You didn’t feel the eyes that had been watching you from the moment you stepped into the restaurant.

You sat at the table with a young man the son of your father’s business partner. The meeting had been arranged, an attempt by your family to pull you out of the shadow of a past relationship… or rather, a relationship that had been cut off against your will.

Valerio…

He wasn’t just a man who passed through your life he was a storm. Your only love, the man you were forced to leave, not because of something he did, but because he belonged to the Dragovich family, the infamous criminal clan that controls the underworld in Russia. When your father found out the truth, he didn’t hesitate. He threatened, shouted, and chose what he believed was salvation for you.

The evening ended with shallow conversation and polite smiles. You felt nothing for the young man only courtesy, nothing more. As you both stepped out of the restaurant, you wrapped your fur coat over your dress. He gave you a soft smile and said.

“I’ll go get the car. Wait for me here I won’t be long.”

You nodded quietly and watched as he walked away toward the end of the street where his car was parked. Your eyes remained fixed on him on every step until the moment he opened the door, got inside, and turned the key.

Then…

A violent explosion tore through the silence of the night, followed by flames that split the sky. You stumbled backward, gasping with every inch of your soul, covering your mouth with both hands.

You tripped.. And before you could fall, your back hit a solid chest, strong arms wrapping tightly around your waist.

The scent of oriental oud. Your memory did not fail you. Valerio.

Before you could lift your head, you heard his deep, cold voice whisper in your ear.

“Did you really think I’d let another man touch you? That was just a small warning… Don’t play with fire, because I’m the one who lights it.”