… it’s not just leaving. It’s making enemies.”Dominic’s jaw tightened, his hand instinctively curling around hers. “I know. But I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. They can take the empire, the money—I don’t care about that if it means losing you.”The intensity in his gaze was fierce, almost desperate, as if he was holding onto her like a lifeline. And for the first time, she realized just how deeply Dominic had buried himself in this life he was now vowing to abandon. A twinge of fear echoed through her, but she
Sasha’s pulse hammered as she took in the scene, her hand still tightly entwined with Dominic’s. Luca stood in front of them, the gleaming muzzle of his gun pointed unwaveringly in their direction. His smile was a chilling contrast to the tension thickening the air around them, his gaze fixed on Dominic with a lethal calmness.“Well, Dominic,” Luca said, his voice echoing through the empty warehouse district. “I warned you. Running was never going to be an option.”Dominic shifted, angling his body to shield Sasha, his voice steady as he replied, “I’m done with this, Luca. You can have everything—money, connections. Just leave us out of it.”Luca laughed, his tone mocking. “It’s not about the money, Dominic. You know that. This is about loyalty. Respect. And you of all people should know that betrayal is something I don’t forgive.”Sasha felt the grip on her hand tighten, and she could feel the tension radiating through Dominic’s body. She knew he was running through every possible op
Sasha Lane sat in the dimly lit bar, the kind of place where shadows were thicker than the air, nursing a drink she hadn’t touched in an hour. The amber liquid swirled in her glass, but her mind wasn’t on the whiskey. It was on the man sitting across from her. Dominic Knight—billionaire, CEO, and rumored mafia kingpin. He had the kind of face that could make women weak, all sharp angles and dark, dangerous eyes. But Sasha was different. She wasn’t here for pleasure. She was here because she had no choice.“You understand the terms, Ms. Lane?” His voice was low, like velvet, but there was something dangerous lurking underneath it. The kind of danger that made a chill run down her spine.Sasha met his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. “I understand you’re blackmailing me into marriage.”Dominic’s lips curved into a smirk. “Blackmail is such an ugly word. Think of it as… an arrangement. You marry me, your brother’s debts disappear. Simple.”Simple. As if anything about this man was simpl