MADDEST OBSESSION - Chapter 18: Chapter 18

The private meeting room inside the underground casino smelled of whiskey and secrets. The city’s most dangerous alliances had always been born here, far away from prying eyes and listening devices.
Aria sat beside Dominic, her hand resting lightly on his thigh, grounding him. Across from them sat Gabriel — relaxed, arrogant, and completely unbothered by the growing storm he was fueling.
“She’s stronger than you anticipated,” Gabriel said casually. “Valentina isn’t just here for debts. She wants territory, and she’s willing to burn both you and Salvatore to the ground to get it.”
Dominic’s voice was lethal calm. “Then why are you sitting here instead of at her side?”
Gabriel leaned forward, eyes sharp. “Because even Valentina underestimates me. And because, as much as I enjoy chaos, I hate losing power more.”
Aria’s eyes narrowed. “And what exactly are you proposing, Gabriel?”
“A temporary alliance,” he said smoothly. “You have muscle, reputation, and loyalty. I have access to Valentina’s inner circle. With me feeding you information, we can dismantle her plans before she cements her position.”
Dominic didn’t answer immediately. Trusting Gabriel was like inviting a snake into bed. But even snakes had their uses.
“And what do you want in return?” Dominic asked finally.
Gabriel’s gaze slid to Aria — hungry, deliberate. “Access.”
Aria’s spine stiffened. “Be specific.”
Gabriel smiled. “No, no. Not that kind of access. You misunderstand me. I want a seat at the table when this war is over. Full partnership in the new empire.”
Dominic’s jaw flexed. “You’re delusional.”
Gabriel spread his hands. “Not at all. You know Valentina won’t back down. Salvatore grows desperate. You need more than guns and threats now. You need strategy.”
The silence between them stretched taut.
Aria broke it, her voice steady but edged. “If we do this, Gabriel, if we let you in… you cross me once, and you won’t live to regret it.”
For the first time, Gabriel’s grin wavered ever so slightly. He gave a slight bow of his head. “Noted, my queen.”
Dominic finally nodded once. “One mistake, Gabriel, and you won’t get a second chance.”
“Understood.”
The alliance was sealed. But unease settled heavy in Aria’s chest. This wasn’t victory. It was survival—for now.
That Night
In the penthouse, the tension transformed into something else entirely.
Dominic stood behind Aria, hands running slowly down her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.
“You handled yourself like a queen tonight,” he murmured against her ear. “You’re not the same woman I married.”
She turned in his arms, eyes fierce. “You made me this way.”
His mouth crashed onto hers, fierce and possessive. The weight of the day unraveled into hunger, into something primal. Clothes fell to the floor in a chaotic trail as he carried her into the bedroom.
“I need you,” his voice rasped. “More than anything. You’re my only constant in this world of liars.”
Aria’s voice was breathless against his mouth. “Then show me.”
The passion between them was no longer just desire — it was defiance against the world. Against enemies. Against fate.
As their bodies collided, Aria whispered in the haze of pleasure, “We win together, or we fall together.”
Dominic’s response
was raw, a promise carved into his soul: “Together. Always.”