The sound of gunshots filled the air, but Dominic was on protecting both them. “We’ll handle now,” Lucas, his most trusted man, him. “Clean this mess up!” Dominic said, his tone was dangerously low. was an underlying warning in his words as if he ready to throats for the fact that those people dared to come near abode. Meanwhile, Serena was scared. Although she let go of Dominic, that was different. It about life or death. Her heart racing, she stepped towards the window from outside was quite visible. Dominic was still standing at the entrance, gun in hand, scanning the place like a predator. muscles tensed and his jaw tightened. “Dominic,” shouted name from inside, gaining his attention. talk muttered before disappearing in other direction. heart pounded she against the window. The loud muffled sounds of gunfire echoed in air. At that moment, she could the heated gaze over her. It was Rosa’s constant gaze. The between them was undeniable. The next moment, Rosa paced, at Serena. “He’s going to get himself out there,” she to than to Serena. “It has nothing do with you,” Serena coldly, not even turning her face towards Rosa. Although anger towards Dominic hadn’t subsided, her was still racing with nervousness. Rosa froze, her expression unreadable. “It has nothing to do with as well. As much as Serena hated way had gone between her and Dominic, she couldn’t the her that still about him. Chapte In few days, she tried every way to out of her system nothing worked. She found herself pulling back the web of world again. he doesn’t need you!” Rosa said in a loud to, shot her a glare. you know Or you can him? me tell you’re distraction for him, Rosa. He’s never going to choose just like he has never chosen me. ” Rosa s eyes anger, but before retort, the sound of the opening door attention. Dominic inside, steps calculative. clear for now,” he sliding his gun back into his waistband. “You’re now. Serena straightened up, crossing her arms. “Safe? You think gunshots, fights, and danger are safe. You should go back Rosa. She is the one who signed up mess, me. ” Dominic’s jaw clenched as he her gaze. “I’m leaving,” he his eyes never left s. shifted realizing that despite everything, focus was on Serena. His gaze held the fire, the care and the she always wanted to see for her but it was Serena. However, Serena was tired of it. Tired of the and pull, tired of being caught in the middle Dominic’s world. shook her head, voice firm. “This is not my decision, Dominic. You bring nothing but danger and into my life. I can’t this anymore. ” Dominic stepped forward, his low and rough. “I told you it will be alright, Serena. I’ll keep safe. one last chance. ” Serena adamantly. “For once do I want. ” When Rosa found the sudden in the atmosphere, she stepped in. “Don’t beg her, Dominic. She doesn’t deserve you. ” Dominic’s head snapped toward Rosa. For a moment, the intensity his step back. “Stay of Rosa. You don’t know 2/4 Compres what you‘ re talking about. But Rosa wasn’t intimidated. She knew that Dominic was at the of losing his so unbothered. “It doesn’t matter to her, Dom. You don’t need explan anything her” Serena stared at Dominic, waiting for to he nothing. He seemed frustrated. Even though was trying his mend things him and Serena nothing was out. other hand, Serena realized that it the that Dominic couldn’t make the choice but he already had. He had chosen life, violence, and power. And there was no room in that world for her. done, Dominic,” said, voice steady. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. Go be with Rosa, with you‘ ve gotten yourself into, but I’m not going to be part of any longer. ” waiting, she turned to leave but Dominic’s voice stopped her cold. ” paused, tears were at the corner her eyes, but she didn‘ t turn around. “I’ll stay out of your life,” said, his voice low and pained. leave you alone. ” The words more than she expected. She had waited so to hear them, now when he finally said it, she found them. unbearable. She swallowed the lump her throat and walked straight into her without looking back. In the following days, world was quiet again. No calls from Dominic, no surprise no gunshots and at her door. She had returned to her peaceful life, working at Vincent‘ s firm and working out, up for the time when she was running behind Dominic. 13:21 1/4 Chapter 7 felt strange, almost too calm, the calm before a storm. Then, one evening, her phone rang. It was Monica. ignoring three up call. Monica‘ s trembled the other end. “It’s Dominic. in the hospital. It’s bad. Please… need to come. ” Serena’s heart ached, but for a moment she stayed silent, to push down the swirl emotions. “I don‘ t care,” she replied, cold. Monica’s breath hitched. “Serena, he’s not going to make it. Please, are the only could help him to get through it. needs you. ” Serena closed her eyes, gripping phone tightly. For the time, she felt…unbearable. Rosa deal with it,” she making it clear.