Lies We Bleed: A Rose for Damien

"Till death do us part." ****** On the day of her wedding, Rose's world is shattered, when her groom and best friend are gunned down before her eyes. Barely escaping with her life, thanks to her fiancé’s loyal bodyguards, Rose vanishes from the city, broken and grieving. When she returns three years later, she makes a choice. No more lavish mansions, no more family fortune. No last name either, and nothing to lose. Just a quiet life far from the ghosts of her past. Working as a waitress in an elite club, she keeps her head down. Until one night, she spills a drink on the wrong man. Damien Pierce is the ruthless CEO of Pierce Group by day, and the feared king of the underworld by night. Emotions are a weakness he had never let loose… until a defiant waitress with wine-stained hands and flames in her eyes turns his world upside down. She dares to spill a drink on him. She dares to talk back. And worst of all, she makes him feel. Intrigued, but feigns anger, Damien makes her his personal waitress. And each night, he comes back. Not for the drink, but for the storm in her eyes. And still yet, never letting her get too close... until another man boldly kneels before her, asking her to be his. That's when Damien breaks his own rules. In one reckless moment, he drags her out of the bar, claiming what he’s tried so hard to deny. She was never meant to be his. But now that she has caught his attention… He won’t let her go. The following morning, Rose is holding her marriage certificate in her hands, wondering how she had gotten herself in such a situation. She doesn't remember saying yes but the name 'Damien Pierce' and 'Rose'... 'Rose Pierce!' are a proof she's now someone's wife. ***** “You think you can walk away?” His voice was a dangerous whisper, close enough to burn. “Walking is too slow, I'll run... away from your madness.” She met his gaze, steady, but her heart was a hurricane. “You don’t get to decide.” He stepped in, stealing the space between them. “Not anymore.” Her breath hitched. “Then what... are you going to claim me? Like some prize?” He laughed darkly, maniacally and threateningly. “No. I’m going to make you want me. Make you need me. Until you can’t remember why you ever tried to leave.” Her hands trembled, but she didn’t pull away. “And if I fight?” His eyes blazed. “Then I’ll break you. Piece by piece. Because you belong to me.” She swallowed the fire threatening to spill out. “I’m not yours.” “Not yet.” His lips brushed her ear. “But soon enough, you will be.” ****** Rose: "I ran from death. And he gave me a new name–his." Damien: "She was never mine to take. So I claimed her by force."