Chapter 3 - The Threat at the Gates
The sight of little Elena clinging to Maya sent a ripple through the entire Valenti estate.
Dominic sat in a leather armchair across from Maya’s bed, watching his daughter peacefully fall asleep in Maya’s lap for the second time in twenty-four hours.
“She hasn't spoken to anyone since she was brought home,” Dominic said softly, his voice lower than usual so as not to wake the child. “Not even her nurses. But with you... she acts as if you are her sanctuary.”
“Children remember who held them when they were afraid,” Maya murmured, her fingers gently combing through Elena’s dark hair. “It’s not magic, Mr. Valenti. It’s just comfort.”
“Call me Dominic,” he said quietly.
Maya looked up, caught off guard by the sudden drop in his formality. Up close, without the shadow of his reputation blinding her, she noticed details she had missed before—the faint line of a scar near his left eyebrow, the deep fatigue lingering beneath his eyes, and the sheer, overwhelming weight of responsibility he carried on his shoulders.
“Dominic,” she repeated tentatively. “What happens now? You said the people who took her were your rivals.”
Dominic’s expression darkened instantly, the warmth in his eyes vanishing like smoke. “The Moretti syndicate thought they could break me by taking my blood. They failed. Now, they are desperate.”
Before he could elaborate, Victor stepped into the room, his face grim. He glanced at Maya, then leaned down to whisper into Dominic’s ear.
Dominic’s jaw tightened. A muscle flexed beneath his skin.
“Are you certain?” Dominic asked Victor.
“Positive, Boss. Three of Moretti’s scouts were spotted down by the gate two minutes ago. They know she’s back, and they know someone helped her escape from the warehouse.”
Maya felt a sudden cold knot form in her stomach. “What do you mean? How could they know about me?”
Dominic stood up smoothly, gesturing for Victor to guard the door. He turned to Maya, his eyes dark with protective fury.
“When my men pulled you out of that warehouse, Moretti’s lookouts were watching from the shadows,” Dominic explained, his voice tight. “They saw you leave with us. In their eyes, you aren't just an innocent bystander anymore, Maya. You are the person who robbed them of their greatest leverage against me.”
Maya’s breath hitched. “I... I don't know anything about your wars! I’m just a student!”
“They don't care,” Dominic said, stepping closer and placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. His touch was grounding, solid, and intensely warm. “Listen to me, Maya. You are not safe at your university. You are not safe at your apartment. If you step outside these gates right now, Moretti’s men will take you to get to me.”
“So I’m a prisoner?” Maya asked, fear lacing her voice.
“You are my guest,” Dominic countered fiercely. “And under my roof, no one in this city can touch a hair on your head. I give you my word of honor—as a Valenti—that I will protect you with my life.”
Maya looked down at the sleeping girl in her lap, then up into Dominic’s pale, lethal eyes. She knew she was stepping into a world of wolves, violence, and blood. But looking at the man holding her gaze, she felt a terrifying truth settle in her mind:
She was safer in the lair of the city’s most dangerous mob boss than she was anywhere else in the world.
“Alright,” Maya whispered. “I’ll stay.”
Dominic’s hand tightened slightly on her shoulder before he released her. “Victor will bring your personal belongings from your apartment. From this moment on, you don't leave this estate without me or a full security detail.”
He turned to leave, but stopped at the door, glancing back over his shoulder.
“And Maya?”
May you like
“Yes?”
“Thank you for staying.”
