MATURE

Life hasn’t been kind to me. One moment, I was a carefree eighteen-year-old with dreams of a bright future. The next, I was a 28 year old lady and my world went up in flames. literally. My mom died in the fire that destroyed our home, my little sister is in a coma, and my brother’s in jail for trying to keep us afloat. My dad? He left us drowning in debt and despair.

I thought I’d hit rock bottom, but then I found myself working in a place where dreams go to die, doing things I never imagined just to survive. That’s when he walked into my life, Alex Romanov. Dangerous. Mysterious. And entirely out of my league.

He’s everything I should fear, but there’s something about him that draws me in. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me like I’m more than just another broken soul. Or the way he makes me feel alive when I thought I’d forgotten how.

But Alex has secrets, dark ones that could destroy us both. And as my past collides with his world, I’m left wondering: Can I trust the man who’s slowly stealing my heart, or will his darkness swallow me whole?

This isn’t the life I wanted, but it’s the one I’ve been given.

The drive back to my apartment was quiet, but my mind was racing. Bella's reaction earlier had been unexpected. I knew she was grateful, but seeing her so emotional had made me feel something I couldn't quite explain. I wasn't the type to do things for people without expecting something in return, but with Bella, it was different. I wanted to help her. I wanted to see her happy. Maybe I was losing my mind.


As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed Luca leaning against his car, arms crossed over his chest, waiting for me. I sighed, already knowing what was coming. The moment I stepped out of the car, he smirked.


"Well, well, look who's finally home. How's your new girl doing?" he teased, pushing himself off the car.


I rolled my eyes and walked past him toward the front door. "Not in the mood, Luca."


Chapter 111 - Your new girl