My heartbeat still pounded heavily in my chest, the echoes of the nightmare lingering like an unwanted guest. I barely had time to catch my breath before a gentle knock sounded at the door. 

“Come in,” I called softly, voice cracking from the lingering fear. 

The door opened carefully, and Emilia slipped inside, quickly closing it behind her. Her expression was tense, eyes shifting nervously as she moved toward me. 

“You need to get ready,” she whispered urgently, keeping her voice low. “Dominic just gave orders. There’s an event tonight.” I rubbed my eyes, still shaken. “Event? What event?” 

She glanced toward the door again, as though expecting someone to walk through at any moment. “He didn’t give details, just said you need to be dressed and ready within the hour.” 

I swallowed hard, stomach tightening with dread. “Why does it feel like another trap?” 

Emilia shook her head, stepping closer and lowering her voice further. “I don’t know–but I overheard him speaking earlier. Mikael’s people might be there. You need to be very careful.” 

“Mikael?” My throat tightened painfully. “Does Dominic know?” 

“Of course he does,” she whispered, eyes full of unspoken warnings. “Dominic’s always three steps ahead. But you-” She hesitated, eyes filling with a concern she couldn’t hide. “You don’t have his protection tonight, Aría. Not fully. I won’t be there to look out for you either.” 

My pulse quickened, panic coiling deep within my chest. “You’re not coming with us?” 

She shook her head sadly. “He gave me duties elsewhere tonight. It’s intentional, I think–keeping you isolated. He doesn’t want anyone else to interfere.” 

I reached out, taking Emilia’s hand tightly in mine. Her fingers were cold, trembling slightly. “What should I do?” 

Her grip tightened, almost painfully. “Stay close to Dominic, but don’t trust anyone–not even him. Watch carefully. Pay attention. You have allies, even if you can’t see them yet.” 

“Who-?” 

She shook her head quickly, cutting me off. “I’ve already said too much. If Dominic knew-” 

The door opened sharply, and we both froze. 

Dominic stood in the doorway, his tall figure imposing against the hallway light. His eyes narrowed immediately, suspicion darkening his features. 

“What are you telling her, Emilia?” 

Emilia didn’t flinch. She lowered her eyes, hands neatly clasped in front of her apron. “Just reminding her about the event tonight, sir.” 

Dominic’s gaze flicked to me, unreadable. “You seemed close. Whispering.” 

I stood, smoothing my robe to buy myself a second. “I was just asking her what kind of event it was. If I needed a dress or if it’s something formal.” 

“She was nervous,” Emilia added quickly, her voice steady. “She doesn’t like crowds.” 

That part, at least, wasn’t a lie. 

Dominic stepped into the room fully now, shutting the door behind him. The air shifted. He didn’t raise his voice, but tension filled the space like a warning. 

“You don’t need to explain her emotions to me, Emilia,” he said, his tone calm but sharp. “I know them better than she does,” 

I crossed my arms. “Then maybe don’t speak about me like I’m not here.” 

His head turned slowly toward me. His lips parted, almost amused. “Careful.” 

“I am,” I replied, lifting my chin. “You asked what she was saying. I told you.” 

Dominic’s jaw ticked, but he didn’t argue. Instead, his attention returned to Emilia. “You may go.” 

She hesitated just long enough to make it noticeable, then bowed her head slightly. “Yes, sir.” 

But as she passed me, her hand brushed my wrist–just lightly. 

And I knew. 

There was something more. 

Dominic waited until she left, his eyes trailing the door after her. Silence settled like dust. 

1/3 

Chapter 102 

“You’re defensive lately,” he said finally, walking toward me. “Makes me wonder what you’re hiding.” 

“I could ask you the same,” I replied. “And I think my list would be longer.” 

His eyes flicked to mine, but there was something else there now–something deeper. 

Regret? 

Or guilt? 

I didn’t look away. 

He stepped close enough that I could feel the heat of his breath. “I told them to keep you safe tonight. I planned this event for a reason.” 

“Does that reason have anything to do with Mikael?” 

He paused. Briefly. And that pause told me everything. 

“Wear black,” he said instead. “And stay close to me at all times.” 

I stared up at him. “And if I don’t?” 

He leaned in, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Then I’ll give them a reason to come for blood.” 

I didn’t know whether to shiver of slap him. 

But as he walked away, I realized something terrifying. 

He wasn’t just trying to protect me. 

He was daring the world to try and take me. 

***** 

The ballroom glittered beneath the dim lights, a dangerous sort of elegance masking the violence simmering beneath. Wealth dripped from every corner the gold fixtures, the sparkling gowns, and the men in expensive suits hiding guns beneath tailored jackets. 

Dominic stood across the room, watching me from a distance. His eyes were dark, unreadable, yet never leaving me for long. I felt the heaviness of his stare, like a warning. Or perhaps a challenge. 

Tonight, for once, I didn’t care. 

I glanced down at the black silk dress he’d chosen. It clung to every curve, drawing gazes that lingered a second too long. Dominic’s choice had been his as always, a warning to others that I was off–limits. 

But two could play at this game. 

Lets spice if up. 

My eyes drifted to the man who’d approached me minutes ago. Tall, confident, and charismatic, he carried himself like a prince of this underworld. Antonio Marquez was an associate of Dominic’s from overseasdangerous enough to draw respect, yet distant enough not to understand the rules fully. 

He smiled as he handed me a glass of sparkling water. “You look lonely, Aria.” 

“Maybe I prefer my own company,” I replied, my voice cool but inviting. 

He tilted his head, dark eyes amused. “Dominic should be careful leaving you unattended. Someone might get the wrong idea.” 

I smiled slowly, deliberately. “Or the right one.” 

Antonio’s eyes flashed with surprise, then interest. His gaze flicked briefly toward Dominic, clearly aware of the risk. But he leaned in anyway, close enough that his cologne–sharp and heavy–filled my senses. 

“You enjoy playing dangerous games, I see,” he murmured. 

I lifted my chin defiantly. “Sometimes danger is exactly what I need.” 

A muscle tightened in his jaw, interest darkening his expression. His fingers brushed lightly against my wrist, sending an unwelcome chill down my spine. Still, I held my ground, glancing subtly at Dominic. 

He hadn’t moved, but his expression had changed. Sharpened. Hardened. 

Antonio leaned even closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “If Dominic can’t keep you satisfied, perhaps-” 

“You’re getting ahead of yourself,” I interrupted, suddenly aware that I’d let this go too far. 

But Antonio wasn’t listening. His hand tightened around my wrist, pulling me abruptly against him. “Playing coy doesn’t suit you. You’re already here, inviting me-” 

My heart spiked, fear flaring. “Let me go.” 

He chuckled softly, holding firm. “You started this. Don’t pretend you don’t want-” 

2/3 

Chapter 102 

Before he could finish, chaos erupted. Dominic was there in an instant, moving like a shadow through the crowd, his eyes black with fury. His hand shot out, grabbing Antonio by the collar and ripping him away from me. 

Antonio barely had time to react before Dominic’s fist collided violently with his face. Blood erupted from Antonio’s nose, and he stumbled backward, dazed. 

“You touch her,” Dominic snarled, voice dangerously low, “and you die.” 

Antonio straightened slowly, wiping blood from his lips with a bitter laugh. “She wanted it, Dominic. Perhaps you’re losing your grip.” 

Dominic’s eyes narrowed, and a deadly calm settled over him. “Say it again.” 

Antonio spat blood onto the marble floor. “Maybe she’s tired of being your prisoner.” 

Dominic lunged at him, shoving him hard into the ornate wall. Antonio’s head snapped back with a sickening crack, and Dominic’s grip tightened brutally around his throat. 

“Dominic!” I cried out, horror flooding my veins. “Stop!” 

But he was beyond listening. Antonio choked, hands clawing uselessly at Dominic’s grip. I grabbed Dominic’s shoulder, desperately trying to pull him away. 

“Dominic, you’re killing him!” My voice cracked, frantic now. “Please!” 

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