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 option, calculating a way to get them out of this alive. Luca’s eyes flicked to her, and she felt a chill run down her spine. “And you, Sasha… I must admit, I didn’t expect you to fall for him so completely. It’s almost… touching.” His voice dripped with disdain. “But loyalty to a man who can’t protect you? That’s just pathetic.” Her fear was overtaken by anger. “Dominic is twice the man you’ll ever be, Luca. And we’re done letting you control us.” The sneer on Luca’s face vanished, replaced by an icy focus. “I control what’s mine, Sasha. And Dominic… you were always mine to command.” Dominic’s voice was low, dangerous. “Not anymore.” Before Sasha could process what was happening, Dominic lunged forward, using the element of surprise. He tackled Luca to the ground, the gun skittering across the concrete with a sharp clatter. Sasha scrambled back, her heart in her throat as the two men struggled. Luca was quick, far too quick, twisting out of Dominic’s grip and landing a brutal punch to his jaw. Dominic staggered, but before Luca could land another hit, he recovered, blocking the next strike and returning it with twice the force. Sasha’s eyes darted to the gun lying just out of reach. Every instinct screamed for her to stay back, but she knew that leaving Dominic to face Luca alone was not an option. She lunged for the weapon, her fingers curling around the cold metal as she struggled to steady her shaking hands. “Dominic!” she shouted, desperation thickening her voice. Dominic turned, eyes locking onto her as she raised the gun. But before she could even take aim, Luca’s voice cut through the chaos. “Go ahead, Sasha,” he sneered, holding up his hands as if in surrender. “But think carefully. If you pull that trigger, it won’t just be me you’re taking down.” She hesitated, confused by his words. “What are you talking about?” Luca straightened, his smirk returning. “I always have a backup plan, Sasha. Even if you get rid of me, there are others who will come for you. My people. They won’t let you disappear so easily.” He gestured to Dominic. “This man has secrets you wouldn’t believe, Sasha. Secrets that even I don’t fully know. But if you really think you’re safe with him, by all means… pull the trigger.” Her hands shook, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She looked to Dominic, searching his face for answers, but his expression was unreadable. There was something he wasn’t telling her—something Luca knew. “Don’t listen to him,” Dominic said, his voice raw. “He’s trying to manipulate you, Sasha. Whatever he’s telling you, it’s a lie.” But Luca chuckled darkly. “A lie? Tell her, Dominic. Tell her about the deal you made to protect your precious empire. Tell her what you sacrificed.” He took a step toward her, eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. “Or are you afraid of losing her once she knows the truth?” Dominic’s face was stone, his silence speaking volumes. Sasha’s heart twisted, a cold wave of doubt flooding her. “Dominic… what is he talking about?” Dominic closed his eyes briefly, as if gathering strength. When he opened them again, his gaze was fierce, filled with a steely resolve. “Luca is twisting the truth, Sasha. But yes, I did things to protect what I built. Things I’m not proud of. But I’ve fought my way out of that life to be here with you.” Luca laughed, the sound bitter. “Oh, that’s a good story, Dominic. You think she’ll believe you? After everything you’ve done?” Sasha’s grip on the gun faltered as her mind swirled with confusion. She wanted to believe Dominic, to trust the man she’d come to love. But Luca’s words were like poison, seeping into her thoughts and clouding her judgment. “Sasha,” Dominic said, his voice a gentle plea. “Whatever Luca says, know that I’m here for you. Everything I’ve done… it’s been for us. For a future away from all of this.” She swallowed hard, fighting to steady her breathing. But before she could reply, a sudden sound echoed in the distance—footsteps, closing in fast. Dominic’s head snapped up, his expression darkening as he realized reinforcements were coming. Luca grinned, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “Looks like your little escape plan is over, Dominic.” Without another word, he lunged for Sasha, his movements swift and predatory. She staggered back, the gun slipping from her hand as she fought to keep her balance. Dominic intercepted Luca, shoving him away from her with brutal force. “Run, Sasha!” he shouted, his voice desperate. But she couldn’t leave him. Not like this. “No, Dominic—” “Go!” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ll hold them off. Just go.” Her heart twisted, torn between the urge to stay and fight and the instinct to survive. She took a shaky step back, her gaze locking onto Dominic’s one last time. His eyes softened, a silent promise passing between them. She turned and ran, the sounds of their struggle fading behind her as she disappeared into the night. Sasha’s lungs burned as she sprinted through the darkened alleyways, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of everything that had just happened. The weight of Dominic’s secrets hung heavy on her, and Luca’s words echoed in her ears, taunting her with a truth she didn’t fully understand. She stumbled into a secluded street, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. But before she could even gather her thoughts, a sleek black car pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing a face she hadn’t expected. It was Tony, Dominic’s right-hand man, his expression grim as he looked her over. “Get in,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. She hesitated, uncertainty gnawing at her. But the look in his eyes told her that he wasn’t here to harm her. Reluctantly, she climbed into the car, her heart pounding as they sped away. For a moment, they rode in silence, the city lights flashing by in a blur. Finally, she turned to him, her voice barely more than a whisper. “Tony, what’s happening? Where’s Dominic?” Tony’s expression was unreadable as he focused on the road. “Dominic’s… handling things. He wanted me to get you somewhere safe.” A knot of dread tightened in her stomach. “What does that mean? Is he in danger?” Tony sighed, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. “Sasha, Dominic has been trying to protect you from his world. But you need to understand… people like Luca don’t just let things go. This fight is bigger than you realize.” Her mind reeled, memories flashing of all the times Dominic had tried to shield her from the darkness of his life. She’d thought it was just his past catching up with him—but now she was beginning to realize there was far more at play. “Why didn’t he tell me?” she whispered, half to herself. Tony glanced at her, sympathy softening his gaze. “Dominic didn’t want you caught up in this. He was willing to do whatever it took to keep you safe, even if it meant… sacrificing everything he built.” She swallowed hard, the enormity of his words sinking in. Dominic had been willing to walk away from his empire, his power, just to give her a chance at freedom. And now he was facing the consequences of that decision alone. As they drove through the deserted streets, Sasha felt a wave of determination wash over her. She couldn’t just sit back and wait, not when Dominic’s life was on the line. She turned to Tony, her voice steady. “Take me to him, Tony. I can’t leave him to face this alone.” He looked at her, conflict flickering in his eyes. “Sasha, Dominic wouldn’t want that. He’s doing this to protect you.” “I don’t care,” she replied, her voice fierce. “I’m not leaving him behind. Take me to him. Please.” After a long pause, Tony sighed, nodding. “Alright. But you’d better be ready for what you’re walking into. This isn’t just about Dominic and Luca. There are other players in this game.” Sasha’s gaze hardened. “Then I’ll face them, too.” As they pulled up to a dimly lit building on the outskirts of town, Sasha’s heart raced. She didn’t know what she would find inside, but one thing was certain: she wasn’t leaving until she had Dominic by her side. Tony led her through a side entrance, the air thick with tension as they moved silently through the darkened hallways. Suddenly, the sound of a gunshot rang out, echoing down the corridor. Sasha froze, her blood turning to ice.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
Sasha Lane hadn’t always been this tough. There was a time when she believed in happy endings and good guys, but that was before life knocked her down and made sure she stayed there.She grew up in the rough parts of the city, in a cramped apartment that smelled of cigarettes and desperation. Her father walked out before she could remember his face, leaving her mother alone with two children and a mountain of bills. Jason was her baby brother, just four years younger, but it always felt like she was raising him. Her mother, worn out by life, numbed herself with alcohol, drifting further away until one night, she simply didn’t wake up.Sasha was seventeen when she found her mother’s cold body in their dingy apartment. From that day on, it was just her and Jason against the world. She worked three jobs, pushed herself through law school, and scraped together everything she had to give him a better life than the one they had growing up. But the world has a funny way of destroying your be
The day of the wedding came too quickly, as if time itself conspired to rush Sasha toward her fate. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate lace of her dress. It clung to her body like a second skin, emphasizing every curve she would rather hide. Her dark hair was swept back into an elegant updo, and the makeup, done by an artist Dominic had hired, made her look more like a stranger than herself. Everything about this day felt wrong, like she was playing a part in someone else’s life. But this was her reality now—a contract bride to Dominic Knight.Her hands trembled as she smoothed the fabric of her dress, the weight of the situation crushing down on her. Every fiber of her being screamed for her to run, to get out before it was too late, but there was nowhere to go. Dominic owned everything—her brother’s freedom, her future, and now, her.A sharp knock echoed through the suite, pulling her from her thoughts. Sasha’s heart skipped a beat. Was it time already?The doo
Sasha stood frozen in place as Dominic’s hands slid down her arms, his touch claiming her, making it clear that she was his possession now. Every instinct inside her screamed to pull away, to run, but there was nowhere to go. She had made her choice, and there was no turning back.Dominic’s breath was hot against her neck, his lips brushing the sensitive skin just below her ear. She shuddered, not from desire, but from the overwhelming sense of being trapped. He was dangerous, a predator circling its prey, and now she was bound to him by more than just a piece of paper.He turned her around slowly, his fingers firm on her waist. The intensity in his dark eyes locked her in place as he examined her, as if he was sizing up his new prize. His expression softened for a moment, but it wasn’t kindness she saw—it was control, power.“You’re scared,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Good.”Sasha’s breath hitched. She opened her mouth to respond, but the w
The morning sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains of Sasha’s room, casting a golden hue on the polished marble floors. Despite the warmth of the Italian sun, a chill had settled deep in Sasha’s bones. The impending gala, where she would have to wear the mask of Dominic’s obedient wife, loomed over her like a storm cloud. The uncertainty of what this event would reveal gnawed at her, and she had no doubt that something darker simmered beneath the surface of this business affair.She stood by the grand mirror in her room, gazing at her reflection. Iris, with her usual brisk efficiency, had already laid out the gown for the evening—a striking, deep crimson dress, fitted and designed to draw attention. Everything about it screamed elegance, yet all Sasha could see was how it turned her into a perfect doll, a showpiece for Dominic to parade.Her thoughts drifted to the night before. Dominic’s words—“You’ll learn to embrace this life”—echoed in her mind, sending a shiver down her spi
Sasha’s heart pounded as she watched Dominic disappear into a side room with Luca and the others. She had never seen him look like this before—tense, on edge, his usual mask of control cracking around the edges. It unnerved her more than she cared to admit. Whatever conversation was happening behind those closed doors wasn’t just business, it was personal. And dangerous.She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. This was her chance. She could either stand here, waiting like an obedient trophy wife, or she could seize this moment to learn more about the world she had been thrust into.Her eyes scanned the ballroom. The guests continued to mingle, sipping champagne and exchanging polite pleasantries, but she knew better than to be fooled by the surface-level elegance. Underneath the glitz and glamor, there were power plays happening all around her. She could feel it in the air—danger lurking beneath every whispered conversation, every knowing glance.Sasha straightened her p
Sasha’s heels clicked softly against the polished marble floors as she followed Luca to a secluded corner of the ballroom. The opulence of the room seemed to dim, the glittering chandeliers and elegant music fading into the background as the tension between them thickened. She kept her expression composed, but every fiber of her being was on high alert. There was something unsettling about Luca—something that made her skin crawl—but she needed answers, and he was the key to unlocking Dominic’s secrets.Luca led her toward a narrow hallway, away from the crowd, and stopped beside a tall, intricately carved door. He pushed it open, revealing a lavish private lounge beyond. Dim lighting cast shadows over velvet armchairs, a fireplace crackling softly in the corner. It was intimate, almost too intimate, and Sasha’s pulse quickened as she stepped inside, acutely aware of the danger.“Much better,” Luca said with a smirk, closing the door behind him. The click of the latch sent a chill down
Sasha’s heart pounded in her chest as she stood frozen in front of Luca, his eyes locked on hers with a predatory gleam. She could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating, as the seconds stretched into what felt like hours. Every instinct told her to run, to escape the dark web that was closing in around her, but she forced herself to stay calm.This was a dangerous game, one she had been thrust into without a choice. Now, more than ever, she had to be smart. She had to survive.Luca took a step closer, his smile widening into something more sinister. “You seem a little on edge, Sasha. Should I be worried?”Her breath caught in her throat, but she quickly masked her fear. She knew Luca was testing her, watching for any sign of weakness. If he sensed even a hint of hesitation, he’d pounce. She couldn’t let him see her sweat.“I was just surprised to see you here,” Sasha said, her voice steady as she met his gaze. “You seemed to disappear from the ballroom so quickly.”Luca c