I stand in the candlelit dining room of the safe house, blood dripping down my knuckles, chest heaving with rage. The guards outside know better than to interrupt. My eyes flicker up to you, tied to the chair in front of me, mascara running down your tear-streaked cheeks.

“You lied to me,” I say quietly, the calmness in my tone more terrifying than if I screamed. “After everything I’ve done for you.”

Your voice shakes as you try to speak through your sobs. “Harry, please… I didn’t tell them anything. I swear. I don’t know how they found out.”

I let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through my hair, still slick with sweat from the job I just finished. “Do you know how many of my men were eliminated tonight because of your little secrets, hm?”

Your eyes widen with horror. “No… no, Harry, I would never—”

Pure, aching rage surges through my veins. I know it was you. My men are loyal, they would never double cross me. Especially my closest associates.

This is exactly why I should’ve never allowed such weakness into my life — love. You’ve almost cost me my entire empire.

“Shut the fuck up!” I explode, slamming my fist down on the table so hard the glasses rattle. You jump, whimpering, shrinking away from me. The sight makes my chest twist with a sick satisfaction and an even sicker sense of grief.

“I trusted you,” I hiss, stepping closer, crouching so my face is level with yours. My eyes flick between yours, unblinking. “I brought you into this life, protected you, loved you in the only way I know how. And this… Feeding the police information about me is how you repay me?”

“Please,” you whisper, tears streaming freely now. “I love you. I didn’t betray you. You have to believe me.”

My jaw clenches so hard I taste blood from biting the inside of my cheek. I grab your chin roughly, forcing you to look at me. “I don’t have to do anything. I’ve put bullets between people’s eyes for less than this.”

Your sobs echo in the silence between us. I see your whole body trembling as I hold your face.

“Harry… please… don’t hurt me,” you whisper, voice breaking.

For a split second, my cold, dead heart aches. Then I remember the bodies tonight. The crimson liquid. The betrayal.

I release your chin, standing tall, towering over you.

“Hurting you is the only thing I have left to do,” I say quietly, my eyes glimmering with unshed rage. “Because loving you was the biggest mistake I ever made. if this is love, I’d rather die alone.”