SkyA week had passed since the kiss, and I’d done everything I could to avoid Dare. Every time I thought about it, my cheeks burned with embarrassment. What had I been thinking, letting myself get swept up in a moment like that with him of all people? It wasn’t just the kiss—it was the fact that I’d enjoyed it. I hated that I kept replaying it in my mind, the way his lips had felt against mine, the heat of his touch.Dare, to his credit, hadn’t brought it up. He’d been unusually quiet all week, careful not to invade my space. It was like we’d come to some unspoken agreement to pretend it never happened.This morning, though, something was different. The sound of clanging plates and the faint smell of something sweet woke me from sleep. For a moment, I lay there, confused, until I heard my name being called.I climbed out of bed, slipping on a robe over my pajamas, and made my way downstairs. The closer I got to the kitchen, the stronger the smell became—vanilla, syrup, and something
DareI had gained access to St. Mary’s hospital’s live feed, on my laptop. My fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, bypassing security measures and locking in on the camera feeds. The hospital’s corridors flashed to life on my laptop screen, a grid of moving bodies and white walls. It didn’t take long to locate the Mayor’s room on the east wing. Two guards stood outside the door,, hands behind their back.I tapped into the mic. “Theo, you’re clear. Proceed.”“On it, boss,” Theo’s voice came through, prepared for this just as I was.The feed shifted as I pulled up the camera nearest the elevator. Theo entered, blending effortlessly with the hospital staff in a plain gray hoodie and jeans. His head was low, and his hands were tucked into his pockets.He stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the floor where the Mayor’s room was located. I tracked his progress on another screen, noting the security cameras’ blind spots he slipped through.“The guards outside his room,” I
SkyThe phone felt heavy in my hand, trembling slightly as I pressed it against my ear. The moment I heard his voice, my knees almost gave out.“Hello, dear,” my dad said softly, his voice familiar yet strained.“Dad,” I whispered, my voice cracking as tears welled up in my eyes. I could barely breathe. The guilt that had been eating away at me surged forward, suffocating me. “I missed you, Dad,” I managed to say between sobs, my heart aching as the words left my lips.“I miss you too, darling,” he said, and that broke me completely. I had held so much in, trying to stay strong, but hearing him say those words unraveled me.When I saw the news earlier—saw him being rushed to the hospital, his body breaking down from the stress of looking for me—it felt like the ground had been ripped from beneath my feet. I hated myself for what I’d done to him, for being the reason he collapsed.“I’m so sorry, Dad,” I whispered, my voice trembling. The guilt was crushing.His voice softened. “Honey,
DareI pushed open the door to the room, after a full day’s word. I loosened my tie, ready to collapse into the silence I craved, but then I saw her. Sky. She was standing by the balcony, her frame sketched by the faint glow of moonlight. Her arms were crossed tightly, her hair swinging around in the breeze, and for a second, she looked so delicate it made me stop mid-step.I stood there, watching her for a moment, trying to figure out what she was doing. She didn’t notice me at first, too deep in her thoughts.I moved closer, slowly, until I stood at the glass doors. I thought about walking away, giving her space, but then she turned to me. Her eyes met mine, and I could see it—the exhaustion, the sadness, the fight she’d been trying so hard to hide.“I used to think I’d have a beautiful life,” she said, her voice so soft I almost missed it.I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t. She wasn’t looking for a response anyway. She was pulling herself back into a memory, one I wasn’t sure I wan
Sky“Mhm,” he says, his lips brushing against mine. I let out a soft moan as he deepens the kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth.I can feel my body responding to him, my nipples hardening beneath my shirt. Dare’s hands are on my waist, pulling me closer to him. I can feel his erection pressing against me, and I can’t help but grind against him.“Fuck, Sky,” he growls, breaking the kiss. “I need you. Now.”Before I can even respond, Dare has picked me up and dropped me on the bed. He climbs on top of me, his lips finding mine again. I can feel his hands on my shirt, pulling it up over my head. I lift my arms to help him, and he tosses it aside.His eyes rake over my body, taking in every inch of me. I can feel my cheeks flushing under his gaze. He reaches out and traces a finger over the swell of my breast, and I shiver at the contact.“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, leaning down to take my nipple in his mouth. I let out a soft moan as he sucks and nips at my breast, his hands roami
Dare I pushed open the door to the room, after a full day’s word. I loosened my tie, ready to collapse into the silence I craved, but then I saw her. Sky. She was standing by the balcony, her frame sketched by the faint glow of moonlight. Her arms were crossed tightly, her hair swinging around in the breeze, and for a second, she looked so delicate it made me stop mid-step. I stood there, watching her for a moment, trying to figure out what she was doing. She didn’t notice me at first, too deep in her thoughts. I moved closer, slowly, until I stood at the glass doors. I thought about walking away, giving her space, but then she turned to me. Her eyes met mine, and I could see it—the exhaustion, the sadness, the fight she’d been trying so hard to hide. “I used to think I’d have a beautiful life,” she said, her voice so soft I almost missed it. I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t. She wasn’t looking for a response anyway. She was pulling herself back into a memory, one I wasn’t sure
DareI snuck out of the house at 6 a.m., moving quietly so I don’t wake her. Inside, she’s sleeping peacefully, her breathing slow and steady. She looks so serene when she’s asleep, like all the worries she carries during the day melt away in her dreams. I could stand there all morning, watching her, memorizing the way the early light touches her skin, the way her hair falls across the pillow. But I don’t want to waste this opportunity.Today, I want to do something special for her. Something meaningful. The thought makes my chest tighten a little. I’ve never done anything like this for anyone before. It feels foreign, yet natural when it comes to her. If I did nothing, if I didn’t make an effort, I’d hate myself for it later.As I step outside, the sound of tires crunching on the gravel draws my attention. Theo’s car pulls in through the gate, right on time, as I knew he would be. He’s dependable like that. He steps out of the car in his usual black suit, every detail of his appearan
SkyI stood frozen, staring at him as he stood in the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers and a box in his hands. I felt more confused than ever because it was not a look I have seen on him before. Just then I thought maybe he hasn’t left me but how long will it take until he decides that I was no longer useful. The thought alone haunted me.“I thought you left me,” I said, my voice trembling as I held the table for strength after breaking down into a sobbing mess.“Where would I go?” Dare replied, his tone soft yet steady. “This is my home.”He stepped closer, reading my face with his eyes, and gently wiped the tears that had been streaming down my face. The warmth of his touch only made my chest ache more.“Did you really think I’d leave you like that?” he asked, his gaze locking onto mine.“Yes,” I admitted with a slight nod, my voice barely above a whisper. “I thought you didn’t care… that what happened yesterday meant nothing to you.”To my surprise, he laughed—a sound I’d nev
DarePain is a funny thing. It’s loud and quiet all at once. It roars through my body, twisting and burning, but at the same time, there’s a stillness, a numbness creeping in. My chest feels heavy, the warm wetness of blood soaking into my shirt, the scent thick in the air. But none of that really registers—not the pain, not the blood, not the dizziness creeping in.Because the only thing I can focus on is the fact that she pulled the trigger.Sky shot me.The realization hits harder than the bullet.I keep replaying the moment in my head—the way her eyes darkened with something I couldn’t recognize, the way she raised the gun without a hint of hesitation. She had aimed straight at me, her hands steady, her breathing even.She knew exactly what she was doing.She wanted to hurt me.And then she left.She didn’t look back.She stormed out of the room, the sound of the gunshot still echoing in the walls, and I couldn’t move, couldn’t even call out to her. Maybe I was too stunned. Maybe
Dare “Move in,” I ordered, through the comms. Like a ripple in the water, my men moved. Armed to the teeth, dressed in black. The first wave hit the perimeter. Twelve men were stationed outside—some lounging near the front gate, a few patrolling the grounds, and others lingering near the back door smoking cigarettes, unaware. At the front, Marco and Theo led the charge. Marco tackled the first guard, slamming his head against the stone wall so hard he crumpled to the ground unconscious. Theo followed, pulling his silenced pistol from his hip and putting two guards down before they even realized what was happening. Behind the house, two of my best snipers, Ivan and Rick, took position on the neighboring rooftop. The faint glint of their scopes caught the moonlight just before two muffled shots rang out. The two guards by the back entrance dropped without a sound, their bodies slumping to the ground. A guard near the garage heard the thud and turned, his hand going for his g
SkyThe warmth of the bed tempts me to stay wrapped up in it a little longer, but the soft weight of someone’s gaze pulls me from sleep. My lashes flutter open, and for a moment, I’m caught between dreams and reality. Then, I see him—Dare, lying next to me, his dark eyes watching me with an intensity that makes my heart stutter.He’s never here when I wake up. He’s always in his study, working before the sun even fully rises. But today, he’s here, his arm resting on the pillow, his head propped up slightly as he watches me.I blink at him in sleepy confusion before a small smile tugs at my lips. “Good morning.” My voice is soft, still thick with sleep.“Good morning,” he murmurs, his lips curving into a small smile.I stretch, my body still sluggish from sleep, and let my fingers brush against his arm. “Were you watching me sleep?” I tease, tilting my head at him.He smirks slightly but doesn’t deny it. “Didn’t notice I was until now.”I roll my eyes but can’t help the way my chest w
SkyThe warmth of the bed tempts me to stay wrapped up in it a little longer, but the soft weight of someone’s gaze pulls me from sleep. My lashes flutter open, and for a moment, I’m caught between dreams and reality. Then, I see him—Dare, lying next to me, his dark eyes watching me with an intensity that makes my heart stutter.He’s never here when I wake up. He’s always in his study, working before the sun even fully rises. But today, he’s here, his arm resting on the pillow, his head propped up slightly as he watches me.I blink at him in sleepy confusion before a small smile tugs at my lips. “Good morning.” My voice is soft, still thick with sleep.“Good morning,” he murmurs, his lips curving into a small smile.I stretch, my body still sluggish from sleep, and let my fingers brush against his arm. “Were you watching me sleep?” I tease, tilting my head at him.He smirks slightly but doesn’t deny it. “Didn’t notice I was until now.”I roll my eyes but can’t help the way my chest w
SkyThe warmth of the bed tempts me to stay wrapped up in it a little longer, but the soft weight of someone’s gaze pulls me from sleep. My lashes flutter open, and for a moment, I’m caught between dreams and reality. Then, I see him—Dare, lying next to me, his dark eyes watching me with an intensity that makes my heart stutter.He’s never here when I wake up. He’s always in his study, working before the sun even fully rises. But today, he’s here, his arm resting on the pillow, his head propped up slightly as he watches me.I blink at him in sleepy confusion before a small smile tugs at my lips. “Good morning.” My voice is soft, still thick with sleep.“Good morning,” he murmurs, his lips curving into a small smile.I stretch, my body still sluggish from sleep, and let my fingers brush against his arm. “Were you watching me sleep?” I tease, tilting my head at him.He smirks slightly but doesn’t deny it. “Didn’t notice I was until now.”I roll my eyes but can’t help the way my chest w
DareI get a direct order from Agent Mikhail to return to the Pact after taking Moscow down. I hesitate for a moment before leaving—I don’t want to be away from Sky, not even for a second. But I know I have to deal with this.When I arrive at the office, I walk in. The place still feels the same—the dim lighting, the sharp scent of gun oil and papers, the faint hum of machines running in the background. It used to feel like home. Now, it just feels like another part of my past trying to drag me back in.“Dare, back so soon? Were you able to find him?” Mikhail asks, leaning back in his chair, fingers tapping lazily on the desk. His eyes flicker with curiosity.I nod, stepping forward. “Yeah. It’s done.” My voice is clipped, straight to the point. “Thanks for the intel. It helped.”Mikhail scoffs, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You think I did that just to get a thank-you?” He shakes his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. “No, Dare. I helped you because of the deal we made. You remembe
SkyI open my eyes slowly, my body sinking into the softness beneath me, warmth cocooning me in a way I hadn’t felt in so long. For a moment, I don’t move—I just breathe. The air smells different, cleaner, familiar. Not the damp, cold scent of fear that clung to me for what felt like an eternity.I blink, adjusting to the soft light filtering into the room. And then I realize where I am.Dare’s room.A place I never thought I’d see again.I haven’t slept this peacefully in what feels like forever. My body wants to surrender to it, to close my eyes and drift back into the safety of this warmth, but before I can, the door creaks open.“You’re awake,” Dare’s deep voice greets me, pulling me fully into the present.I sit upright, my heart swelling at the sight of him. He looks different—less guarded, but still every bit the man who had torn through fire and blood to bring me back. In his hands, he carries a tray, the rich aroma of food wafting through the air.I blink down at it, my stoma
SkyHis hands were warm as they cupped my face, his touch firm yet gentle, like he was afraid I would disappear if he let go. His dark eyes searched mine, flickering with worry, deeper that I couldn’t quite place.“Are you hurt anywhere? Did he touch you?” His voice was rough, edged with barely restrained fury, but there was something else in it too—desperation. Like he needed to hear me say I was okay just as much as I needed to believe it myself.I opened my mouth to answer, but nothing came out at first. My throat was thick with emotion, my chest tight. The reality of everything that had just happened crashed over me. I was safe. He was here. He had really come for me.Tears spilled freely down my cheeks, uncontrollably.“I’m okay,” I finally managed, my voice breaking slightly. “He didn’t—he didn’t get the chance.”He exhaled sharply, his shoulders loosening as relief flooded his face. Before I could say anything else, he pulled me closer, his lips crashing against mine in a desp
SkyI stood frozen, trying to process everything unraveling in front of me.“How about Klaus?” Dare’s voice was low and sharp, I was reminded of a family that I had once seen as mine. What really was the reason behind their death? Was it really Dare's fault that they are dead or it was Moscow all along. “Was it really the Pact?”I turned my head slightly, my eyes darting between Dare and Moscow. The mention of Klaus sent a shiver through me, a name tied to a family I once called friends, a family that no longer existed.Moscow smirked, his grip on me still firm. “Klaus? Oh no, that was personal,” he said casually, as if he were talking about the weather. “He found out about my business with Mark. Threatened to expose me. I couldn’t allow that, could I? So I took him out.”My heart clenched, and I felt a sickening wave roll through my stomach. My knees threatened to give out beneath me, but Moscow’s grip held me steady. Klaus’s family—their lives—gone because of… this?Moscow continued