Vincenzo stared out the window, his thoughts lost in a turbulent haze. A destructive urge simmered beneath his skin, a need to unleash the beast clawing inside him. But he clenched his fists, struggling to hold onto control. The illness made it harder every day, its dark influence testing his patience.
The door opened behind him, and he heard the footsteps of two familiar people—Venessa and Brian. He didn't turn around, his gaze still fixed on the city lights.
"Boss, the drugs are ready for shipment," Brian announced, his voice steady and respectful.
Without breaking his stare, Vincenzo nodded. "Prepare the hotel for our launch in the countryside," he replied curtly.
"Yes, boss," Brian responded, glancing at Venessa before leaving the room.
Venessa lingered, her heels clicking softly against the floor as she approached him. She watched him for a moment, concern etched across her face. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Her question pierced through his haze of anger, and he finally looked at her, his gaze dark and smoldering. The beast within him surged to the surface, his temper flaring uncontrollably. Before he realized what he was doing, he grabbed her, pulling her close and pinning her to the wall.
Their eyes met, and in that charged moment, his lips crashed against hers, fierce and unyielding. He could taste the sharp bite of her surprise, but it only fueled him further. His teeth grazed her lips, biting just hard enough to leave a sting.
Venessa's heart raced as she found herself caught in his grip. She was strong—she'd taken down more dangerous men than she could count, and in the face of any other rival, she would have struck back without hesitation. But Vincenzo was different. She couldn't bring herself to fight him, even as the intensity of his kiss left her breathless.
Finally, Vincenzo pulled back, his gaze still locked on her, a flicker of regret mingling with the raw intensity in his eyes. He took a step back, his hands loosening, his expression shifting.
"I… I'm fine," he murmured, his voice softer but still laced with the weight of his struggle. He turned away, leaving her pressed against the wall, the taste of his kiss lingering.
Venessa watched him as he moved to the window again, her hand brushing her bruised lips. She knew there was a dangerous tension between them—one that could either pull them closer or shatter everything they'd built.