Chapter 8 I watched Primo's taillights disappear into the darkness , my heart still hammering against my ribs . I let go of Adrian's arm , taking a step back . " I'm so sorry . And thank you for standing up for me back there . " " Sorry ? " Adrian's brow furrowed . " Why would you apologize ? Any real man would have done the same . " " That's not- " I wrapped my arms around myself , the night air suddenly feeling colder . " You don't understand . Your life might actually be in danger now . This is my fault for dragging you into this mess . " " Drag me into what ? " Adrian's lips curved into a slight smile . " It's not like we're dealing with the mafia here . " The words died in my throat . I couldn't . meet his eyes , couldn't form a response that wouldn't put him in even more danger . 80 % 19:02 1/6 Chapter B The silence stretched between us , heavy with unspoken truth . Adrian's smile faded . His face went completely blank as realization dawned . " No way . " He stared at me , gray eyes widening slightly . " You're not serious . " I kept my gaze fixed on the ground , unable to lie but knowing the truth could get him killed . " They're not just any mafia family . " My voice came out barely above a whisper . " That was Primo Chromos . " Adrian's face drained of color . " Chromos ? " " Yes . His family's about to be promoted to join the Big Five . " I swallowed hard . " They'll make it six families at the top once the deal goes through ." Adrian shook his head , running a hand through his hair . A thought struck me then , one that brought an unexpected flutter of hope . " But there's 80 % 19.02 2/6 Chapter 8 something working in our favor . The promotion … it's not guaranteed . It depends on the merger between our families . And that merger depends on our marriage ." " What do you mean ? " " My family's connections are what they need to secure their position . Without me , without this marriage … " I straightened my shoulders . " The deal falls apart . The promotion falls apart . Everything Primo's family has worked for depends on me saying ' I do . " Adrian stood there , processing this revelation in silence . His gray eyes studied my face with an intensity that made me want to look away , but I held his gaze . " But wouldn't that just make him kill your family ? " Adrian's question cut through my momentary surge of confidence . My shoulders slumped . " Yes . That's exactly what would happen . His family's much more powerful than ours . The only reason 80 % 19:02 3/6 Chapter 8 he's even bothering with marriage is because we control the coastal routes they need . " Adrian nodded , his expression turning resolute . " Then it's better if you just agree to the marriage . I won't have you risking your life and your family's lives . " " What about you ? " I stepped closer , searching his face . " He'll come after you . " A sad smile crossed his features . " It's fine . I'm an orphan , don't have anything to lose . anyway . " His casual acceptance of potential death struck me like a physical blow . The bravery in his words twisted something in my chest , but … something felt wrong . The thought of Adrian dying just to maintain my image , to keep up appearances , it made me sick . " No. " I grabbed his wrist . " Come with me to my mansion . I'm not letting you be killed for this . " 80 % 19:02 4/6 pter 8 " Asteria- " " I mean it ." I tugged him toward my car . " This isn't up for debate . " I drove through the winding roads leading to my family's estate , casting worried glances at Adrian in the passenger seat . His face remained unreadable in the darkness , illuminated only by passing streetlights . The wrought iron gates of the Mitchell mansion opened as I approached . The security system recognized my car , letting us glide up the curved driveway . "This is … " Adrian's voice trailed off as he took in the sprawling Georgian architecture . " Home . At least for now . " I killed the engine , the silence settling heavy around us . My phone buzzed . The screen lit up with Primo's name , making my stomach clench . 80 % 19.02 5/6 Chapter 8 " Remember our arrangement , cara mia . I have eyes everywhere . You WILL be my wife , or there will be consequences . Don't think I won't know if you try anything stupid with that art guy . " I switched off the phone , shoving it deep into my purse . My hands trembled slightly as I gripped the steering wheel , trying to steady my breathing . " Bad news ? " Adrian asked softly . " Just Primo , being his usual charming self . " I forced a smile I didn't feel . " Reminding me of my place in his world . " Adrian's jaw tightened , but he said nothing . The mansion loomed before us , most windows dark except for the security lights . The clock on my dashboard read . I grabbed my keys , the metal cold against my palm . " Come on . "