hands casually tucked in his pock

," the man stammered, swallowing hard. "The

hint of curiosity in his eyes. "

heir don... he's saying it was an act of war. Claims you too

brushing a speck of dust from the man's shou

dangerously soft, "which cla

," he answered, a flick

"The Manzoni clan, hmm? I've heard of their reputation. Ap

his brow. "They're demanding the girl back...

settling in his gaze. "So, he

I didn't know what to say. Thou

u'll tell the don: I'll pay for the girl and for damages. Let him

"Yes, boss," before turnin

s phone, scrolling through his contacts unt

swered after the

eed everything on the Manzoni clan, their don, their operations, s

er voice came back, steady an

**********

Anna

ke a drum in my chest. Damon had left mome

woman from earlier stepped in, holding a bag in her hands.

ere was a sincerity in her eyes, a kind of purity

made me hesitate, and for a moment, I wondered how som

lacing my voice. "Damon knew I'd let my

ltered, but

she said gently, her voice steady. "I honestly do care about you, Anna. And seeing y

t matched the rest of my clothes. At least now I didn'

I supposed to believe you're any dif

Instead, she clasped her hands in fr

ed anyone. Damon is abrasive, yes, but I... I pref

comfortable around her. It felt genuine, as if

I said, narrowing my eyes.

in a hesitant line. "Perha

ight would be dangerous, but de

too," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Why don't we

almost pitying. "You really ha

snapped, my voice rising. "T

e are afraid of him. Damon isn't just powerful-he

iliar yet chilling. "A Demon Wo

her eyes. "But that's not the point. The point is, Damon is dangerou

n. "Well, I'm glad we're on the same page abou