MATURE

Life hasn’t been kind to me. One moment, I was a carefree eighteen-year-old with dreams of a bright future. The next, I was a 28 year old lady and my world went up in flames. literally. My mom died in the fire that destroyed our home, my little sister is in a coma, and my brother’s in jail for trying to keep us afloat. My dad? He left us drowning in debt and despair.

I thought I’d hit rock bottom, but then I found myself working in a place where dreams go to die, doing things I never imagined just to survive. That’s when he walked into my life, Alex Romanov. Dangerous. Mysterious. And entirely out of my league.

He’s everything I should fear, but there’s something about him that draws me in. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me like I’m more than just another broken soul. Or the way he makes me feel alive when I thought I’d forgotten how.

But Alex has secrets, dark ones that could destroy us both. And as my past collides with his world, I’m left wondering: Can I trust the man who’s slowly stealing my heart, or will his darkness swallow me whole?

This isn’t the life I wanted, but it’s the one I’ve been given.

I woke up to the sound of knocking on my door. Rubbing my face, I sat up as Luca stepped in, looking as composed as always. "Boss, it's time to get up," he said.


I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "What is it?"


"I have to travel today for one of my appointments. It's important for our business." He paused before adding, "Also, I wanted to remind you about your diplomatic meeting tonight."


I stretched my arms before getting out of bed. "You're not coming with me, then?"


Luca shook his head. "I apologize, but I won't be able to accompany you. I'll be leaving soon."


I nodded. "It's nothing. I'll go myself. I need to have a few conversations anyway. There are people I need to meet. We have to smuggle in those guns soon."


Luca gave me a knowing look before bowing slightly. "Understood. I'll check in once I arrive."


Chapter 62 - Would you like to dance with me