Zane couldn't sleep. Even with Amara nestled against him, her steady breath warming his chest, his mind refused to rest.
She had looked him in the eye and told him calmly, clearly that she died. That Selene and Darian killed her four years from now. That she came back.
It sounded insane. Like the plot of a twisted novel. But Zane had seen something in her eyes that couldn't be faked. Pain. Fear. The kind of truth no one invents.
He sat up in bed, raking a hand through his hair.
If this was true, if even half of it was true, then everything needed to change. He needed to protect her not just as a husband, but as a man preparing for war.
Amara stirred behind him. "Zane?"
"I'm fine. Just thinking."
She sat up slowly, watching his profile. "You don't believe me."
"I don't know what I believe," he admitted. "But I know you. And I know you're not crazy." He looked at her then, voice low and firm. "So whatever this is, whatever's happening you're not alone anymore."
Her lips trembled, but she nodded.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "From now on, I'll fight your war and I'm never losing you."
---
Across the city…
Selene stepped into the dimly lit lounge of Darian's suite, draped in emerald silk and the scent of vengeance. Darian was already seated, sipping a glass of whiskey.
"She'll break soon," Selene said, pouring herself a drink. "Zane's going to feel like she's slipping through his fingers."
"I'm not so sure," Darian muttered.
Something feels off
Selene narrowed her eyes. "Then we force her to break."
She slid a file onto the table. Inside was a photo of a sultry brunette with smoky eyes and legs for days.
"Her name's Kiara. Twenty-one. She's desperate, and trained. She'll be at Zane's office tomorrow at 11 a.m."
Darian grinned. "A planted seduction."
Selene leaned in, whispering, "We make Amara doubt. Make Zane slip. We pull the thread and the marriage unravels."
Will this work, Darian asked,
Remember the last time you tried this?
---
The next day – Zane's office
Zane glanced up from his desk at the knock. "Come in."
Kiara stepped in, feigning nervousness, clutching a file to her chest. "Mr. Morreti I'm from marketing. I was asked to deliver these personally."
He frowned, confused. "I didn't"...
"I also wanted to thank you for the opportunity," she interrupted, stepping closer. "You're everything they say strong, driven…"
Zane leaned back, suspicious now. "Excuse me?"
Her hands trembled, but she leaned in further, lips parting.
Zane stood sharply. "Stop. Whatever this is, it ends now."
Kiara blinked, startled.
"You're wasting your time," he said coldly. "Tell whoever sent you that they've failed."
He walked to the door and held it open.
She walked up to him, her lips parted but Zane stopped her from saying anything,
He shoved her out of his office and slammed the door
---
That evening – back at the estate
Amara stood at the terrace, lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice Zane's presence,
He joined her silently, sliding his arms around her waist from behind. "Rough day?"
She tensed. "Why do you ask?"
"Someone tried to seduce me at the office today." His voice was quiet, but sharp. "She used a fake department, flirty smiles, the works. I kicked her out."
Amara turned slowly. "Selene?"
"Who else?" Zane searched her face. "But that's not what's bothering me."
She didn't speak.
im scared, now that you know everything I don't want them to harm you.
I want to protect you, she whispered.
Zane took her face in his hands. "I don't need protection from you, Amara. I need partnership. I need all of you."
She closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his.
He found something..
''Who?'' Zane asked
Detective Rowen, he found new evidence against Selene and Darian
---