Evelyn.

I groaned as I opened my eyes to the soft morning light streaming through the windows. This wasn't my room, I noticed. 

My eyes tracked from the white ceiling to the drip fixed on my wrist. 

What happened? Did Victor finally bring me to the hospital? And why can't I remember anything?

Just then, a nurse came in. 

"Hi, you're awake," she beamed. "I hope you're feeling better."

"Where's my husband?" I asked her.

"It wasn't your husband that brought you here, Mrs Blackthorn." I wasn't surprised she knew my name. Victor made sure to keep the social media well informed of his private life.

After adjusting my drip, the nurse handed me a cup of water with a straw and asked, "Do you need anything else?"

I shook my head as I drained the water in the cup. There was a TV hung on the wall opposite the bed and my eyes were glued to it, because they were showing the events of last night's banquet.

"On second thought, can you please increase the volume for me?" 

She nodded and did so, walking out soon after. 

"...fainted on stage and was rescued by a mysterious stranger. Rumors have been circulating that he is a member of the mafia, but due to the fact that his face wasn't captured, we aren't able to prove anything yet."

My heart thumped as I watched the news. The way I slumped on the stage was unflattering and Victor would be sure to point that out when he comes.

But that was the least of my worries now. I needed to leave before the mysterious stranger came back, or worse, my husband. 

"Public opinions, however, are divided at this point. Some people are in support of the Blackthorn bride, insisting that Mr. Blackthorn has taken it too far..." 

My heart swelled, knowing that not everyone took his side like they always do. After all, he was a huge celebrity to the people and also on the Forbes list.

"...but the majority support Mr. Blackthorn, more so because of the statement he released this morning saying the mysterious stranger was actually Mrs. Blackthorn's lover, and the reason for her miscarriage."

For the first time in a very long time, anger fueled inside me against Victor. Grabbing the remote on the bed stand, I turned the TV off and got to work on removing the drip connected to my wrist. 

If I stay here any longer, I risk someone seeing me and calling Victor. Or worse, someone calling the paparazzi. 

I couldn't wait for the doctor to come in either, because I wasn't sure they'd discharge me without alerting anyone. 

When I was done removing everything, I made my way to the door slowly. I was in pain, but I had already endured worse while living with Victor.

However, my plan was thwarted when I got to the door. I broke into a run for the elevator, only to collide with a hard body. 

I groaned as pain wracked through my entire body, but thankfully, I was still on my feet and I realized that the person I ran into was holding me up.

"I'm sorry," I apologized as I looked up to see Liam Kingsley, the king of the corporate world; at least, according to the media.

Quickly, I scurried out of his embrace. He was Victor's rival, being number one on the Forbes list, and I didn't need anyone to remind me that rich men were cruel.

I was a living proof of that, but dang, he's handsome. His blond hair was gelled back, and his green eyes pierced into my honey ones.

"Do I know you?" He asked, effectively snapping me out of my thoughts. "You look familiar."

Shaking my head vigorously, I replied, "No, I'm sure you don't."

Without wasting time, I tried to bypass him but he held me back. Goosebumps erupted from my body due to the contact and I gasped.

I'm sure he felt it too because his lips slightly parted, and I couldn't help but notice them.

Snap out of it, Evelyn.

"It was nice to meet you, but I've really got to go."

But instead of releasing me from his grip, he just tilted his head like he was studying me. The ding of the elevator sounded behind him, just as a man stepped out.

He looked at me, and my heart hammered in my throat as I took in his hoodie. 

"Get away from her," he barked as he pulled me away from Liam's grip.

In confusion, I turned to him and asked, "Do I know you?"

Liam let out a short laugh and remarked, "The irony. Guess I'll be seeing you around, little angel."

My eyes widened. Little angel?

"Let's go," the man holding me said.

But I pushed him away. "I'm not going anywhere with you. For all I know, Victor sent you to kill me."

That made him chuckle.

"Well, unless you want the doctors to discover that you're missing and call your husband, I'll advise you to follow me."

How did he know that I was running from the doctors?

As if reading my mind, he answered, "If you were properly discharged, they would call the person who brought you in, no?"

"You're the one that brought me in? You're the mysterious stranger?" I asked, surprised and extremely grateful.

"No, I'm not. But I'm taking you to see him now." He replied and pulled me over to the elevator just as the doctor entered my room. 

***

We pulled into an estate, bigger than the Blackthorn Estate. And that's saying a lot, because the Blackthorns loved to showcase their wealth.

This one, however, looked old but still elegant. Getting in, I was nervous to meet the Good Samaritan who came to my aid yesterday.

"Don, she's here," the man who brought me here said.

"Thank you, Marco. You may leave."

I followed the voice I clearly remembered from last night, to see a man in a hoodie coming towards me. My first instinct was to run, because I had always associated hoodies with assassins. 

But instead, I stood my ground and said, "Thank you so much for saving me yesterday."

"It's nice to have your acquaintance, Evelyn. I'm Dominic," he replied, pulling off his hood. 

And for the second time today, I came face to face with a hot man that could make any woman wet her panties, and I was no exception. 

Apart from the fact that my savior had dark hair and even darker eyes, he also had piercings and tattoos. I gulped as he moved closer, but I couldn't move as fear kept me frozen.

Dominic.

I moved closer to Evelyn, her name still echoing in my head from the news broadcast this morning. 

I was forced to listen to it in the police station when they questioned me about the fire, my club and basically everything about my life.

They tried to keep me there longer than necessary, but they had nothing solid. So they let me go for now. But I knew it was only a matter of time before they called me back.

So yes, I was angry, exhausted and running on no sleep. But all of that faded the moment I looked at her.

The bruises on her face were already starting to fade, but it did nothing to calm the anger inside me. 

"Umm... if there's nothing else, I would like to be on my way," Evelyn muttered, and that's when I realized that she was scared of me.

I stepped back immediately and shoved my hands into my pockets, forcing myself to look less threatening.

"So if you leave," I said carefully, "do you have a place to go?"

I didn't want her to leave.

I knew I shouldn't keep her. But I also knew that if she walked out of this house, it was only a matter of time before her douchebag husband found her again.

"I'll find somewhere," she replied softly. "You've already helped me enough."

She turned to leave.

I opened my mouth to stop her, but before the words could come out, she suddenly doubled over and gasped loudly.

 I was at her side in an instant.

"Easy," I muttered, gripping her arm to steady her.

She winced and her face paled. That did it.

"You're staying," I said firmly. "At least until you heal."

"But-"

"No buts." My voice came out harder than I intended. "You and I both know there's nowhere you can hide from your husband."

She hesitated, her shoulders slumping slightly as if the fight had drained out of her.

"How can I repay you?" she asked quietly.

"Don't worry about that," I replied. "Just get better."

I guided her up the stairs to the guest room where she had been treated earlier.

"I'll make you some soup," I added. "And I'll have some clothes delivered. Then maybe... we can talk later."

She looked at me with teary eyes and gave a small nod.

"Thank you," she whispered, and I felt so damn proud of myself.

***

I went downstairs and headed straight for the kitchen. I rarely cooked, since I had a chef for that. But I had dismissed everyone for the day.

I scanned the kitchen, trying to decide where to start, when Marco walked in. He stopped and took everything in.

"What are you doing?" he asked slowly.

"I'm making soup."

He blinked in disbelief.

"For... her?"

"Yes."

His brows lifted slightly. "You're getting attached."

I didn't answer.

He scoffed. "You don't even know her."

"I know enough."

"Clearly not," he muttered.

That got my attention. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He leaned against the counter, folding his arms. "I saw her at the hospital."

My eyes narrowed. "And?"

"With Liam Kingsley."

My body went still.

"...What?"

"They were talking," Marco continued. "Very intimately. And when he was leaving, he called her 'little angel.'"

The words sank in slowly. Liam Kingsley.

The same Liam who had tried to screw me over more times than I could count. The same Liam who smiled to your face while stabbing you in the back. 

My hand slammed against the counter.

So that was it.

She walks into my life out of nowhere, just happens to be rescued by me, just happens to be in the same hospital as Liam, and just happens to need protection.

This was a setup.

I didn't say another word to Marco. Instead, I turned and left the kitchen, taking the stairs two at a time.

As much as I wanted to protect her, I wouldn't be played. I wouldn't let Liam use her to get to me, not again.

I reached the guest room and pushed the door open without knocking, but the room was empty.

"Fuck," I muttered.

Just as I turned to leave, the bathroom door opened and she stepped out, wrapped in nothing but a short towel.

Water drops clung to her skin, and her hair was damp around her shoulders. She froze when she saw me, her eyes widening.

"Oh... um... is there a problem?" she asked nervously. "Did you need something?"

For a second, my mind went blank. She looked so innocent, nothing like the manipulative little spy Marco had just painted in my head.

But I wasn't fooled.

"What business do you have with Liam Kingsley?" I demanded.

Her brows furrowed. "What?"

"Don't play dumb with me," I snapped, grabbing her arm. "Did he send you? Is this some kind of game to you?"

Her breath hitched. "I don't know what you're talking about."

But I didn't believe her. I tightened my grip slightly, frustration taking over. "Answer me."

Her lips trembled. "I-I really don't understand..."

I leaned in, my voice dropping. "So help me, Evelyn, if you don't tell me the truth right now, you will regret ever thinking you could deceive me."

That seemed to annoy her because she shoved me hard.

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about!" she yelled. "I have never even met Liam Kingsley until I ran into him at the hospital today!"

She jabbed her finger into my chest, anger blazing in her eyes.

"I don't know what it is with rich men like you," she continued, her voice shaking, "thinking that because you have money, you can control everyone around you! I am tired of all of you. I didn't even want to stay in your stupid house, remember?"

Her chest heaved as she finished, and I couldn't help noticing the way the towel strained against her body.

But I pushed the thought away. I stepped forward and she stepped back, until her back hit the wall and my body caged her in.

Her breath quickened as I raised a hand and wrapped it around her neck. It wasn't too tight, but it was enough to remind her of the difference between us.

"Don't you ever talk to me like that again," I whispered. "Do you understand?"

Her eyes widened and the fire in them dimmed. She swallowed hard and nodded, as a small whimper escaped her lips.

And something inside me snapped.

I didn't know when I leaned in. I didn't know when my hand tightened or when my mouth crashed against hers.

One second, I was furious. And the next second, I was kissing her hard.

Her lips were soft and tasted like strawberries. The taste was addictive and I groaned before I could stop myself, pulling her closer without thinking.

Her tense body relaxed after that, and that was my breaking point.

I pulled away, breathing heavily as I stepped back.

What the hell was I doing?

I turned away from her without a word and stormed out of the room.

As I descended the stairs, I saw Marco waiting for me in the living room.

"Don," he said. "We have a problem."

I stopped walking. "What now?"

He hesitated. "It's Victor Blackthorn."

My blood went cold.

"He just put out a statement," Marco continued. "He's offering a huge reward to anyone who finds his wife."

I slowly turned back toward the guest room door.

"And your address," Marco added quietly, "is already trending online."

Liam Kingsley.

I leaned back in my chair, letting the leather swallow me as I watched the chaos unfold on multiple screens: the fire at Deranged Desires, Victor Blackthorn's latest statement, and every single gossip about his wife.

Normally, I wouldn't care this much about domestic dramas. They were trivial and fleeting. But everything in this particular disaster revolved around Dominic Russo. 

And Dominic... Well, he always made things interesting.

"Mr. Kingsley," my personal assistant called, stepping into the office with that half-bow posture that people use around me.

I didn't look up immediately. My mind was still calculating probabilities as I anticipated Dominic's next moves.

"The address I told you to post?" I asked, finally lifting my gaze.

"Trending, sir. Social media is exploding. People are speculating on everything from the fire to the Blackthorn drama, and the location you released... it's what everyone is talking about."

I smiled. "Good. You're dismissed."

As soon as he left, I leaned back further and let the sense of accomplishment settle into my mind. 

Phase one was complete. The public's attention was mine to direct now, and every move Dominic makes would be under my scrutiny.

I picked up my phone and dialed the head of security.

"Go watch the address I gave you. Any movement from that location, any vehicle leaving, I want everything tracked. I want to know where the lady is moved to, and I want that intel in real time."

"Understood, sir. Already on it."

Perfect. 

Dominic had no idea that the woman he was protecting was already on my radar. It wouldn't take long, and I'd have her exact location. 

And then, let's just say Dominic's little fortress of control would come crashing down.

I was still lost in thoughts when the office door opened and I didn't need to see her to know it was Isabella. Her heels were loud enough to announce her presence.

"Hey baby," she said as she entered, the scent of her expensive perfume already filling the room. "There's a function tonight that I'm going to need you for. You don't have to worry though, it won't take long."

I sighed and nodded my head. I knew fully well that she only needed me for the red carpet, but I hated events so much. 

However, I knew I would still go. 

She walked round the table and climbed into my lap, adjusting her posture as if she was posing for a magazine cover. 

"Also," she added, snapping a selfie from the right angle, "I'll need a few shots for the gram. Can't let the people forget we exist."

We were actually not intimate. Our relationship was designed for cameras and tabloids, nothing more. 

Isabella and I had history. We had been close friends in college, and she was there for me when I was only just a rich orphan.

However, when we kept getting our hearts broken by people we loved, we created this. We were exclusive enough to make this believable, but behind closed doors, we were distant enough to keep our hearts safe. 

This relationship offered her protection from her mother's matchmaking, while I got control over my own impulses. 

After the selfies, she stood up and leaned in for a quick peck. Then she flicked her hair back, and strutted out of the office like she owned it. 

After she was gone, I exhaled slowly as my thoughts immediately went back to Evelyn.

She had no idea how close she was to being in the center of a war between men whose lives had been built on betrayal, blood, and generational hate.

Dominic was protecting her from her husband, but from me? That would be more difficult than he could ever imagine.

I tapped a few keys on my laptop and the security feed was live now. I was connected to every camera around the trending address.

The vehicle he would use to move Evelyn would be under my lens within seconds of departure. And I would know exactly where she ends up.

Finally, a vehicle moved and the head of security confirmed it immediately: she was on the move. But I didn't move yet.

I just relaxed into my chair, watching. By the time the convoy stopped, she was in a secure location. Dominic had done what he always did best: protect her. 

But now, she was in my world. And I intended to make my first move soon.

Everything was going according to plan. Right now, this city was a chessboard, and all pieces moved under my command.

I waited till it was nighttime when I was sure that Dominic wouldn't be there. And then I stood up, buttoned my jacket carefully, and drove to the house.

I scanned the perimeter, and saw two guards playing cards behind the house. Dominic always overestimated his men, but I loved to take matters into my own hands. 

I slipped in through the open window of her bedroom and landed inside without a sound.

She was on the bed, curled up and reading a book with her back to the window. It was only when I pulled the window shut that she looked up and saw me.

And when she did, her breath hitched as the book slipped from her fingers.

"What... what are you doing here?" she whispered as she sat up. She pulled the blanket all the way to her chin, like it would somehow protect her from me.

"Is the door locked?" I asked, signaling to the bedroom door. 

"Yes," she replied as her eyes grew teary.

"Now, I'm going to need you to be very quiet." 

She nodded just as I took a seat in the chair opposite her bed, crossing my legs like I owned the place.

Her chest was rising too fast and it seemed like she was on the verge of having a panic attack.

"Relax," I murmured. "If I wanted you hurt, you'd already be screaming."

Her eyes widened, but she visibly relaxed. I then leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees.

"We meet again, little Angel. And this time, there's nowhere to run to."