Chapter 1 - The Midnight Offer
The evening shadows crept across the cold walls of the Vulkoff mansion.
Alina could not stop thinking about the intense encounter from that morning.
The ghost of Damon's powerful grip still burned like fire on her wrist.
At midnight, the head housekeeper handed her a silver bucket of fresh ice.
She was strictly ordered to deliver it to the Pakhan's private master suite.
Alina assumed Damon was still out dealing with his dangerous underground business.
She pushed the heavy oak door open without making a single sound.
The massive room was lit only by the glowing orange embers in the fireplace.
Damon was sitting deep in his leather armchair with his white shirt completely undone.
His head was thrown back against the leather, and a low, heavy groan escaped his lips.
His large hand was moving rhythmically beneath his loosened designer belt.
Alina froze in absolute shock as the ice bucket rattled slightly in her trembling hands.
His dark, dangerous eyes snapped open and locked directly onto her pale face.
Most ordinary maids would have run away terrified by the lethal mafia boss.
But Alina desperately needed his money and protection to save her younger brother from a crushing syndicate debt.
She took a deep breath, fighting her fear, and stepped further into the dark room.
She set the ice bucket down and offered a bold proposition that would change her life forever.
"You seem incredibly tense tonight, sir," she whispered softly.
"Please allow me to help you."
Damon stared at her with a terrifying mix of raw hunger and lethal dominance.
He slowly reached his hand out, silently commanding her to come closer to his chest.
Alina took one step forward, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs.
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Suddenly, the massive glass window behind the desk shattered into a million jagged pieces.
A high-caliber sniper bullet tore through the air and missed Damon's head by a fraction of an inch.
