"Shadows don't just linger in the dark—they cling to the heart. Ava thought she had left the worst behind, but the deeper she stepped into Dante's world, the heavier the shadows pressed down, whispering secrets she wasn't sure she was ready to hear."
The city was already alive when Dante's Moretti pulled into the curb in front of the steel-and-glass building that towered over downtown. The ride had been quiet, but not uncomfortable. Ava sat in the passenger seat, nervously tapping her fingers against her bag. Dante noticed, of course—he always noticed.
"You're restless," he said, his deep voice filling the car like velvet wrapped around steel.
Ava exhaled, half-laughing. Your partnership with the firm will be announced today.
Dante's eyes shifted from the building to her face, holding her gaze with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. "I want to be by your side always.
My partnership with Mr Callahan will only make me very close to you,and protect you. Your world has to learn quickly that you're untouchable."
Ava swallowed hard. "You make it sound so simple."
"It is simple." His lips brushed against hers in a fleeting kiss, enough to leave her breathless. "Now go. I'll see you inside soon."
She stepped out, heels clicking against the pavement, aware of how many eyes followed her as she walked into the lobby. She didn't need to turn around to know Dante was still watching her.
By the time Ava reached the 14th floor, the buzz had already begun. Conversations dimmed as she entered, eyes darting to her before quickly looking away. Some pretended to be busy at their desks, others leaned closer to their colleagues to whisper behind cupped hands.
"She's the reason Callahan agreed to the deal."
"Sleeping with the partner—what a coincidence."
"Bet she won't last six months now that the Don is in charge."
Ava kept her head high, but every word felt like a dagger. She reminded herself of Dante's command: untouchable.
Her closest ally in the firm, Mia, hurried over with wide eyes. "Ava! You didn't tell me Dante Moretti was the partner Callahan was finalizing things with. Do you have any idea what kind of bomb you just dropped in this office?"
Ava winced. "I didn't exactly plan it this way, Mia."
"Well, brace yourself, because the sharks are circling. And Turner's already sharpening her teeth."
As if on cue, Mrs. Turner, Ava's team lead, appeared at her side. "Glad you finally made it, Ava." Her tone dripped with disdain, though Ava had clocked in five minutes early. "Mr. Callahan would like to see you in his office."
Ava forced a professional smile. "Of course".
Mr. Callahan's office overlooked the entire city. Sleek, modern, and intimidating, much like the man himself. He looked up from a folder as Ava entered.
"Ah, Ava. Sit."
She obeyed, clasping her hands to keep them from trembling.
"I imagine you've heard the news by now," he began, steepling his fingers. "Mr. Moretti has officially entered into a partnership with our firm. He'll be working closely with our luxury accounts,That means you'll be collaborating with him directly."
Ava's throat went dry. "Yes, sir."
Callahan studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Let me be clear, Ava. I approved this partnership because Dante Moretti is a man of influence and vision. But I also know about your… relationship with him."
Her stomach twisted.
"I don't care who you are with," Callahan continued, "but I will not tolerate conflict of interest or favoritism. You will deliver results, just as you always have. Understood?"
Ava straightened her spine. "Understood. My work will speak for itself, Mr. Callahan."
He nodded once, satisfied. "Good. Dante will join us this afternoon to discuss next steps. I suggest you be ready."
When Ava returned to her desk, the whispers had grown louder. A group of colleagues clustered near the break room, their voices carrying across the office.
"She's Callahan's golden girl now."
"Or Moretti's toy."
"Bet she thinks she's better than us."
Ava's temper flared. She slammed her files onto her desk and turned toward them. "If any of you have something to say, you can say it to my face."
Silence. Then Claire, her best friend who betrayed her, smirked. "Relax, Ava. We're just impressed at how fast you've climbed the ladder. Some of us had to work years to get where we are. Guess you found a shortcut."
Mia hissed under her breath, "Ignore her, she's baiting you."
But Ava couldn't. Not this time. "You're right, Claire," she said coldly . "I did find a shortcut. It's called hard work. Maybe you should try it sometime."
Claire's smirk faltered. The others exchanged uneasy glances, and Ava turned back to her computer, heart pounding.
Mia leaned close, whispering, "That was badass. But careful—Turner's watching you like a hawk."
Ava gave a small nod, though her insides were still shaking.
Later that afternoon, the conference room was filled with staff as Dante Moretti strode in, every inch the commanding presence Ava knew him to be. He wore a charcoal suit that cut perfectly across his broad shoulders, his expression unreadable yet powerful enough to silence the entire room.
Mr. Callahan greeted him warmly. "Mr. Moretti. Thank you for joining us."
"Call me Dante," he replied smoothly, shaking Callahan's hand before his gaze flicked toward Ava. Just for a moment. Enough to make her pulse skip.
As the meeting unfolded, Dante spoke with authority, outlining strategies for expanding Kingston's reach into international markets. His vision was sharp, innovative—impossible not to respect. Even Callahan looked impressed.
At one point, Dante asked, "Ava, you've been leading Kingston's marketing efforts, correct?"
All eyes turned to her. She nodded, forcing confidence into her voice. "Yes. We've identified key demographics and marketing strategies to appeal to a younger, luxury-focused audience. The rollout plan is in its final stages."
Dante's lips curved into the faintest smile. "Excellent. You'll continue to lead the project, then. With my full backing."
The room buzzed with murmurs. Ava could feel the jealousy thickening the air, but Dante's words left no room for doubt—she wasn't just his lover. She was his everything.
Mrs. Turner's jaw tightened. Claire's eyes narrowed. Ava sat straighter, refusing to shrink beneath their scrutiny.
After the meeting, Dante lingered just long enough to catch Ava's arm as the others filed out. He pulled her aside, his voice low.
"You handled yourself well," he murmured.
"I'm not sure that's how everyone else sees it."
"Let them think about what they want. You don't need their approval." His hand brushed hers briefly, hidden from view. "But you'll always have mine."
Her heart swelled, but she kept her voice steady. "You know this just painted a bigger target on my back, right?"
"Good," Dante said, eyes flashing with dangerous promise. "Let them try. I want to see what kind of enemies reveal themselves."
"Dante gripped her chin, forcing her eyes to his. "If you stay by my side, Ava, the shadows won't just haunt you—they'll try to destroy you." His lips hovered a breath away. "The question is… will you let them?"