A Dangerous Game

Mia lay tangled in Lucas's arms, but sleep wouldn't come. The image of Victor beaten but still breathing haunted her thoughts. She knew men like him didn't go down quietly.

And he wasn't finished with her.

Lucas stirred beside her, his fingers trailing down her bare spine. "You're still tense," he murmured against her neck.

"How can I relax?" she whispered. "Victor won't let this go."

A dark chuckle rumbled from his chest. "Let him try. He's nothing without his empire."

Mia wanted to believe that, but a part of her knew better.

Victor wasn't just dangerous he was obsessed.

The next morning, Mia woke alone. Lucas had already left to meet with Jax, tying up loose ends from the warehouse raid. She poured herself a coffee, hoping the bitter heat would calm her nerves.

Her phone buzzed. A message.

Unknown Number: Did you think I'd let you walk away?

Her stomach twisted. Victor.

Another message followed a photo of her mother's house.

Panic surged through her veins. She immediately called Lucas.

"He's threatening my mom," she said, her voice tight.

"Stay put," he ordered. "I'm handling it."

But Mia couldn't sit still. She grabbed her bag and left the penthouse.

If Victor wanted to play, she was done waiting.

Mia's mother's house stood quiet, the garden untouched but tension hung heavy in the air. She crept toward the front door, her heart pounding.

A shadow moved behind her.

Before she could react, a hand clamped over her mouth.

"Miss me?" Victor's voice was a cold whisper against her ear.

Fear shot through her, but she refused to let him see it. She bit down hard on his hand. He cursed, loosening his grip, and she spun, driving her knee into his gut.

He laughed a low, dangerous sound. "Still feisty," he mused, dragging her back against him. "I always did love that about you."

Mia fought, but Victor was stronger. He pushed her inside the house, slamming the door behind them.

"You cost me everything," he hissed, backing her against the wall. "Now? I'm taking something back."

Her blood ran cold. "Lucas will kill you."

Victor smiled cruelly. "If he finds you in time."

Mia refused to break. "You're pathetic," she spat. "You think you still own me? You lost the moment I stopped being afraid."

His grip tightened, rage flashing in his eyes but a loud bang cut through the tension.

The front door burst open.

Lucas.

His gun was already raised, aimed straight at Victor's head. "Touch her again, and I'll put you in the ground."

Victor didn't flinch. "Think you can stop me, pretty boy?"

Mia acted fast stomping down on Victor's foot and twisting out of his grasp. The distraction was all Lucas needed.

He pulled the trigger.

The bullet grazed Victor's shoulder, sending him crashing to the floor.

Lucas grabbed Mia, pulling her against him. "You okay?"

She nodded, breathless. "I am now."

Victor groaned, blood seeping through his shirt. "This isn't over," he growled.

Lucas knelt beside him, his voice ice-cold. "Yes, it is. If I see you again, I won't miss."

With Victor down, Lucas led Mia outside, holding her close.

But as they drove away, Mia knew deep down

Victor wasn't done.

And the next time he struck, he wouldn't hold back.