The estate felt different after the attack.
Not louder.
Not chaotic.
But sharper.
Like every shadow had teeth.
Elena noticed it in the way the guards stood straighter, more alert. In how Sofia spoke in shorter sentences. In how doors that used to remain open were now quietly shut.
War had moved closer.
And Dominic had changed with it.
He hadn't avoided her but he hadn't sought her out either.
Distance.
Intentional.
Careful.
It irritated her more than it should have.
Elena found him in the training room.
The sound of impact echoed before she even stepped inside.
A heavy thud.
Again and again.
Dominic stood in the center, sleeves rolled up, fists wrapped, driving controlled punches into a suspended bag. Each hit was precise. Measured. Violent in restraint.
He didn't notice her at first.
Or maybe he did and chose not to acknowledge it.
She leaned against the doorway.
You're avoiding me.
The bag was still mid-swing.
Slowly, Dominic turned.
I'm busy.
That's not what I meant.
His gaze flicked over her, always checking before settling back into something neutral.
You shouldn't be down here.
You say that about everywhere.
Because everywhere is dangerous right now.
She pushed off the wall and walked further inside.
And hiding in a room makes me safer?
Yes.
No, it makes me blind.
His jaw tightened.
Elena
I'm not fragile.
I didn't say you were.
You act like it.
Silence stretched.
He stepped back from the bag, unwrapping one hand slowly.
You saw what happened yesterday.
Yes.
Then you understand why I'm limiting exposure.
Exposure? she repeated. Is that what I am now?
His eyes darkened slightly.
That's not what I meant.
Then say what you meant.
He exhaled slowly, forcing control.
I meant that every movement you make is being watched.
By Caldwell?
Yes.
And whoever he answers to, she added quietly.
That made him pause.
She noticed.
You didn't mention that before, she said.
There are things you don't need to worry about yet.
Stop deciding that for me.
Their gazes locked.
The tension was different now.
Not just resistance.
Something deeper.
You want the truth? he asked.
Yes.
Then understand that Caldwell isn't acting alone.
Her pulse quickened.
I figured.
He's backed by people who don't show their faces.
Like you, she said.
Worse than me.
The words landed heavily.
Who? she pressed.
He shook his head once.
Not yet.
Frustration flared. You keep saying that.
And you keep pushing.
Because you keep hiding things.
He stepped closer.
Not aggressively.
But enough to shift the air.
I'm trying to keep you alive.
And I'm trying to understand the world you dragged me into.
Silence.
The distance between them felt charged.
You could leave, he said suddenly.
The words hit harder than she expected.
What?
I can arrange it, he continued. New identity. Secure location. No connection to any of this.
Her heart skipped.
Freedom.
There it was again.
Real this time.
No chaos.
No gunfire.
No Dominic.
You'd just let me go? she asked.
Yes.
Just like that?
No, he said quietly. Not just like that.
His honesty caught her off guard.
What does that mean?
It means I don't want you to go.
Her breath caught.
The room felt smaller.
And yet you're offering it.
Because wanting something doesn't mean I get to take it.
That was new.
This wasn't the man who dragged her from a wedding.
This was someone else.
Someone trying.
Why now? she asked softly.
Because it's about to get worse.
Her chest tightened.
How much worse?
His gaze held hers.
Enough that I won't forgive myself if you're still here when it happens.
Silence filled the space.
Heavy and real.
You think I can just walk away from this? she asked.
Yes.
I can't.
Why not?
Because I want to stay.
Because you matter.
Because I'm starting to trust you.
The answers stayed trapped inside her.
Instead, she said, Because I don't run from the truth.
His eyes softened just slightly.
That's what makes you dangerous.
She stepped closer.
So does that mean you're afraid of me?
A faint shadow of a smile touched his lips.