ELENA

The room was on the verge of snapping.

The air felt thick, pressing against my skin, making every breath feel heavier than the last. The man with the iron bar tightened his grip, his knuckles white and his stance ready. He wasn’t bluffing. He wanted a fight, and Dominic’s man seemed ready to give it to him as well.

He didn’t hesitate at the threat. His body was coiled and sharp with intention, the kind of readiness that came from years of experience. He wasn’t just prepared to ...