Dominic fired once.

  The intruder crumpled silently to the floor, his silenced weapon skidding out of reach.

  Behind him, Elena gasped, still crouched behind the counter.

  Dominic kept his gun raised. Still. Silent. Waiting.

  Because where there’s one, there’s often more.

  Then—

  A soft knock. Three taps. A pause. One more.

  Dominic lowered the gun and opened the door just enough to let his men in.

  Luca came first, suit crisp, eyes sharp. “We got the tail. He’s down.”

  “Any IDs?”

  “No tags. Pro job. Someone hired out. Didn’t expect him to breach your place.”

  Dominic’s jaw tightened. “Clearly, they don’t know who I am.”

  Elena slowly rose, peeking from behind the counter with trembling hands. “There… were more?”

  Luca caught her gaze, then gave Dominic a questioning look.

  Dominic answered with a hard stare. Don’t say a word about her.

  “She’s safe,” Dominic said aloud, walking to her. “They’re gone.”

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, guiding her away from the scene. “Luca, clean it up. No noise. I want answers by morning.”

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  “Yes, boss.”

  Boss.

  Elena blinked. She’d never heard anyone call him that before.

  She let herself be led through the wide hallway, barely noticing the expensive wood, the glass panels, the sharp lines of his modern home.

  She only felt his warmth. His arm, strong around her.

  He took her to a room she hadn’t seen before. Dim lighting. Wide windows overlooking the city. A bed that looked untouched and too big for one man.

  When he turned to face her, his expression had changed. No longer sharp, no longer lethal.

  Just tired.

  And worried.

  “I’m sorry you saw that,” he murmured.

  She shook her head. “You saved me.”

  “I put you in danger.”

  “But you protected me anyway.”

  He moved slowly, like not to spook her. Reached out, gently touched her arm.

  “You still scared of me?”

  “No,” she whispered. “Just… overwhelmed.”

  “I’ll take care of everything,” he said softly. “The mess. The threat. You.”

  That last word did something to her.

  A warmth bloomed in her chest.

  “You don’t have to,” she said. “I mean—I’m just…”

  “You’re not just anything, Elena.”

  His hand slid to her waist, slow, steady. His eyes searched hers for permission, and when she didn’t pull away—

  He kissed her.

  Soft at first. Just his lips brushing hers. Testing.

  She made a small, surprised sound—then leaned in.

  The kiss deepened.

  Not rushed, not aggressive. But full of heat. Of longing barely held back.

  His hand moved up her back, the other cupping her cheek. Her fingers clutched his shirt like she didn’t know what to do with them.

  When they parted, she was breathless.

  “I’ve never felt this way,” she murmured. “Everything’s moving so fast…”

  Dominic exhaled against her skin. “We can stop.”

  She shook her head, face flushed. “I… I don’t want to.”

  That lit a fire in his eyes.

  He leaned down, brushed his lips along her neck. Her breath caught.

  “You sure?” he murmured.

  She nodded, small, uncertain. “Yes.”

  He didn’t take her to bed immediately.

  He sat on the edge of it and pulled her gently into his lap.

  Her legs straddled his hips, her breath shaky against his throat.

  Everything he did was slow. Hands tracing her back. Lips brushing her collarbone. Just enough to make her tremble.

  She let out a soft noise when his hands slid under the hem of her shirt. Not pushing. Just feeling her warmth.

  “Tell me if it’s too much,” he said.

  “I will,” she whispered.

  But she didn’t stop him.

  Her body molded to his.

  He laid her back, their clothes still on, heat simmering beneath the layers.

  He moved over her with practiced care, every touch asking a question, every breath a tease.

  Her hands clutched at him. Her lips parted with quiet gasps.

  She wasn’t ready for everything—but she wanted this.

  Wanted him.

  The moment lingered—clothes askew, hearts racing, heat building like a storm ready to break.

  Until—

  His phone buzzed.

  He cursed low, grabbed it, and answered.

  “Yeah?”

  A beat. Then his voice dropped cold.

  “Where?”

  Another pause.

  “Get the car ready. I’m coming now.”

  He looked at Elena, jaw tight.

  “What is it?” she whispered.

  His eyes burned. “They weren’t just after me tonight. Someone hit one of my clubs.”

  “Your… club?”

  He nodded, already grabbing his coat. “And they left a message. They want me to know it’s war.”

  Elena sat up, pulling the blanket around herself. “You’re leaving?”

  “I have to.”

  She reached for him. “Will you come back?”

  His hand covered hers.

  “I always come back for what’s mine.”

  And then he was gone.