DANE Zara’s death had shaken Dahlia and although she tried to keep it together, she broke down often. Something she would have refused herself if I didn’t encourage her to let her pain out. Something about this time made us even closer, and although I wanted to fuck her every time I laid my eyes out on her, she wasn’t in the right frame of mind yet. With so much going on, I was glad I told her I loved her. I had seen light return to her grey eyes, even if it was fleeting. Zara’s house had been kept locked off for two weeks and her parents had wanted nothing to do with her. Apparently, they blamed Zara for her own death, something that had really angered Dahlia. Dahlia had a habit of taking everything in her stride and just dealing with it silently. I knew her fear of losing everyone she loved had affected her but I also needed her to stop taking everything wordlessly and keeping it bottled aside. I feared she was going to have a

DAHLIA It was later in the evening and I had just put Aria to bed, I felt rather uncomfortable leaving her home alone these days. Even with two of my most trusted security guards with her, along with Josephine, I felt slightly more at ease but not entirely. "Have a lovely time tonight. Don’t worry about Aria, I'm here." Josephine said as I silently slipped out of Aria’s bed. "Thank you, Josephine. If anything happens or she wakes up, just call me. I'm going to keep my phone on me." I said softly. "Of course." I left the room, closing the door behind me. The security guard gave me a small nod and I headed to my room. I had about an hour and a half to get ready, Dane had told me he was heading to his apartment for some more clothes. I entered my bedroom, my eyes instantly fell on the large black box and dress bag that sat on the bed. On top of the box was a single red rose and a card. My heart skipped a beat as I lifted the card.

DAHLIA I watched as Dane punched Warren in the face repeatedly. "Dane!" I said, as he knocked Warren to the ground, punching him across the face. Several men rushed over, trying to pull him off. "Whoa, whoa! Guys!" Adrien said, alarmed. "What happened?!" A woman asked me, and I shook my head as startled as her. "Probably your fault, right Dahlia?" Another woman chipped in snidely. I ignored her as I watched the men pull Dane off Warren. "What happened?!" Adrien asked looking panicked. "The police will deal with this." Dane said icily. Warren spat some blood out as he glared at Dane. "You wouldn’t risk that." He said, and I didn’t miss the flicker of fear in his eyes. "Oh I would, and I assure you I hold more power over them than you. I wouldn’t abuse my position, but threaten my woman and I’ll fucking destroy you." Dane spat venomously. Worry filled me. It wasn’t often that Dane swore, an

DANE   It had been a week since that night. That perfect night that I won’t forget, and it was the first of many. I had to admit, since then, things have just gotten hotter. Every moment we got alone, that passion and desire fuelled by our love consumed us. I liked seeing Dahlia get more and more comfortable with me. In fact, she even told me to shut up... then apologised right after. I had to tell her that it was all good and I liked to see her be herself. On top of that, Warren had been arrested on charges of attempted blackmail, and with enough proof, I doubt he’d get out anytime soon. The power of the El Nazari far outshines Murdock’s influence. Furthermore, the police had found proof that he had ordered someone to tamper with my car brakes, not that that came as a surprise to me. Attempted murder also added to his crimes and that was enough to keep him locked up with no chance of parole or even bail. The Murdock’s lost what business footing they had

DANE After that call, I straight away drove towards Elizabeth's place, ringing Dahlia several times. Where was this woman? Why wasn’t she picking up? Panic and worry only seemed to grow within me with each passing second. What do I do? I quickly dialled Markus. He should be with her, right? Pick up, pick up… "Hello, Mr Altaire." He answered, a glimmer of relief flooded me as I signalled left, zooming ahead of the other cars. "Markus, is Dahlia with you?" "No sir, actually she took the car herself today. Is everything ok?" "I'm not sure, but you know how risky things are, how come she went alone? She isn't even answering her phone." I asked, thinking fast. Despite sounding calm, my heart was beating fast. "I do apologise sir, but she is the boss… She said she was just visiting a friend. Sir, all of the madam’s cars have a tracker, I can send you the location and head there myself if you are worried?" He suggested, sounding panic