Chapter 1
Elena's POV
Thunder CRACKED across the night sky as torrential rain poured down.
I stumbled through the muddy path, my white dress soaked through and clinging to my seven-month pregnant belly. Every step sent tearing pain through my abdomen.
"Damn that relentless bastard!"
I glanced back to see orange torches flickering through the rain, drawing closer. Vincenzo's men hunted me like starved wolves.
Another wave of agony hit my belly. I gritted my teeth, one hand supporting my swollen stomach while the other clutched my dress hem as I kept running. The signs of premature labor were becoming more obvious, but I couldn't stop.
I would NOT be dragged back!
Lightning split the sky, and memories flooded back like a tide...
One year ago, Chicago Charity Auction
Under the gleaming crystal chandeliers, I wore a stunning white evening gown, elegantly holding a champagne flute. My gaze locked onto the man at the center of the ballroom—Vincenzo Romano, head of the Romano family, the most dangerous man in Chicago.
The man who killed my lover.
"I'll get revenge for you, I swear," I whispered silently to Matteo's memory. My darling Matteo, my love, murdered by this cold-blooded monster.
I took a deep breath and slowly approached Vincenzo. I would get close to him, seduce him, then take his life when he least expected it.
"Mr. Romano, your charitable work is truly admirable," I said with a subtle smile, initiating conversation.
Vincenzo turned around, those deep black eyes instantly locking onto mine. I felt my heartbeat inexplicably quicken.
DAMN! He was even more devastating than in photos. Six-foot-three, perfect Italian features, an expensive suit tailored to his powerful frame.
"Beautiful lady, how should I address you?" His voice was deep and magnetic.
"Elena, Elena Rossi. I'm a lawyer."
"A lawyer?" He raised an eyebrow. "That's an interesting career choice for such a... delicate flower."
I laughed softly, swirling the red wine in my glass. "Mr. Romano seems to underestimate female attorneys?"
"I never underestimate anyone, especially beautiful women who approach me at charity events." He studied me without disguise. "But I have a feeling you're not an ordinary lawyer, are you, Elena?"
SHIT! His instincts were too sharp. I had to redirect his attention.
In the auction's ladies' room.
I touched up my makeup in the mirror, fingers brushing the small mechanism on my ring. This seemingly ordinary ruby ring actually concealed a lethal poison needle.
Footsteps echoed behind me.
I saw Vincenzo's reflection in the mirror, my pulse instantly racing. I turned around, forcing a calm smile.
"Mr. Romano, this is the ladies' room."
Vincenzo closed in, bracing his hands on either side of the sink, completely trapping me. His body heat radiated through the expensive fabric, and his masculine scent made me dizzy.
"I told you, I'm very interested in you." His lips nearly touched my ear. "Elena Rossi, twenty-six, Harvard Law graduate, star attorney specializing in corporate litigation."
I forced myself to stay composed. "You investigated me?"
"When a strange woman approaches me, of course I investigate." His fingers traced my jawline. "But what the files don't show is... why you're really here?"
I slowly raised my hand, fingertips "accidentally" sliding across the buttons on his chest as I whispered, "Maybe... I'm just captivated by your charm."
The moment our bodies touched, I felt an electric current shoot through me from the contact point. This reaction shocked me—how could I feel this way toward my enemy?
Vincenzo clearly felt it too. His breathing grew heavy, dangerous fire igniting in his eyes.
"You're playing with fire, little lawyer."
"You've got the wrong idea, sir." I struggled to control my voice while boldly pressing my hand against his chest. "I'm just an ordinary..."
Before I could finish, gunshots erupted outside.
The auction hall instantly descended into chaos. Screams, gunfire, and shattering glass created a cacophony of terror.
Vincenzo pulled me protectively behind him as he drew his gun, calmly confronting the attackers. These were rival family members who had chosen the crowded auction to launch their assault.
Perfect opportunity!
My hand moved toward the ring, the poison needle already extended. One small puncture of Vincenzo's skin and he'd be dead within minutes.
Revenge was within reach. Matteo would finally be avenged.
I held my breath, slowly raising my hand. The needle aimed for the major artery in his neck. Just as I was about to strike—
"Vincenzo!"
A bullet came from the side. I instinctively tried to dodge but somehow stumbled directly into its path.
"DAMN!" Agony exploded from my shoulder as warm blood instantly soaked through my white dress.
FUCK! How could I be so unlucky!
Vincenzo caught me in shock, those usually cold eyes now filled with panic.
"Elena! DAMN IT! Why did you do that?"
What did he mean why did I do that? I was trying to kill you, not save you!
"I... I don't know..." I gasped weakly—it was all I could say.
Vincenzo held me tightly, his voice shaking. "Don't be afraid, you're going to live! I won't let anyone hurt you!"
He actually thought I'd taken the bullet to save him. This stupid man!
I felt consciousness slipping away, my body falling backward out of control. The back of my head struck the marble floor hard, sending waves of pain through my skull.
"Elena! Elena!" Vincenzo's shouts grew more distant.
Before losing consciousness completely, I cursed silently: "Son of a BITCH... I failed..."
