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.

" I need to meet with Mr. Donovani in person and go over the documents."


"I'm coming with you," Alex said without hesitation.


"You don't have to, I know you're busy…"


"No," he interrupted softly, "I want to be there."


That familiar flutter danced in my chest again. I smiled and reached for his hand. "Okay."


We headed into the bathroom, the silence between us peaceful and easy. The steam began to rise as we stepped into the shower. We didn't talk much, just small, quiet laughs, stolen glances, and soft kisses in the water. Alex washed my hair gently. I closed my eyes as his fingers massaged my scalp, and I let myself melt into the moment, grateful for him, for this love, for his presence.


Chapter 194 - 196