Hugo knelt in front of me again, his fingers tracing a path along my jaw. “You’re a beautiful little thing,” he said, his tone mockingly soft. “Maybe I’ll keep you as a pet and prisoner after I dump Dario’s body in the street.”

I glared at him, my voice steady and defiant. “I’m already Dario’s prisoner, Hugo. And I only serve one master, and that’s Dario. I’d rather die than serve an old man with a rusty pipe between his legs.”

The words barely left my mouth before his hand struck my face, the force of the blow knocking me onto my side. Pain exploded in my cheek, blood dripping from my nose and lips.

Hugo loomed over me, his face twisted with rage. “Careful, girl,” he hissed. “That rusty pipe will fuck you right in front of your lover before I kill him. That’ll be the last thing he sees before he rots in hell.”

I stared up at him, hatred burning in my eyes. I would rather die than let this man in between my legs. Dario would come. He had to.

90 days with my billionaire ex

The crisp morning air stung my cheeks as I stepped onto the gravel path leading to the training ground. I tightened my braid, more out of habit than necessity, and glanced around, scanning the space. The training area was secluded, flanked by towering trees that made the space feel ominously private. A few crates of equipment were scattered near a makeshift shed, and the shooting range stretched out into the distance. The stillness was almost eerie. 


I told myself I wasn’t looking for Dario. Not really. But as my eyes darted from one corner to another, my chest tightened at his absence. I spotted Bruno instead, leaning casually against one of the crates, his sharp eyes focused on the handgun he was polishing. The morning sunlight caught the edges of his jawline, making him look as intimidating as ever. 


“Where’s Dario?” I asked, keeping my voice as indifferent as I could manage. 


The Fight Within