"Pale purple," Dominic said, his dark eyes never leaving her face.

The fire was arson.

By sunrise, Adrian had retrieved the security footage from a bakery across the street. It showed two of Victor Marcone’s lieutenants pouring gasoline through the mail slot of Willow & Bloom at 10:15 PM.

Nora sat in the living room of Dominic’s private high-rise penthouse overlooking the river. She was wearing one of his soft cotton sweaters, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, holding a hot cup of tea that Adrian had brought her. Her shop was gone. Her home above it was smoke-damaged and uninhabitable.

Dominic stood in his private study, looking out over the city skyline. His arm was bandaged where the glass had cut him, his face cold as marble.

Adrian stepped into the study, closing the double doors behind him.

"The Marcone family is meeting at their docks on Pier 14 right now," Adrian said quietly. "They think you're weak, Dominic. They think the fire sent a message."

Dominic turned slowly. The soft, gentle man who had saved a potted plant in the rain last night was gone. In his place stood the undisputed ruler of the city's underworld.

"Gather the captains," Dominic commanded, his voice dark and deadly silent. "Every unit. Every driver. Every asset."

"Dominic," Adrian warned softly. "A full-scale war with Marcone will draw federal attention."

"Victor didn't just attack a business, Adrian," Dominic said, walking over to his desk and picking up his mother's restored gold shears. "He tried to destroy the only light left in my life. I am going to erase him."

Before he could step toward the door, the study handle turned. Nora walked in.

She looked at Adrian, then at Dominic’s cold, lethal expression. She saw the heavy tactical jackets hanging by the door and the grim stillness in the room.

"Dominic," she said gently.

Dominic stopped. "Nora, go back to bed. I have business to handle."

Nora walked past Adrian, stopping directly in front of Dominic. She reached up, placing her soft, warm hand against his cheek. Dominic’s eyes softened instantly, his breath hitching.

"Don't do this for revenge," she whispered. "If you turn into a monster for me, Victor wins anyway. Protect what's ours, Dominic. Don't destroy yourself."