secrets and sacrifice

ugh her chest like a bullet. The sound echoed through the apartment, ma

to let go of. But as much as she wanted to cling to it, a terrible truth gnawed at her: no matter how much Caleb wanted to protect

," Caleb repeated, his

to believe that Caleb could stand against the storm Alessandro represented. Bu

k down. He would tear apar

feeling the oppressive weight of Alessandro's presence just on the other side. The minutes str

an intensity that made her breath catch. There was no hesit

supposed to be the one in control. But instead, she felt like a frightened little girl who could

is voice firm. "We'll get through

kept pulling her back. The truth was, she wasn't just running from Alessandro. She was running from herself-from the things she had done,

dragged him

this time, and the reality

voice turning into a low growl. "I won't le

ed through her, but they also terrified her. This man-this stranger who had shown her kindness

Alessandro wouldn't hesitate to hurt him. And as much as she wanted to deny it, she

d, panic rising in her chest. "You don't un

rdening with resolve. "I know that you need me. You ne

The lock turned, the handle rattled once more, and then the do

he doorway wa

cold gaze, his commanding presence, flooded her in an instant. His dark hair was combed back neatly, his black suit impecc

ell, well," he drawled, his voice smooth like silk, but there was an edge to it

ont of Marissa, positioning himself between her and Alessandro. "She's not your

ped into the apartment, brushing past Caleb as if he were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. "I'

she stayed silent, her breath shallow. She

ng her silence. "I ran from the person you made m

think you can just throw me away like trash? You think you can leave me behind with all the money, the business, everything?" His v

m, but Alessandro raised a hand. "Stay out of this, Caleb." His voi

obedient, Marissa. So eager to please. What happened to that girl

Alessandro was already too close. His eyes never

his?" Alessandro said softly, but the threat was cle

stance firm. "I won't let you h

amusement passed over his face. "You think you can protect her fro

to her heart. His words were designed to break her, to remind her

ndro tear apart everything she had fought for, not even if it

spite the storm brewing in her chest. "G

ng moment, the room was silent. Then, with a slow and deliber

alled over his shoulder. "You can't

ehind him, leaving an e

. This time, it was something else-something stro

the first step

r, watching her, wait

whispered, her voice hoarse. "I di

ftly. "You're stronger t

breathe. But she knew this wasn't over. Alessandro wouldn't give up. No