Chapter 17 - The Choice
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Dominic stared at her, his heart hammering against his ribs. He had spent his entire life building walls to keep people out, terrified that anyone who got close would become a target or a traitor.
But Marin had stood inside the walls while they were crumbling and refused to run.
“You chose to stay for your job. To protect Eli,” Dominic reasoned, trying to offer her a way out, terrified of the answer.
Marin reached up, her soft hand gently cupping his jaw, her thumb brushing just beneath the edge of his scar.
“I stayed for Isabella,” Marin said softly. “And I stayed for Eli. But I stood in front of that panic room door praying that you would walk through it. Because I couldn't bear the thought of this house without you in it.”
The breath left Dominic’s lungs in a rush.
He didn't hesitate anymore. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest, and crushed his lips against hers.
The kiss was desperate, hungry, and filled with all the terror and longing they had suppressed for months. Marin kissed him back fiercely, her hands tangling in his dark hair, entirely surrendering to the man beneath the monster.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Dominic rested his forehead against hers.
“You are going to be the death of my sanity, Marin Hayes,” he murmured.
“Good,” she smiled, a radiant, genuine expression that made him feel inexplicably light. “You could use a little madness.”
The following morning, the atmosphere in the mansion felt completely different.
Dominic walked into the kitchen to find Eli sitting at the island, successfully demanding chocolate chip pancakes from the terrifying head chef, who was miraculously complying.
“Morning, Mr. Hitman,” Eli chirped, his mouth full of pancake.
Dominic poured himself a cup of coffee, hiding a smile behind the mug. “Good morning, Eli. And it’s Dominic.”
“Mom says I have to call you Mr. Virelli,” Eli corrected, pointing a sticky fork at him.
“I think,” Dominic said smoothly, glancing at Marin who had just walked into the kitchen, “we can drop the formalities.”
May you like
Marin blushed, her eyes darting away, but a soft smile touched her lips.
For the first time in years, the Virelli mansion wasn't just a fortress built for secrets. It felt, undeniably, like a home.
