Elegbede_Habeeb

The first time they met, it felt like fate. The second time, it felt like a warning.

She was running from a past that refused to die. He was chasing a future that seemed just out of reach. When their worlds collided, it was more than just love—it was an obsession, a wildfire that threatened to burn them both alive.

But love isn’t always salvation. Sometimes, it’s destruction in disguise.

Bound by Fire: Ashes of Desire

Luca's pulse thundered in his ears as he took a slow step forward, shielding Evelyn behind him.

"I'm listening," he said, his voice steel.

Killian smirked, as if he had already won. "Smart choice."

Evelyn grabbed Luca's wrist. "No, don't do this."

But Luca gently pried her fingers off, his touch lingering. "It's the only way."

Killian clapped his hands together. "See, I knew you'd come around. Here's the deal, Luca: you work for me again. One last job. You complete it, and I'll pretend your little love story here never happened."

Evelyn stiffened. "He's not your pawn."

Killian chuckled. "Sweetheart, everyone is someone's pawn." His gaze darkened. "Even you."

Luca's fists clenched, barely restraining himself. "What's the job?"

Killian leaned against the car, looking almost casual. "There's a man I need removed. Permanently."

Evelyn sucked in a breath. "You're asking him to kill for you."

Killian grinned. "Oh, I'm not asking."

Luca's jaw tightened. He had left this life behind. He had sworn never to go back. But Evelyn—she was the exception.

Killian shrugged. "You're good at what you do, Luca. Fast. Precise. No loose ends. Finish this, and I'll give you both the freedom you so desperately want."

Luca turned his head slightly, enough to meet Evelyn's eyes. The fear in them nearly shattered him.

He couldn't let her pay for his sins.

He exhaled, looking back at Killian. "Fine."

Killian's smirk widened. "That's what I thought." He tossed a small black envelope to Luca. "Inside is everything you need."

Luca caught it but didn't open it.

Killian turned to leave but paused. "One last thing. You have forty-eight hours. If the job's not done by then…" His eyes flickered to Evelyn. "Let's just say, someone else might be finishing it. And they won't be so gentle."

Luca lunged, but two of Killian's men blocked him.

Killian raised a hand, laughing. "Easy now. No need for violence."

Evelyn grabbed Luca's arm, her voice desperate. "Luca, please. Don't do this."

But Luca knew there was no other way.

He looked at her, pain flashing in his eyes. "I have to."

Evelyn shook her head, her voice breaking. "Then I'm coming with you."

Luca's heart clenched. He should say no. He should push her away.

Instead, he whispered, "Then we end this together."

Next Chapter: A Target in the Shadows

A Deal with the Devil