Chapter 7

Serena

I wrap my hair around the curling iron, getting ready for work. It's starting to go back to its natural color, no longer the shade of platinum blonde, it’s slightly darker now. It makes me feel ecstatic. I have always loved it like that more.

As I lean in closer to the mirror to apply my lipstick, a shiver runs through me. The memory of Salvatore's kiss invades my mind. I hate to admit it, but my whole body tingled when his lips crushed against mine, despite my anger.

I glance at my bare finger, contemplating for a moment. With a sigh, I slip on my wedding ring. Not because he told me to, but to avoid any drama or news about trouble in paradise. That’s what I tell myself, at least.

I had a blast at the club last night. I have never been so carefree before. I danced and laughed without stressing about what people might think about me. For the first time in forever, I didn't worry about my stomach being bloated, or my hair being a mess, or having to act a certain way. It was just me, living in the moment, surrounded by people who wanted normalcy.

As I open the door to leave, I don’t see any sign of Salvatore. He must have left earlier. Is it evil that I’m enjoying his suffering? Enjoying him tasting his own medicine? Maybe, but I can't help it.

I was always curious about his past. He never talked about his mother or even visited her grave. But it would be a cold day in hell when I would let him use it as an excuse for why he treated me the way he did. So, I chose not to hear it.

I get into my car, start it, and head to the office. The drive is quick, the morning traffic surprisingly light. When I arrive, I take off my blazer and immediately start working. There’s a stack of documents on my desk that need reviewing.

After checking over some contracts, there’s a knock at my door. “Come in,” I say, looking up from my work. Daniel walks in.

“Good morning,” he says, pushing over a chair from my office and positioning it next to me.

“Morning,” I reply, a smile tugging at my lips.

Daniel settles into the chair, placing a takeout bag on my desk. “Last night was great. We should do it again sometime.”

I nod. “Definitely, it was so fun.”

“Are you hung-over?” he asks, rubbing his temple. “My head is killing me. I almost didn’t come to work today.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Nope, I didn’t drink too much. Maybe you shouldn’t have either.”

“We only live once,” he says with a grin, pulling out a couple of sandwiches from the bag. “Want to have breakfast together?”

I think about it for a moment before agreeing, seeing no harm in it. “Sure, why not.”

I put the papers away and take a piece of the sandwich he offers me. We talk about casual stuff—movies we’ve seen, places we want to visit, funny stories from university. It's easy and light.

As Daniel and I finish our breakfast, the door swings open, and Salvatore strides in with Evelyn right behind him.

“Serena, your husband wanted to surprise you at work today,” She announces, her voice overly bright.

She flushes, seemingly swooning at the gesture before excusing herself. I’m sure that he smoothed it over with her after their first interaction; she seems smitten with him now. That bastard has charm.

Salvatore stands there, a huge bouquet of glimmering red roses in his hands, his eyes locking onto Daniel with a predatory glare. Daniel stiffens beside me, the lightness from moments ago evaporating into a charged silence.

“Good morning, Serena,” Salvatore says smoothly, but there’s a dangerous edge to his tone. “I see you’re enjoying breakfast.”

Daniel rises from his chair, extending a hand. “Good morning, Mr. Agosti. We were just grabbing a quick bite before the day starts.”

I stand up, trying to ease the sudden tension. “Salvatore, this is my colleague, Daniel. Daniel, this is my husband, Salvatore.”

Daniel looks flustered, his hand trembling slightly as Salvatore grips it with a force that makes him wince. “Of course, I know who he is,” Daniel stammers. “I look up to him.”

Salvatore’s eyes narrow as he looks Daniel over with barely concealed disgust. “I’m glad my wife has a friendly colleague to keep her entertained,” he says, putting a sharp emphasis on the word colleague.

Salvatore releases Daniel’s hand, and I see Daniel flex his fingers subtly, trying to shake off the pain.

“It seems I interrupted something,” Salvatore continues, the fire in his eyes seemingly wanting to burn us all.

“We were just talking about last night. It was a great time,” Daniel says.

“Oh, I’m sure it was,” Salvatore replies coldly. “I’ll make sure to come with next time, I don’t want to miss out on the fun.”

Daniel’s face reddens, clearly intimidated. “Yes, you’re more than welcome. It was nice meeting you, but I should get back to work.”

Before he can leave, Salvatore steps forward and pulls me into a kiss, his lips crashing onto mine with a force that takes my breath away. It’s not just a kiss—he's claiming me, almost devouring my mouth with his tongue, right in front of Daniel.

I push against his chest, but Salvatore only tightens his grip, deepening the kiss. My body betrays me, and I melt into him for a moment.

Daniel clears his throat awkwardly. “I’ll, uh, leave you two alone. Excuse me.”

He rushes out of the room, the door closing softly behind him. Salvatore finally breaks the kiss, looking smug.

I bare my teeth at him, whisper-yelling, “Next time, piss all over me like a dog.”

He chuckles, trapping me in the chair with his muscular arms. “When it comes to staking my claim, baby, I’m even worse than an animal,” he says, his lips moving against mine as he speaks.

I huff out, side-eyeing the bouquet on my desk. “Roses again? Didn’t you get the hint when they didn’t work the first, second, or tenth time?”

He completely ignores what I’m saying. “He wants you,” he announces, his voice dripping with jealousy.

“I know he does,” I taunt, even though it’s not the truth. I doubt that Daniel is romantically interested in me; he may be more interested in my husband than in me, but I want to see Salvatore suffer. I want to see him burn with jealousy.

His jaw clenches. “I don’t want him near you.”

“Why, Salvatore?” I say, tilting my head to the side, mocking him. “Afraid he might steal me away?”

“You’re mine,” he barks, his grip tightening on the chair.

“Am I?” I whisper. “Because it didn’t feel that way when you were lying to me.”

He growls low in his throat, the sound vibrating against my skin. “You think you can play these games, Serena?”

I smirk, enjoying the power I have over him, even if it’s fleeting. “What games, Salvatore?”

He bites my ear, his breath hot against it. “If he touches you, I’ll bring his head to you on a platter.”

“Big words,” I reply, even though I am sure he would do it.

His hand grips my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes. “Try me.”

His aura is full of violence, and I can tell he’s thinking of all the ways to kill Daniel. He’s trying to control his anger, his jealousy, but its clear he’s on the verge of losing it.

“Why do you care so much?” I ask, genuinely curious. “If you don’t love me, why does it matter?”

He looks away, breaking the intense eye contact. “Because you’re mine,” he repeats.

I sigh, leaning back in the chair to put space between us. “You need to figure out what you really want, Salvatore,” I say quietly. “Because this—whatever this is—it’s not working.”

He doesn’t respond, just stands there, his presence overwhelming as ever. I can sense him struggling to understand his own feelings. And for a moment, just a moment, I almost feel sorry for him. But then I remember what he put me through, and I harden my heart once more.

“Come with me,” Salvatore says.

I pretend to be focused on something on my computer, my fingers tapping aimlessly on the keyboard. In truth, I don’t want to look at him. If I do, I might break down. He doesn’t love me, but he wants the privileges he had with me as his loving wife back. And the worst part is, I still love him, despite everything. His recent behavior, this sudden shift, is making it impossible for me to move on. I would be damned if I give in though.

“I have work to do, Salvatore. I have no time to entertain your midlife crisis,” I say.

He is undeterred. “I’ve already spoken to Harper. You have the day off. I’ve planned something.”

Anger flares inside me. “I don’t want to jeopardize this job. How dare you!”

He grins wickedly. “You’re an extraordinary lawyer, Serena. But even if you weren’t, she wouldn’t fire you. Your last name is enough.”

I dig my fingernails into my hand, the truth of his words stinging. I’ve always excelled at what I do, scoring top marks in my courses. But the chance of Evelyn hiring me as a junior partner straight after graduation, with no experience, would have been slim if not for Salvatore’s last name.

“Get out,” I spit out.

He corners me, his testosterone overflowing in my office. “You either come with me willingly, or I’ll carry you over my shoulder, kicking and screaming. It would be my pleasure.”

I know he’s not bluffing. The defiance drains out of me, replaced by resignation. I grab my purse and stand up, hitting his shoulder with mine as I pass him.

He laughs, the sound low and amused. It must have felt like the touch of a feather to him, but it’s satisfying to know I at least tried.

We leave the office, his hand resting possessively on my lower back. I feel the eyes of my colleagues on us as we walk out, their curiosity and judgment palpable. The humiliation burns, but I keep my head high, refusing to let him see how much this affects me.

The car ride is silent, tension thick in the air. I stare out the window, my mind racing with thoughts of what he could possibly have planned.