Chapter 2 - The Violent Collision
The air in Dominic's lungs vanished completely.
He stared at the broken silver chain resting against Layla's pale neck.
The clumsy maid he had thrown into the street was the passionate woman from the masquerade gala.
The realization struck him with the force of a physical blow.
He looked down at her heavily pregnant stomach.
The timing matched perfectly.
"Get your hands off her," Dominic commanded, his voice lethal and cold.
The debt collector turned around and immediately paled when he recognized the head of the Gallo syndicate.
Matteo stepped forward and struck the man across the jaw with the butt of his weapon.
The Moretti thug collapsed into the dirty snow without a single sound.
Layla pressed her back against the brick wall and stared at Dominic with absolute terror in her wide eyes.
"Dominic," she whispered, her voice trembling violently.
He closed the distance between them and trapped her against the wall.
"You are the woman from the library," he stated, his dark eyes searching her face.
Layla shook her head and tried to push his massive chest away.
"Please leave me alone."
He reached out and gently touched the silver chain on her neck.
"Whose children are you carrying, Layla?" he demanded.
She swallowed hard and lifted her chin in defiance.
"They belong to a man who died months ago."
Dominic felt a sudden, terrifying surge of possessive fury.
"You are a terrible liar," he murmured.
He grabbed her arm gently but firmly and pulled her toward his waiting vehicle.
"You are coming with me right now."
Layla struggled against his grip, but she was far too weak.
He pushed her safely into the back seat of the armored car and climbed in beside her.
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Before the driver could even start the engine, a blinding light flooded the alleyway.
A massive black truck accelerated out of the shadows and rammed directly into the side of their vehicle at full speed.
