kyline, the city lights twinkling like fallen stars. Everything inside screamed wealth-the marble floors,

Just yesterday, she had been nothing more than a battered wife, desperately searching for a way out. And now? Now s

jacket, rolling up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt, revealing strong forearms lin

away. "I've just never been

g himself a glass of whiskey. "Well, g

home in years. Not with her husband controlling every a

g his drink down. "Pick a room and get som

d. "And if I de

ened, his jaw tight

wasn't threatening her-at least, not directly-but there was no

ttling on one that overlooked the city. It was beautiful, far too extravagant for someone like her, but

e gotten he

ning, A N

forgot where she was, panic seizing her chest. Then, me

lled from outside. "Get dres

before answe

first. Then

lans for her were, but she had a

already seated at the long dining table, scrolling through his phone. A chef was

Anthony, eyeing him warily.

his phone down. "Get

g. She needed strength, especially if she was goin

re's something you need to understand, Sophia. You're part of my wo

rd. "And what exact

ous. "Rule number one: You don't

led. "So I'm

o idea how many people would love to get thei

s. "And why would t

Because, sweetheart, they t

ely knew him. Why would anyo

on't ask questions about my business. What I

lready knew he was dangerous

rule?" she ask

rk and unreadable. "Rule num

down her spine. There was no m

ath. "And what happens

dropping to a whisper. "Let's ju

and there-she had stepped into a world far more dangero

nt Agr

d, as if they weren't discussing her entire future. Sophia, on the other ha

al, she finally asked,

ee before responding. "Sh

ned. "I can

darkly. "Wit

, no credit cards, no belongings except

onto the table. "We leave in ten m

esisted, the more he seemed to enjoy exerting

he would p

she wasn't just living i

pped in a c