Dominic

18

_________

The streets are silent as I guide the car toward Mercer’s secluded estate, the weight of the night pressing down like a storm about to break. Beside me, Eva sits stiffly, her arms crossed and her gaze locked on the passing cityscape. The tension between us isn’t anger—it’s the sheer gravity of what we’re about to face.

“We’re really doing this,” she says, her voice low but steady.

“There’s no other option,” I reply, gripping the wheel tighter.

“And if Mercer has backup?” she presses, turning to look at me.

I meet her gaze, her determination striking against my own. “Then we’ll deal with it. I’ve come too far to back down now.”

Her jaw tightens, but she nods. We both know this isn’t just about Mercer. The shadowy connections, the betrayal—it all leads to something bigger. Tonight, I intend to peel back the layers

Adrian’s intel on Mercer’s location is precise. The estate sits on the city’s outskirts, hidden behind towering iron gates and dense trees. It reeks of the kind of arrogance Mercer thrives on: secluded but screaming of power and privilege.

“Adrian’s team is already inside,” I tell Eva as I cut the engine. “They’ve got him pinned in his office.”

“,” she says, her hand brushing my arm. “If you corner him, he’s going to fight back. Desperate men are dangerous.”

Her concern isn’t misplaced, but there’s no room for hesitation now. I place my hand over hers briefly. “I know.”

We slip through the gates under the cover of shadows, the air tense and still. Adrian waits for us near a side entrance, his face grim.

“Mercer’s on the second floor,” he reports. “Two guards stationed outside his office. The cameras are offline, but he might have backups.”

“Keep them out of play,” I say.

Adrian nods, his team moving in sync as we breach the house. Eva stays close to my side, her steps quick and deliberate. Her presence is both grounding and unnerving—she shouldn’t be here, but I need her here.

Mercer’s office is exactly what I expect: extravagant and suffocatingly ostentatious. He’s seated behind a massive desk when we burst in, and for a split second, shock flashes across his face. Then the smirk sets in, his arrogance thick enough to choke on.

“Well, if it isn’t Kane,” he sneers, leaning back in his chair. “I was wondering when you’d finally show up.”

“No games, Mercer,” I snap. “We know what you’ve been doing. The dummy corporations, the sabotage—everything.”

He shrugs, the smirk widening. “You’re giving me too much credit, . If Kane Enterprises couldn’t handle the competition, that’s hardly my fault.”

“Cut the crap,” I growl. “You funded Conrad. You gave him the means to bring my company down.”

For the first time, the smirk falters, but only for a moment. “Conrad was a means to an end. He wanted revenge; I needed an inside man. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

Rage burns in my chest, but I keep it contained. Barely. “And what about the others? Who else is involved, Mercer?”

He leans forward, his tone almost gleeful. “You think I’m the mastermind? You’ve always been so shortsighted, . Conrad’s ambitions were bigger than you ever realized. And the people he’s working with? They make me look like an amateur.”

His words chill me, but before I can respond, the door bursts open. One of Mercer’s guards storms in, his face tight with panic.

“Sir, we’ve got—”

The guard doesn’t finish his sentence. Adrian’s team neutralizes him in seconds, but the interruption shatters the fragile control in the room. Mercer lunges for a drawer, and I barely have time to react.

“Don’t,” I bark, grabbing his arm and slamming it against the desk.

The room erupts in chaos. Eva blocks the exit with a chair, while Adrian’s men secure the remaining guards. Mercer struggles, but he’s pinned against the desk, his fury palpable.

“You’re too late,” he spits, his voice dripping venom. “By the time you figure out what’s really going on, it’ll be over.”

Once Mercer is restrained, Adrian’s team combs through his office. Eva sits perched on the edge of the desk, her expression unreadable.

“You were right,” I tell her, my voice low. “This was personal for Conrad. Mercer was just a pawn.”

Her gaze meets mine, her brown eyes fierce. “It doesn’t end here, . Conrad’s still out there, and whoever he’s working with is pulling the strings.”

I nod, the fire in my chest simmering into resolve. “We’ll find him. But we need to understand what we’re dealing with first.”

Adrian reenters, holding a laptop. “We’ve got something,” he says. “Mercer’s been communicating with Conrad through a private server. The encryption is tight, but we traced the IP address.”

“Where does it lead?”

“A shell company overseas,” Adrian replies. “But it’s connected to a larger network. There’s another player in this, someone directing all of it.”

Eva’s grip tightens on the edge of the desk. “And we still don’t know who.”

Back at the penthouse, the adrenaline that had fueled me during our confrontation with Mercer slowly seeped from my veins, but the tension remained, thick and palpable. I sat on the plush couch in the living room, the files and documents from Mercer's laptop scattered across the glass coffee table, each piece of evidence a reminder of the threat we were up against. Eva, my partner in this endeavor, took a seat beside me, her green eyes fixed on the papers as if she could decipher the entire scheme just by staring at them.

"This is bigger than we thought," she said, her voice steady and controlled, a stark contrast to the chaos of the situation. I admired her composure; it was one of the many qualities that drew me to her. "Whoever is behind this isn't just after Kane Enterprises. They're constructing something, . Something grand and sinister."

I nodded, my fingers skimming through the records, each one a testament to the meticulous planning that had gone into this operation. "They've been plotting for years. Every step is calculated, every move designed to bring us down. It's like they've been studying us, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."

Eva leaned back, her slender fingers massaging her temples as if trying to ease the weight of the conspiracy from her mind. "And we still don't know the full extent of it. Conrad is still out there, and if Mercer's intel is accurate, he's not acting alone."

A surge of protectiveness washed over me, and before I could stop myself, I reached for her hand, lacing my fingers with hers. Her touch was electric, a jolt of connection that grounded me in that moment. "We'll find him, Eva. We'll stop this before it goes any further. I won't let anyone hurt you or my company."

She turned to me, her eyes searching mine, and I saw determination mixed with a hint of vulnerability. "Together, . We'll face this together. We have to be each other's strength now." Her grip tightened around my hand, and I felt the warmth of her palm against mine.

In that instant, the tension between us shifted, transforming from the weight of the investigation to something more primal, more intimate. I could see the desire reflected in her eyes, a mirror to the hunger stirring within me. Without a word, I pulled her closer, my other hand sliding around her waist, drawing her slender body against mine. She responded eagerly, her lips parting in a silent invitation.

I leaned in, capturing her mouth in a kiss that started as a soft exploration but quickly ignited into a passionate dance. Her lips were warm and pliant, tasting of the wine we'd shared earlier. I delved deeper, my tongue tracing the contours of her mouth, and she met me stroke for stroke, her hands now gripping my shoulders, pulling me closer.

Breaking the kiss, I trailed my lips along her jawline, nipping and sucking gently, eliciting a soft moan from her throat. "God, Eva," I whispered against her skin, "I've wanted to do this since the moment I laid eyes on you."

She giggled, a playful sound that belied the intensity of the moment. "And I've been waiting for you to make a move, Mr. Kane. I thought you'd never ask."

I chuckled, my breath hot against her neck. "I'm making up for lost time, my dear journalist. And believe me, I intend to make it worth the wait."

My hands roamed freely over her body, mapping the curves I had longed to explore. I slid my fingers beneath the hem of her blouse, reveling in the softness of her skin. Her breath hitched as I teased the sensitive skin at the small of her back, and I savored the sensation of her responding to my touch.

Eva's hands were equally busy, unbuttoning my shirt with nimble fingers, her touch sending shivers down my spine. She broke away from our kiss, her lips traveling down my neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. I tilted my head back, giving her better access, and groaned as her teeth gently scraped my collarbone.

"Your skin is so warm," she murmured, her breath hot against my chest. "I want to feel all of you."

I needed no further encouragement. Standing up, I lifted her into my arms, her legs instinctively wrapping around my waist. I carried her to the bedroom, our lips never parting, our desire fueling each step. The files and the investigation were momentarily forgotten as the pent-up passion between us demanded release.

Laying her down on the bed, I hovered over her, my body poised to take what I craved. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation, and I knew she wanted this as much as I did. I kissed her again, hungrily, as my hands worked to rid her of her clothing. Her blouse was soon discarded, revealing a lacy black bra that barely contained her full breasts.

I paused, my gaze drinking in the sight of her. "You're breathtaking, Eva. Absolutely stunning."

She smiled, a mix of shyness and desire playing across her features. "So are you, . And I've been dying to see what's underneath all that expensive tailoring."

With that, I stood up, quickly shedding my shirt and pants, leaving me clad only in my boxer briefs. Her eyes widened at the sight of my muscular frame, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. I climbed back onto the bed, positioning myself between her legs, my erection straining against the fabric.

Eva's hands reached for me, her touch sending sparks of pleasure through my body. She ran her fingers along the waistband of my briefs, her breath hot and ragged as she whispered, "I want to touch you. All of you."

I obliged, pushing down my underwear, freeing my throbbing cock. It sprang forward, eager and ready, and Eva's eyes widened further, a mix of surprise and delight. "Oh, ," she breathed, her fingers tentatively tracing the length of my shaft.

I hissed at the contact, my body arching towards her touch. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to feel your hands on me."

Her exploration became bolder, her strokes firmer, and I reveled in the sensation of her small hands gliding up and down my length. I wanted to give her the same pleasure, so I reached for the clasp of her bra, unhooking it with trembling fingers. Her breasts spilled free, full and heavy, the nipples already taut with desire.

I lowered my head, taking a taut peak into my mouth, sucking and teasing it with my tongue. Eva arched her back, her hands threading through my hair, urging me on. I switched to the other breast, lavishing it with equal attention, while my hand traveled down her body, seeking the heat between her thighs.

I found her wetness, her panties already soaked with her arousal. I stroked her through the fabric, and she bucked against my hand, her breath coming in short gasps. "Please, ," she pleaded, "I need more."

I couldn't deny her, not when I wanted the same. I hooked my thumbs under the waistband of her panties and slid them down her legs, revealing her glistening sex. Her lips were swollen, and I could see her desire, a testament to her need for me.

Positioning myself at her entrance, I looked into her eyes, seeking her consent. She nodded, her green eyes dark with passion. "Yes, . Please, now."

I thrust forward, filling her in one smooth motion, our bodies becoming one. She cried out, her nails digging into my shoulders, as I began to move, setting a slow, steady rhythm. Her walls clenched around me, milking my cock, and I had to grit my teeth to maintain control.

"You feel so good," I grunted, my voice hoarse with need. "So tight, Eva. Like you were made for me."

She met my thrusts, her hips rising to greet each stroke, her hands exploring my back, her nails leaving fiery trails. "Harder, ," she begged, "Please, give it to me harder."

I obliged, my restraint shattering as I pounded into her, our bodies slapping together in a primal rhythm. The bed creaked beneath us, a testament to the ferocity of our passion. I reached between us, finding her clit, and began to rub in time with my thrusts.

Eva's breath hitched, her body tensing as she spiraled towards her climax. "Oh God, I'm close," she panted, her head thrown back, her auburn hair fanning out across the pillow.

"Come for me, Eva," I urged, my own orgasm building to an unbearable peak. "Let go, let me feel you come around me."

Her walls clamped down on my cock, milking me as her orgasm ripped through her. I felt her pussy pulsate around my shaft, and it was all I could do to hold on. With a final, powerful thrust, I surrendered to my own release, my body convulsing as I emptied myself deep within her.

We lay entangled, our hearts racing, our breath mingling. I brushed the sweat-dampened hair from her forehead, my lips finding hers in a tender kiss. "That was incredible," I whispered, my voice rough with post-coital satisfaction.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with contentment. "It was, but we're not done yet, . Not with the investigation or..." Her eyes trailed down my body, taking in my still semi-erect cock. "Or with this."

I grinned, my body already stirring at the prospect of another round. "Oh, we're definitely not done, my dear Eva. Not by a long shot."

As I leaned in to claim her lips once more, the files and the looming threat to Kane Enterprises faded from my mind, replaced by the all-consuming desire to explore every inch of Eva's body and to protect her from whatever dangers lay ahead. Together, we would face the challenges, united in our passion and determination.

Just as the night begins to settle, my phone buzzes with a new message. The number is unlisted, the words cutting through the fragile calm like a knife:

“Conrad is just the beginning. Your time is running out.”

I read the text twice, the implications sinking in like a lead weight.

“What is it?” Eva asks, her voice laced with unease.

I show her the screen, and her face pales.

“This isn’t over,” I say, my voice grim.

“No,” she agrees, her tone resolute. “It’s just getting started.”

The weight of the text message sinks in, its words searing into my mind like a brand. I reread it, hoping the threat doesn’t hit as hard the second time.

"Conrad is just the beginning. Your time is running out."

I grip the phone tightly, my knuckles whitening. This isn’t just a taunt. It’s calculated, meant to distract and provoke. But it’s not going to work. Not this time.

Across the room, Eva’s expression shifts from unease to determination. She rises from the couch and crosses to my side, her hand brushing mine to ground me. “,” she says softly, her voice cutting through the silence. “What do we do now?”

Her calm, steady presence pulls me back from the edge of my thoughts. She’s been my anchor through all of this, and I can’t afford to let her feel as helpless as I do right now.

“We hit back,” I say, my voice firm. “Whoever sent this is watching us, tracking our moves. But they made a mistake showing their hand.”

Eva arches a brow. “And how do you propose we find them? If this is coming from Conrad’s network, they’re clearly good at covering their tracks.”

“They’re not perfect,” I counter, already dialing Adrian. “Nobody is.”

Adrian picks up on the first ring, his voice sharp and focused. “I’ve been expecting your call,” he says.

I waste no time. “We got another message. Same burner method, same vague threat. I need this traced, Adrian. I don’t care how long it takes—find the source.”

“I’m already on it,” he replies. “That server we traced to Conrad’s shell company? It pinged another device recently. It’s not much, but it’s a lead.”

“How recent?” I demand, pacing the room.

“Less than an hour ago. The IP address flagged an access point downtown, in an industrial area. I’m pulling satellite feeds now.”

“Send me the address,” I say, cutting the call.

The air is charged as I pull open a drawer in the desk, revealing the gun I’ve kept hidden there. Eva watches me carefully, her arms crossed. “So, you’re going after them tonight?”

I nod. “I’m not waiting for them to make the next move. If Conrad—or whoever’s working with him—is careless enough to leave a trail, I’m going to follow it.”

“Then I’m coming with you.”

Her words stop me mid-motion, the gun feeling heavier in my hand. “No, Eva. It’s too dangerous.”

She steps forward, her eyes blazing with determination. “I’m not staying behind, . I’ve been a part of this from the start, and I’m not going to let you face it alone.”

“Eva, this isn’t a negotiation,” I snap, my frustration bleeding through. “I can’t protect you if you’re in the line of fire.”

“And what happens if something goes wrong out there?” she counters, her voice rising. “What happens if you don’t come back? You think I could live with myself knowing I just sat here and waited?”

Her words hit harder than I expect, knocking down the walls I’ve spent years building. She’s not wrong. Eva has never been the kind of person to stay on the sidelines, and asking her to do so now is asking her to be someone she isn’t.

“Fine,” I relent, my voice low but firm. “But you stay close, and you do exactly what I say. No exceptions.”

A flicker of relief crosses her face before she nods. “Deal.”

The drive to the industrial district is tense, the silence between us heavy with anticipation. Adrian’s directions lead us to an old, abandoned warehouse on the edge of the city. It’s the kind of place where deals go south and people disappear.

I park the car a few blocks away, cutting the engine and turning to Eva. “This could be a trap,” I warn. “If anything feels off, we’re out of here. No hesitation.”

“I understand,” she says, her voice steady.

We step out into the chilly night air, the sounds of the city fading as we approach the warehouse. The building looms ahead, its windows dark and its walls weathered with age.

Adrian’s voice crackles through my earpiece. “I’ve got eyes on the perimeter. No movement so far, but be careful. If they’re inside, they’re staying out of sight.”

“Understood,” I reply, my hand resting on the gun at my hip.

Eva follows closely as we slip through a side entrance, the door creaking on its hinges. The air inside is stale, the faint scent of oil and rust lingering.

The warehouse is a maze of crates and machinery, every shadow a potential threat. I lead the way, my senses on high alert. Eva stays close, her footsteps light and deliberate.

“Over here,” Adrian says through the earpiece. “There’s a heat signature in the back office. Could be one person, maybe two.”

We move silently toward the office, the faint glow of a computer screen visible through the cracked door. I hold up a hand, signaling Eva to stay back as I push the door open.

Inside, a man sits hunched over the desk, his focus on the laptop in front of him. He doesn’t hear us enter.

“Don’t move,” I bark, leveling my gun at him.

The man freezes, his hands hovering over the keyboard. Slowly, he raises them, his head turning to reveal a face I recognize all too well.

“Conrad,” I say, my voice dripping with venom.

He smirks, leaning back in his chair as if we’re old friends catching up. “. Took you long enough.”

I step closer, keeping the gun trained on him. “You’ve been busy,” I say coldly. “Sabotage, betrayal, hacking into my company’s systems. You’ve got quite the résumé.”

“You always underestimated me,” Conrad replies, his tone smug. “I told you my ideas would revolutionize Kane Enterprises, but you couldn’t see past your own ego. So, I found someone who could.”

“Mercer,” I say.

“Mercer was a means to an end,” Conrad sneers. “Just like you. You built the empire, , but I found the cracks. And now it’s all coming down.”

I slam my free hand on the desk, the sound echoing through the room. “Who are you working with, Conrad? Who’s pulling the strings?”

His smirk falters for the first time, a flicker of fear crossing his face. “You don’t know what you’re getting into,” he says, his voice low. “These people—they’re bigger than you, bigger than Kane Enterprises. You think you can stop them? You’re delusional.”

Before I can press him further, a noise from behind makes me whip around. Eva steps forward, her eyes locked on Conrad.

“Who are they?” she demands. “Why are they targeting —and me?”

Conrad’s gaze shifts to her, his smirk returning. “Ah, Eva. You’ve been quite the wildcard in all of this. They didn’t expect you to be so… involved.”

“Answer the question,” I growl, stepping between him and Eva.

He chuckles darkly. “You really think I’ll give you the answers you’re looking for? They’re watching us right now, . Every move you make, every step you take—it’s all part of their plan.”

Before I can react, Conrad slams his hand down on the laptop, triggering something I can’t see. The room fills with a blaring alarm, and the lights flicker ominously.

“Move!” I shout, grabbing Eva’s hand and pulling her toward the door.

Behind us, Conrad’s laughter echoes through the chaos. “You’re too late, ! It’s already begun!”

We race through the warehouse, the alarm drowning out the sound of our footsteps. Outside, Adrian’s voice cuts through the earpiece.

“We’ve got movement!” he shouts. “Multiple vehicles approaching. You need to get out of there—now!”

Eva and I sprint toward the exit, my grip on her hand unrelenting. The warehouse shakes as something explodes behind us, sending a wave of heat and debris through the air.

We reach the car just as Adrian’s team engages the approaching vehicles. Bullets ricochet off the pavement, and I shove Eva into the passenger seat before diving into the driver’s side.

The engine roars to life, and I floor it, the tires screeching as we speed away from the chaos.

As the city lights blur past, my phone buzzes with a new message. I glance at the screen, my heart sinking as I read the words:

"You can run, , but you can’t hide. Conrad was just the beginning."

Eva looks at me, her face pale but resolute. “What does it say?”

I meet her gaze, the weight of the message heavy on my shoulders. “It means they’re not done with us. Not even close.”