Chapter 93
Chapter 94
Dominic’s POV
I paced slowly in the dimly lit room beneath the mansion, frustration bubbling under my skin. Julian lounged in a nearby chair, polishing his knife casually as if he didn’t have a single worry.
“Where’s Nico?” I asked suddenly, glancing over at Julian. “I haven’t seen him around all day.”
Julian shrugged lazily, flashing a sarcastic grin. “Probably licking his wounds somewhere. You punched him pretty good, bro.”
I smirked faintly. “He deserved worse.”
Julian chuckled, leaning back. “Honestly, Dom, that girl is turning you into a savage beast. Nico should’ve known better.”
I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair. “It’s Aria–no matter what I do, it’s never enough. It’s like she’s determined to slip right through my fingers.”
“Well, you know women,” Julian teased, raising an eyebrow. “Complicated as hell. But you’ve never exactly tried to win her over the normal way, have you?”
I gave him a sharp look. “What do you mean?”
He laughed lightly. “Come on, Dominic. Gifts, jewelry, money–yeah, it’s nice. But when was the last time you talked to her? You know, like a normal man would?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Since when are you giving relationship advice?”
“Since your relationship drama started affecting everyone else around here,” he quipped. His expression softened slightly.” Look, maybe she needs less of Mafia boss Dominic and a bit more human Dominic. You ever try just… asking her what she wants? ”
My jaw tightened, irritation simmering beneath the surface. “I don’t need lessons from you on how to handle my own woman.”
Julian raised both hands defensively, smirking. “Suit yourself. But don’t complain when she keeps running.”
Just then, the basement door creaked open. Matthias stepped inside, expression cold. “Boss, we’ve got the informant tied up and ready.”
“Good.” I straightened, shaking off the tension. “Julian, come.”
He nodded, rising smoothly. “Let’s get some answers.”
The informant was a pathetic sight–bloody and bruised, hands bound tightly behind him. Matthias hovered close, arms crossed, gaze deadly.
I moved closer, voice dangerously soft. “Let’s skip formalities. Who told Mikael about Aria’s real identity?”
The informant coughed weakly, blood trickling down his chin. “I–I don’t know, man, please-”
Julian’s knife flashed in the dim light. “You better try harder than that.”
The man shrunk back in terror. “Someone from your own staff. A woman. She leaked everything–blonde hair. Short. She leaked the house. the address. She knows more than she says.”
My chest tightened, suspicion slicing through me. She was new. Nico had brought her in saying it was a car away cousin. I hardly forget my staff. As someone in a world where everyone is your enemy, you take note of everything and I knew that there was only one blonde haired girl in my house.
And that was Emilia. Quiet, observant Emilia. Been here three weeks. Haven’t seen her with aria apart from once and to help her with her dress which was yesterday.
I hummed. No much suspicion yet from her.
But I said nothing. Not yet.
Julian glanced sharply at me. “Someone in our staff?”
I nodded once, fists tightening. “Find out who.”
Matthias stepped forward. “Boss, do we-”
“Later,” I cut him off harshly. “Now, finish this.”
Successfully unlocked!
I walked out without looking back, my mind already turning over dark possibilities.
That evening, I knocked gently on Aria’s door. Her voice called out softly, distant and tired. “Come in.”
1/3
Chapter 94
I stepped inside slowly, my gaze immediately landing on her slender figure silhouetted against the window. Her hair hung loose, dark against the silk robe she wore, eyes reflecting pain and exhaustion.
“I brought you something.” I said softly, pulling a small velvet box from my pocket.
She glanced toward me, skeptical “Dominic, please. No more gifts
“It’s different” I murmured, stepping closer. “I promise.”
She watched cautiously as I opened the box, revealing a delicate gold necklace with a tiny emerald pendant. Inside, discreetly hidden, was a GPS tracker. But she’d never know.
Her eyes softened a fraction. “Dominic-
She hesitated, eyes flickering with vulnerability. “You are. If you really want to know me–then do just that. Know me. Not by throwing money around, Dominic. Just try to understand who I am.”
The raw honesty in her voice hit me harder than I expected. I nodded slowly. “I will”
Her gaze returned to the necklace, uncertainty lingering. “What is it really?”
I smiled faintly, stepping closer and gently clasping the necklace around her slender neck. “A promise.”
“A promise?” she whispered.
“Yes,” I murmured softly, fingertips tracing the curve of her throat. “A promise to keep you safe.”
She frowned slightly, touching the pendant. “Why does it feel like there’s something else you’re not telling me?”
I chuckled softly, pulling back. “It’s a gift. Can’t I just give you something beautiful without suspicion?”
She met my eyes directly. “When it comes from you? No.”
My lips curled slightly, amusement tugging despite the tension. “Then I’ll tell you plainly. I just want to know where you are. Always.”
Her eyes darkened slightly, the suspicion deepening. “Dominic-*
“ Relax, Aria,” I said gently, touching her cheek lightly. “This isn’t about control.”
She laughed bitterly, stepping away from my touch. “It’s always about control with you.”
A heavy silence fell between us. I didn’t deny it. Couldn’t.
Finally, she sighed softly, turning away again. “You can’t hold onto someone this way. Eventually, you’ll suffocate me.”
“Never,” I whispered sharply, stepping closer again, my voice turning possessive. “I’ll protect you. I’ll give you everything. Even if it means holding on too tight.”
She looked at me, tears glistening faintly in her eyes, something softening in her expression. “Then prove you understand. Prove you’re capable of loving me without this obsession. Because right now-”
“What?” I demanded quietly, pulse quickening.
She swallowed hard, voice breaking slightly. “Right now, I don’t feel loved. I feel owned.”
Her words pierced deep, brutally honest. I stepped back slightly, trying to steady the emotion that flared up, hot and relentless.
“Then I’ll change,” I said, voice quiet, dangerously sincere. “Whatever it takes, Aria. I’ll be what you need.”
She shook her head slowly, eyes heavy with doubt. “Promises are easy, Dominic. Actions–actions are what I need.”
I watched her closely, feeling that tenuous thread between us straining again. I nodded once, stepping toward the door.
“Rest, I murmured softly. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
She said nothing as I stepped outside, pulling the door closed behind me. In the hallway, Matthias stood waiting silently “Boss,” he murmured cautiously, noticing my dark mood. “Is everything alright?”
“No,” I admitted harshly. “But it will be. Increase surveillance around Aria. And put eyes on Emilia.”
His brows lifted slightly. “Emilia, boss?”
I met his gaze steadily, voice cold as ice. “Someone leaked information. Someone close. I want eyes on everyone–starting with her.”
Matthias nodded sharply. “Understood.”
I walked away, the weight of Aria’s words pressing heavily on my chest. Obsession. Control. Ownership. It was all true.
But I wasn’t always this way. Every man became who he was due to past experience.
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