MADDEST OBSESSION - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Two days after Salvatore’s visit, Dominic received an unexpected call that would shift the balance of power again.
“Another visitor?” Aria asked, her tone carefully neutral as she stood in the doorway of his office.
Dominic glanced up from his desk. “Not a visitor. An opportunity.”
Before she could ask, the door opened, and Marco escorted in a man Aria had only heard about in whispers.
Gabriel Costa.
Young, ruthlessly ambitious, and a rising power in the southern syndicates. Unlike Salvatore’s sleek charm or Dominic’s cold control, Gabriel radiated raw hunger — for power, for dominance, for everything he didn’t yet have.
His sharp blue eyes locked instantly on Aria.
“So,” Gabriel said, smiling faintly, “this is the beautiful Aria Moretti. Even more stunning than the rumors.”
Aria gave him a polite nod, aware of Dominic’s watchful gaze.
“You came to discuss business, Costa,” Dominic said, voice smooth but edged. “Not my wife.”
Gabriel chuckled, unapologetic. “Business, of course. But it would be foolish not to acknowledge such beauty in the room.”
Aria’s spine stiffened at being spoken about like property. But she said nothing—for now.
Gabriel took a seat across from Dominic, leaning back like a man comfortable with risk. “The south is growing unstable. Alliances are shifting. I’m offering you something that could benefit us both.”
“And what is that?” Dominic asked.
“A partnership. A merging of interests. Strengthening both our territories before the old guard collapses.”
Dominic studied him in silence for a long moment. “And what do you want in return?”
Gabriel’s gaze flicked briefly to Aria, and the answer hung unspoken in the air.
Aria felt the heat rising in her chest.
“My loyalty,” Gabriel finally said aloud, keeping his tone diplomatic. “And access to mutual assets. Business expansions. Protection.”
Dominic’s smile was thin. “Protection isn’t something I struggle to maintain.”
“But it’s always easier with more allies, isn’t it?” Gabriel pressed. “The Russons are restless. Romano is circling like a vulture. Sooner or later, someone will attempt to fracture your hold. I’m offering reinforcement.”
The conversation continued, but Aria heard only fragments. Gabriel’s unspoken interest was clear — she wasn’t just Dominic’s wife to him. She was leverage. A symbol of power to acquire.
And perhaps something more.
Later That Night
Aria paced the terrace, needing air, needing space.
The city lights shimmered far below, glittering like a trap she couldn’t escape.
Dominic joined her, his presence dark and steady. “You don’t like Gabriel.”
“I don’t like being traded as currency.”
“You’re not.”
“Then why does every man we meet look at me like I’m part of the deal?”
Dominic exhaled slowly. “Because you are powerful, Aria. Whether you realize it or not. You’re my wife. And in this world, that makes you a target. Or a weapon.”
She faced him, frustration boiling. “And which am I to you?”
His gaze burned into hers. “Both.”
The honesty was brutal. And it rattled her more than lies would have.
“You didn’t choose this marriage,” he added. “But neither did I. Yet here we are.”
For a moment, the cold mask slipped from his face — revealing something rawer beneath. Tired. Heavy. Human.
“But I will protect what’s mine,” he said softly, stepping closer. “Even from men like Costa. Or Russo. Or anyone who believes they can take what belongs to me.”
Aria’s breath caught as he cupped her chin, tilting her face up.
“You don’t belong to them,” he whispered. “You belong to me.”
The words should have angered her.
But instead, they left her breathless.
And deeply, dangerously confused.
Their lips hovered inches apart, the tension sizzling — when suddenly, a soft buzz interrupted them.
Marco’s voice came through Dominic’s earpiece. “Sir, Salvatore Romano is here. Unannounced.”
Dominic cursed under his breath. “Of course he is.”
Aria stepped back quickly, regaining her composure. “The
chessboard keeps growing.”
Dominic’s eyes narrowed. “And the players are circling you, Aria.”