LOGINDAVE THOMASDave sat in the back of a taxi, staring out the window as the city passed by. It had taken him some time, but he had finally managed to get enough money to stabilize his life. He had found a place to stay, taken care of his immediate needs, and started thinking about what he would do next.He should have been relieved. He should have been grateful that he was alive and finally had a chance to start over.But he couldn't stop thinking about Ellie.She had risked everything to help him escape that mansion, and what had he done in return? He had left her behind with the very man she had been trying to escape from. Every time he remembered her face that night, he felt a heavy weight in his chest.He had tried to convince himself that leaving was the only sensible decision. What else could he have done? He had no power, no connections, and certainly not enough money to fight a man like Kalon Salvatore.But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he couldn't simp
Throughout the night, Ellie found herself thinking about what was happening to Mr. Salvatore. Was he actually changing, or was he simply trying to manipulate her? She couldn't understand how the same man who had frightened her could suddenly sit beside her, feed her, and tell her he wanted her to love him.The contrast was unsettling. His body was covered in tattoos, his face was often cold and intimidating, and there was something about his presence that made people afraid around him. He was a man who could order someone's death without hesitation.Ellie pulled the blanket closer to herself as she lay in bed, staring into the darkness.She wanted to believe that he was changing. A part of her even wanted to believe that the man she had seen tonight was the real Kalon, the one who could be gentle and speak about his feelings. But how could she be certain? She had seen too much of his cruelty to trust a few kind gestures.What if he was only doing all this to make her lower her guard?
Before she could say anything, Kalon slowly leaned toward her, and their lips met.Ellie's eyes widened. She hadn't expected him to kiss her, and she remained still, unsure of what to do. Kalon pulled back slightly and looked at her face. Then he leaned in and kissed her again, this time more softly.For some reason, Ellie didn't struggle as she usually did. She didn't know why she wasn't pushing him away immediately, but the unfamiliar feeling inside her seemed to have taken away her usual reaction to him.Kalon's hands moved to her back. He lifted her gently and laid her on the bed, continuing to kiss her. Ellie remained still for a moment before raising her hands to his chest and pushing him away.Kalon stopped immediately.Ellie was already lying on the bed, and she quickly sat up, putting some distance between them."I... I don't think this is right," she stammered. "Y-you have a fiancée, and I can't do this to her.""But I don't love her, Ellie.""But you're getting married," sh
Kalon tossed the gun onto the floor before walking away. Ellie followed Alessio and Adrian out of the room, careful not to look back.Neither Alessio nor Adrian said anything as they made their way out of the estate. By the time they returned to the hotel, she was exhausted.She went straight to her suite, changed out of her dress, and climbed into bed. Her mind kept returning to the meeting, especially the part where they spoke about a deal Kalon had made with a man named Vincenzo. Kalon was supposed to marry a woman named Silver as part of an agreement with her father.She felt as though she had been drawn into something dangerous that she knew nothing about. Finally, she turned off the light and went to sleep.The next morning, she woke up, got out of bed, took a bath, and freshened up. She packed her things and waited for someone to come for her. Not long afterward, a man informed her that they were ready to leave.They took off in the plane. Ellie was starving, but she didn't hav
The moment they took the last turn, Ellie's eyes widened.A massive double door stood before them, at least six times her height. Two guards stood on either side, dressed in black suits, their expressions stern as they watched Kalon approach.One of them immediately stepped forward and pushed the door open.Kalon walked in.The room beyond was enormous. A long, polished table occupied the center, surrounded by leather chairs. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting light over the men already seated inside. Some had bodyguards standing behind their chairs, while others had brought their wives, who sat quietly beside them.Conversations stopped as Kalon entered.Several men exchanged looks. Others watched him with undisguised interest, while a few lowered their voices to whisper among themselves.Kalon paid none of them any attention. He walked forward with both hands in his pockets.Ellie stayed close to him, trying not to stare at the people around her. She had never been i
Ellie stared at herself in the mirror. The dress fit her perfectly, hugging her body in a way she wasn't used to. She slipped on the high heels and was still examining her reflection when a knock came at the door."Yes?""We're leaving now," a man called from outside.She took a deep breath, then followed him out.The moment Ellie stepped outside, the attention of everyone present turned to her.Mr. Donel stared in surprise. He had always known Ellie as a young girl who dressed simply, but now she looked elegant and more grown-up than he had ever imagined.Kalon smirked. He had known the dress would look good on her, but he hadn't expected her to look this impressive. For a moment, he simply admired how well it suited her.Ellie lowered her eyes and walked toward the cars. She wasn't used to wearing such clothes, and the attention made her shy. She hoped she would get comfortable in the dress before the evening was over.The cars drove through London's illuminated streets before turni







