The morning after the mission, the estate was unusually quiet. Adeline moved through the halls like a ghost, her thoughts still tangled between the adrenaline of last night and the lingering memory of Donovan's possessive hands on her.But the quiet was deceptive. Donovan's enemies never rested, and neither did his rivals. Unknown to Adeline, Lucas had slipped away during the mission's chaos. His loyalty, always slightly wavering, was now tainted by whispers from a dangerous figure: Silvio Moretti, a shadowy crime lord from Naples, whose obsession with power matched Donovan's own, and whose interest in Adeline went beyond the professional.Lucas had been feeding Silvio small pieces of information for months—timing, routes, security weak spots—but Silvio's obsession with Adeline had grown. Tonight, Silvio would make his move.Adeline entered the room where Donovan was reviewing maps and plans. His dark eyes lifted and fixed on her. "You survived the night," he said, voice low and dangerous, his gaze lingering on her lips and flushed cheeks."I… yes," she stammered, still trembling from the adrenaline and desire that clung to her."Good," he murmured, stepping closer. The air around him was electric, the storm of passion and power that always seemed to follow him. He brushed her hair back, letting his fingers trail along her jawline. "But you must learn—distraction can kill. Not just you… but me, and everyone under my protection."Adeline nodded, guilt mingling with the fluttering ache in her chest. "I know," she whispered.Before Donovan could respond, Lucas entered quietly, pretending casualness but carrying a subtle tension. He had his eyes on Adeline, as always, masking the secret he carried. "Sir, we've received intel… a shipment Silvio is moving," Lucas said, voice neutral.Donovan's eyes narrowed, the shadow of a frown darkening his face. "Silvio?" His tone was sharp, like a blade. "He's here?""Yes," Lucas confirmed. But he left out the detail that Silvio was moving to strike directly at Adeline.Donovan's expression darkened, the storm in his eyes growing. "Prepare the men. We move tonight. And Adeline… you stay close. This enemy… he's dangerous. Do not underestimate him."Adeline felt her pulse spike. "Me? Shouldn't I stay behind?" she asked, fear mingling with the thrill of being part of Donovan's world.He closed the distance between them, hands on her shoulders, gaze intense. "You stay with me. Not because I need protection, but because I want you near. You are mine, Adeline. And anyone who tries to touch you will answer to me."The possessive edge in his voice made her shiver, and a thrill ran through her body. Even fear felt different when it was with him—exciting, dangerous, consuming.That night, the operation was set. Donovan's men were strategically positioned, and Adeline followed close behind, heart hammering as they approached Silvio's location. Lucas stayed nearby, silently communicating with Donovan, while hiding the truth about Silvio's personal interest in Adeline.Adeline's thoughts kept drifting—fear for herself, fear for Donovan, and the dark, thrilling pull of their connection. She almost missed a shadow moving near their perimeter, but Donovan's hand grabbed her wrist. "Focus, Adel!" His whisper was urgent and commanding, but there was that spark of intimacy that sent shivers down her spine.The ambush began. Gunfire erupted in the darkness, shadows moving like ghosts. Adeline, trembling but determined, stayed at Donovan's side, following his every command. She realized how dangerous he truly was—not just to their enemies, but to anyone foolish enough to cross him. His movements were lethal, precise, and terrifyingly calm even amidst chaos.When the skirmish ended, Silvio retreated, leaving a promise in his wake: Adeline. He had seen her, admired her, and now desired her in the way only the obsessed could. Donovan's eyes were stormy as he watched the retreating shadows.Back at the estate, Donovan's anger simmered, not at the outcome, but at the thought that anyone could even consider taking what was his. He pulled Adeline close, hands tracing the curve of her waist, lips brushing hers in a slow, deliberate kiss."You belong to me," he murmured against her lips. "Do you understand that?""Yes," she whispered, trembling but certain. "I belong to you."And in that moment, the danger, the betrayal, and the world outside ceased to exist. She was his. The enemy, Silvio, had merely marked the beginning of a new threat, and Lucas, unknowingly, was threading himself deeper into a web that would soon unravel.
