Across the city…
Damien stood in his office, his jaw tight as he stared at his phone.
A single text glowed on the screen.
"She was warned."
His fingers curled into a fist.
Whoever had made that call was making a grave mistake.
Because Isabella Moreau belonged to him.
And if someone thought they could scare her away?
They were about to learn what happened when you crossed Damien Sinclair.
Bella didn't sleep that night.
The warning call played in her head over and over, like a dark melody she couldn't shake.
"Walk away while you still can."
But walk away from what? Damien? Or something deeper?
Her instincts told her she was in danger—but what scared her more was the possibility that Damien was the cause of it.
By morning, she had made a decision. She needed answers.
And there was only one place to get them.
Sinclair Enterprises – Private Office
Damien was behind his massive desk when Bella stormed in.
He didn't look surprised to see her. In fact, he looked like he'd been expecting her.
"Bella," he murmured, his dark eyes sweeping over her. "That was faster than I thought."
She shut the door behind her, ignoring the way her pulse quickened under his gaze.
"Who called me last night?" she demanded.
Damien's expression didn't change. "I don't know. But I intend to find out."
Bella's fists clenched. "You expect me to believe that?"
He stood, walking around the desk until he was just inches away. "I don't expect you to believe anything, Bella," he said, his voice dangerously soft. "But I do expect you to trust that if someone threatens what's mine, there will be consequences."
Her breath hitched. "I'm not yours, Damien."
His gaze darkened. "Aren't you?"
The air between them thickened, charged with something undeniable.
Bella swallowed hard. "I don't have time for your games. Tell me the truth. Am I in danger because of you?"
Something flickered in his eyes. A shadow. A secret.
Then, after a long pause, he exhaled. "You were in danger the moment you walked into my life, Bella."
A chill ran down her spine. "What does that mean?"
Damien studied her, as if debating whether to tell her.
Then, finally—
"There are people who want to see me fall," he admitted. "People who will use any means necessary to weaken me. Including you."
Her stomach tightened. "So I was right. I should walk away."
His jaw tensed. "That's not an option anymore."
Bella's breath caught. "Why not?"
Damien reached out, tilting her chin up until she was forced to meet his gaze.
"Because now that they've noticed you, walking away won't save you." His voice dropped lower, like a dark promise. "The only way to stay alive is to stay with me."
A shiver ran through her.
She should refuse. Should turn around and walk out that door.
But deep down, she knew—
She was already too far gone.