The rain poured heavily, drumming against the narrow alleys like war drums, while the night enveloped everything in darkness. She ran breathlessly, her bare feet slapping the wet ground, her heart racing. The stimulant in her drink burned her body, and dizziness took over, but surrender was out of the question.

She spotted a mansion ahead—her last refuge. She forced the iron gates open and stumbled inside. The vast courtyard was filled with an air of power and dominance.

Inside, Drake Valentino, the feared mafia leader, stood by his window, his cold gray eyes watching the storm. He didn’t move when he heard the door open, only turning slowly as his measured steps broke the silence.

There, drenched in rain, stood the girl, her eyes filled with terror.

“Who do you think you are to enter my home like this?” His voice was low and threatening.

She tried to speak, but the words failed her. She felt her body give way, her vision darkening, and finally collapsed.

She fell into his arms, the warmth of his embrace being the last thing she felt before everything went black.