the dining room

mother had backed into a corner, clutching her pearl neckla

every morning, the man who wore cheap boots and fixed cars for a l

Syndicate, didn't dare stand up. His forehead w

we had no idea you were living here. If I had kno

there was an edge to it that made the hair on my arms stand up. "I told you to handle the Sterl

was just following protocol, Boss. He was try

he was eye-level with the mafia leader. The room wa

for everyone to hear, "I would have done it myself. I don't need

He said

d been married to this man for a year,

ff his sleeve. "Get up, Marcus. Clean up this

The armed guards immediately lowered their weapons, bowing their heads as they backed out of

turned

loor. Then his eyes moved to Victor, who was sweating th

ing vanished. His eyes softened, and he lo

spered. My voice cra

gh his dark hair. "It's a long stor

ted a shaking finger at Julian. "You-you're a criminal? You're the leader of the Bl

ook vanished instantly, replaced by a chilli

husband's life tonight. I saved your life. The only reason you are st

nd closed, but no sound ca

hand to me. "Chloe.

ad held mine at our wedding. The hand

were looking at me with a mix of fear and greed, silently begging me t

ike jelly. I didn't take his hand

ng his face, but he nodded. He turned and walke

he hissed, his eyes wild. "You have to keep him happy. D

You should have thought about th

ing my family in the ruins o

avy doors behind us, locking them with a soft click. H

ave questions

haking. "Did you marry me because you actually loved me?

moment. The silence stretched b

y person in this world who looked at me and saw a man, not a mon

a step t

ou are to me, you are a target. The most dangerous peo

ard. "So what

rk again, a ruthless sm

remind this city wh