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Chapter 9 - CHAPTER NINE- THE DANGER GROWS

‎The first time Sophia heard a gunshot, it didn't sound like it did in movies.

‎It was louder. Sharper. The kind of sound that tore through your bones and left an echo rattling in your chest.

‎She hadn't meant to see anything. She hadn't meant to follow Adrian that night. But something about the way he left — tense, jaw locked, his hand brushing the inside of his jacket — had told her he wasn't going to another "meeting."

‎And Sophia's curiosity, already gnawing at her from weeks of unanswered questions, got the better of her.

‎---

The Alley

‎She tailed him across the city. At first, it was easy: her cab followed his sleek black car, weaving through streets until he stopped at a warehouse district. When he got out, she paid the driver and crept after him, heart pounding like it wanted to flee.

‎The warehouse doors stood half-open, spilling light into the dark alley. She edged close enough to peer inside.

‎Adrian was there — not the polished CEO in tailored suits, but a man with rolled-up sleeves, eyes cold and predatory.

‎He wasn't alone. A group of men surrounded him, hard faces, rough voices. They spoke in low tones she couldn't catch, but the tension was palpable.

‎Then one of them lunged.

‎Adrian moved with brutal precision, faster than Sophia could process. His fist connected with the man's jaw, sending him sprawling. Another reached for something under his jacket — and the crack of a gunshot split the air.

‎Sophia clamped her hand over her mouth, stifling a scream. The man dropped, clutching his shoulder, blood blooming through his shirt.

‎Adrian didn't flinch. He didn't hesitate. He barked an order, and the others froze.

‎This was his world. Violence. Power. Control.

‎---

‎Caught

‎Sophia stumbled back, shaking, desperate to slip away unseen — but her foot caught on a loose piece of metal, sending it clattering across the alley.

‎Adrian's head snapped toward the sound. His eyes met hers through the shadows, and for a moment, they both froze.

‎"Sophia." His voice was a growl. Dangerous. Possessive.

‎In three strides, he was at her side, gripping her wrist with iron strength. "What the hell are you doing here?"

‎"I— I wanted to know where you go at night," she stammered. "I had to know."

‎Adrian's jaw tightened. "You shouldn't have seen this."

‎Fear clawed at her throat. "Then what is this, Adrian? Who are you, really?"

‎---

‎The Darkest Side Of Him

‎He didn't answer. Not with words. Instead, he pulled her against him, his forehead pressing to hers, his breath harsh.

‎"You don't belong in this world," he said lowly. "But you're in it now. And that means I have to protect you, whether you like it or not."

‎There was heat in his eyes — anger, yes, but also something far more dangerous: need.

‎And against all reason, Sophia felt her fear twist with something else. Attraction.

‎Her hands shook as they clutched at his shirt. "You terrify me," she whispered.

‎"Good," he murmured, his lips brushing hers. "Maybe that will keep you alive."

‎The kiss that followed was harsh, urgent, almost violent in its intensity. She hated herself for answering it, hated the way her body betrayed her heart. But she couldn't stop. Not now.

‎---

The Threat

‎Later, back at his penthouse, Sophia lay awake, replaying the night. The blood, the gun, Adrian's ruthlessness. She should run. Every instinct screamed at her to get out before she was swallowed whole.

‎But something bound her there. Something she couldn't name.

‎A buzz from her phone broke the silence. She sat up, frowning. It was a text — from an unknown number.

‎Her blood ran cold as she read it:

‎Leave Adrian Black… or you'll be next.

‎The screen blurred in her trembling hands. Someone out there knew her name. Knew her.

‎And they wanted her gone.

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