Chapter 42
Aria’s POV
I wrapped an arm around Amara’s shoulders, leading her out of the restroom and back into the warm night air. She was still sniffling, but she held her head a little higher now, her steps a little steadier.
Luca gave us a look as we approached. “Everything good?”
I nodded. “She’s staying with me.”
Amara tensed, but I squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Luca arched a brow but didn’t argue. “Your call.”
I guided Amara toward the hotel, ignoring the curious looks from the lobby staff as we stepped inside. She stayed quiet as we rode the elevator up to my suite, and I could feel the weight of everything still pressing down on her.
When we got to my room, I locked the door behind us.
“Welcome to your temporary safe house,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.
Amara gave a weak laugh. “It’s nicer than my place.”
She sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her arms.
I grabbed a bottle of wine from the minibar, pouring us both a glass. “Drink,” I said, handing one to her. “It won’t fix anything. but it’ll help take the edge off.”
She accepted it, taking a small sip before glancing at me. “Why are you doing this for me?”
I shrugged, settling onto the bed beside her. “Because I know what it’s like to feel trapped. And I know what it’s like to have someone who won’t let go.”
She exhaled slowly. “Yeah.”
We sat in silence for a moment, sipping our drinks.
Then, gradually, the conversation shifted.
We talked about small things. Stupid things. Things that had nothing to do with the men who tried to control our lives.
Amara told me about her favorite places in the city, the best hidden restaurants. I told her about my dreams of dancing before my life had taken a very different turn.
For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had a friend.
We were laughing over something ridiculous when a knock sounded at the door.
Amara tensed immediately, but I shook my head. “It’s fine.”
I walked over and opened it-
And found Dominic standing there.
His sharp eyes flicked past me, landing on Amara. His gaze lingered for only a second before returning to mine.
“I need to speak with you,” he said, voice calm but firm.
I swallowed.
Amara was watching us closely, her eyes darting between me and Dominic like she was trying to figure out what exactly! was to him.
I gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be right back.”
She nodded hesitantly.
I stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind me.
Dominic didn’t move for a moment.
Then, he exhaled, crossing his arms. “Who is she?”
I lifted a brow. “A friend.”
His gaze darkened. “And why is she in your room?”
I tilted my head. “Do I need to remind you that l’erot your prisoner?
His jaw ticked.
Successfully unlocked!
“Amara needed a safe place,” I continued. “She’s staying. Her ex boyfriend is a problem.”
Dominic exhaled sharply, his hands flexing at his sides. His patience–what little of it existed–was clearly running thin.
“That friend of yours,” he said, his voice dangerously calm, “is a problem.”
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Chapter 42
I narrowed my eyes. “A problem?”
He let out a humorless chuckle, raking a hand through his hair. “Dario Russo isn’t just some jealous ex–boyfriend, Aria. He’s a dangerous fucking psychopath.”
I crossed my arms. “So are you.”
His head snapped toward me, and I barely had time to register the flash of rage in his dark eyes before he stepped closer, his presence suffocating.
“This isn’t a fucking game,” he growled. “Dario has ties to the Cartel. He moves drugs, weapons, and people. He doesn’t just own Amara–he owns half the city’s underground.”
My stomach twisted.
But I kept my expression neutral. “All the more reason she needs to get away from him.”
Dominic let out a sharp breath. “Do you hear yourself? You barely have a grip on what’s happening around you, and now you want to drag someone else into my world?”
“She’s already in it,” I shot back. “Whether she wants to be or not and she might start something for herself.”
He shook his head, exasperated. “I don’t give a shit about her. She’s not my problemn.”
I clenched my jaw. “She’s mine.”
Silence stretched between us, thick with tension.
Dominic ran his tongue over his teeth, seething. “You want to bring her with us?”
“Yes.”
“Over my dead body.”
I inhaled slowly. “Dominic-”
“No.” He cut me off, his voice sharp as a blade. “I don’t trust her. I don’t know her. And I’m not babysitting two people when I already have enough shit to deal with.”
I huffed. “She’s not a liability.”
“She’s already a liability.”
I gritted my teeth, stepping closer. “Come on.”
Dominic tilted his head, watching me with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. “Do you know what he’ll do when he realizes she s missing?”
I swallowed.
“He’ll come for her,” he continued. “And when he does, he won’t just be looking for her–he’ll be looking for whoever helped her. Do you think I like more enemies at my back?.”
I stared at him, unblinking.
He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Why do you do this?”
“Do what?”
“Get involved.”
I clenched my fists. “Because she needs someone, Dominic.”
He exhaled sharply, looking at me like I was the most infuriating person alive.
But I saw it-
The moment he gave in.
His shoulders tensed, his jaw locked, but he gave in.
“Fine.” His voice was tight. “But when this blows up in your face-”
“I’ll handle it.”
Dominic laughed–a low, dark sound. “You really think you’re in control here?”
I lifted my chin. “I can handle myself.”
He scoffed. “Right. Just like you handled yourself at the auction? Or the shootout?”
I bristled.
“You think because you shot one fucking man that you’re suddenly ready for this world?” His voice was sharp, cutting. * You’re still weak, Aria.”
My throat tightened.
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And that’s when I realized-
He wasn’t just pissed.
He was furious.
Not just about Amara.
But about me.
About what I had done.
About what I had become.
I inhaled, steadying myself. “You don’t get to decide how I live my life.”
Dominic’s gaze darkened.
“You’re right,” he murmured, voice deceptively soft. “I don’t.”
Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him.
I stared at the door, my heart pounding.
He was mad.
And this time, I wasn’t sure if he’d forgive me for it.
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Chapter 43
Aria’s POV
