MADDEST OBSESSION - Chapter 11: Chapter 11
You are reading MADDEST OBSESSION, Chapter 11: Chapter 11. Read more chapters of MADDEST OBSESSION.
The grand hall sparkled under a cascade of chandeliers, the soft hum of expensive conversation filling the air. Powerful men in tailored suits mingled with elegant women draped in designer gowns. The air smelled of wealth, ambition, and danger.
Aria stood at Dominic’s side, her hand resting lightly on his arm as cameras flashed around them. The gown he’d chosen for her was as much a weapon as it was a statement—a daring crimson silk that clung to her curves and commanded attention.
She hated how easily she fit the role. How her father’s lessons in grace, poise, and manipulation came flooding back.
The whispers followed them as they walked.
"That’s the De Luca girl."
"She married him to save her father’s empire."
"Poor thing… or maybe not so poor."
Dominic leaned in, his voice low against her ear. “You’re perfect.”
She forced a tight smile. “And you enjoy parading me like one of your assets.”
He chuckled. “They need to see that I have everything they want. And that I will never lose it.”
Before she could answer, a familiar voice interrupted.
“Dominic.”
They both turned as Salvatore Romano approached, flanked by two of his men. He wore a devilish grin, but his eyes held cold calculation.
“Salvatore,” Dominic greeted stiffly. “I’m surprised you showed up tonight.”
Salvatore’s eyes shifted to Aria, his gaze lingering a second too long. “How could I miss meeting your lovely wife? The whole city’s been talking about your… arrangement.”
Aria held her ground, meeting his gaze without flinching. She knew this man. Knew his charm was a mask for something far more sinister.
Salvatore extended his hand to her. “Aria. You are even more stunning up close.”
She hesitated for only a moment before taking his hand briefly. His fingers lingered, sending a clear message: I see you. I want you.
Dominic’s jaw tightened beside her.
“Careful, Salvatore,” Dominic said, voice calm but sharp. “That hand doesn’t belong on my wife.”
Salvatore smirked, letting go. “Of course. Forgive my enthusiasm. Such beauty deserves admiration.”
The tension was palpable, drawing the attention of nearby guests.
“Enjoy the evening,” Salvatore said, bowing his head slightly before disappearing back into the crowd.
Dominic’s hand found Aria’s waist, pulling her closer, his grip possessive. “Don’t engage with him.”
“I handled it,” Aria replied coolly, but her pulse was still racing.
“You don’t understand, Aria. Salvatore doesn’t play games. He only makes moves.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And you think I’m your weakness now?”
He leaned down again, his voice a dark whisper. “You’ve never been my weakness, Aria. But you’ve become my greatest vulnerability. And if anyone tries to exploit that—” His eyes flicked toward where Salvatore disappeared. “—they’ll regret it.”
The way he said it sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn’t a threat. It was a promise.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of polite smiles and empty conversations. But beneath the glittering surface, war drums were beginning to beat.
By the time they returned home, Aria was exhausted—physically and emotionally. But as she stepped into their penthouse, a voice greeted them that made her blood run cold.
“Well, well… Isn’t this cozy.”
Aria froze.
Standing casually in the center of the living room was Gabriel Costa.
Dominic’s most trusted lieutenant.
And the third player about to enter the dangerous game.
Aria stood at Dominic’s side, her hand resting lightly on his arm as cameras flashed around them. The gown he’d chosen for her was as much a weapon as it was a statement—a daring crimson silk that clung to her curves and commanded attention.
She hated how easily she fit the role. How her father’s lessons in grace, poise, and manipulation came flooding back.
The whispers followed them as they walked.
"That’s the De Luca girl."
"She married him to save her father’s empire."
"Poor thing… or maybe not so poor."
Dominic leaned in, his voice low against her ear. “You’re perfect.”
She forced a tight smile. “And you enjoy parading me like one of your assets.”
He chuckled. “They need to see that I have everything they want. And that I will never lose it.”
Before she could answer, a familiar voice interrupted.
“Dominic.”
They both turned as Salvatore Romano approached, flanked by two of his men. He wore a devilish grin, but his eyes held cold calculation.
“Salvatore,” Dominic greeted stiffly. “I’m surprised you showed up tonight.”
Salvatore’s eyes shifted to Aria, his gaze lingering a second too long. “How could I miss meeting your lovely wife? The whole city’s been talking about your… arrangement.”
Aria held her ground, meeting his gaze without flinching. She knew this man. Knew his charm was a mask for something far more sinister.
Salvatore extended his hand to her. “Aria. You are even more stunning up close.”
She hesitated for only a moment before taking his hand briefly. His fingers lingered, sending a clear message: I see you. I want you.
Dominic’s jaw tightened beside her.
“Careful, Salvatore,” Dominic said, voice calm but sharp. “That hand doesn’t belong on my wife.”
Salvatore smirked, letting go. “Of course. Forgive my enthusiasm. Such beauty deserves admiration.”
The tension was palpable, drawing the attention of nearby guests.
“Enjoy the evening,” Salvatore said, bowing his head slightly before disappearing back into the crowd.
Dominic’s hand found Aria’s waist, pulling her closer, his grip possessive. “Don’t engage with him.”
“I handled it,” Aria replied coolly, but her pulse was still racing.
“You don’t understand, Aria. Salvatore doesn’t play games. He only makes moves.”
Her eyes narrowed. “And you think I’m your weakness now?”
He leaned down again, his voice a dark whisper. “You’ve never been my weakness, Aria. But you’ve become my greatest vulnerability. And if anyone tries to exploit that—” His eyes flicked toward where Salvatore disappeared. “—they’ll regret it.”
The way he said it sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn’t a threat. It was a promise.
The rest of the night passed in a blur of polite smiles and empty conversations. But beneath the glittering surface, war drums were beginning to beat.
By the time they returned home, Aria was exhausted—physically and emotionally. But as she stepped into their penthouse, a voice greeted them that made her blood run cold.
“Well, well… Isn’t this cozy.”
Aria froze.
Standing casually in the center of the living room was Gabriel Costa.
Dominic’s most trusted lieutenant.
And the third player about to enter the dangerous game.
End of MADDEST OBSESSION Chapter 11. Continue reading Chapter 12 or return to MADDEST OBSESSION book page.