MADDEST OBSESSION - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

The sound of Salvatore’s footsteps echoed through the grand hall as Marco led him in. His presence filled the space like smoke — elegant, suffocating, and impossible to ignore.
Dominic stood behind his desk, arms crossed, unreadable. Aria remained seated on the nearby chaise, her expression carefully controlled, but her pulse raced as Salvatore’s gaze locked onto her the moment he entered.
“Romano.” Dominic’s voice was flat. “To what do we owe this uninvited visit?”
Salvatore offered a slow, deliberate smile. “Am I unwelcome now, Dominic? That’s disappointing.”
“You’re not unwelcome,” Aria cut in softly before she could stop herself, “as long as you have a purpose.”
Dominic shot her a quick glance—half warning, half curiosity.
Salvatore’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Beautiful and diplomatic. Truly wasted on a man like Moretti.”
Aria’s jaw tightened, but she held his gaze. “Careful, Mr. Romano. Dominic’s patience is not infinite.”
Salvatore chuckled, clearly enjoying the dangerous dance. “Actually, I came to offer a... gift.”
Dominic’s brow arched. “A gift?”
Salvatore reached into his coat, producing a sleek black velvet box. He walked slowly toward Aria, ignoring Dominic’s simmering glare, and placed it on the coffee table before her.
“For the queen of this deadly board,” he murmured.
Aria hesitated, but curiosity won. She opened the box slowly — revealing an exquisite sapphire necklace, the stones cut like shattered ice, glimmering under the chandelier light.
It was breathtaking.
And entirely inappropriate.
Dominic’s voice turned sharp. “You're crossing boundaries, Romano.”
Salvatore shrugged innocently. “I’m merely showing my respect. A woman of her station deserves admiration.”
Aria closed the box and stood, her voice cool but steady. “Respect isn’t shown with expensive gifts, Mr. Romano. It’s shown with restraint.”
The air between them thickened — electric, dangerous.
Salvatore’s voice dropped lower. “I admire restraint. But sometimes, it’s far more thrilling to watch when it breaks.”
Dominic moved then — not rushed, but lethal in his stillness. He stepped between them, close enough that the tension crackled.
“You’re playing with fire, Salvatore.”
Salvatore’s smile barely faded. “Aren’t we all, Dominic?”
The moment teetered on the edge of violence before Salvatore finally stepped back, hands raised in mock surrender. “I’ll see myself out.”
He walked to the door, but before exiting, turned one last time, his eyes briefly catching Aria’s.
“Until next time, regina,” he said softly.
When the door closed, the silence was thick as smoke.
Later That Night
Aria stood at the bedroom window again, staring at the city. The gift box still sat unopened on the dresser, a silent reminder of how dangerous her world had become.
Dominic entered quietly behind her. She felt his gaze before hearing his voice.
“You’re playing your own game now.”
“I’m not playing anything,” she whispered.
“You handled him well.”
“Do you approve, husband?” she said bitterly.
He stepped closer, his heat warming her back. “I don’t like other men looking at you that way.”
“You mean wanting me?”
His hand slid up her arm, fingers trailing fire along her skin. “Yes.”
Aria’s breath quickened, her body betraying her defiance. His voice was lower now, rougher. “You belong to me.”
Her voice was almost a whisper. “You keep saying that.”
He turned her gently to face him. Their faces were inches apart, breaths mingling.
“Because it’s true,” he growled.
This time, she didn’t step back. She let the tension snap, let the danger wrap around her like silk. His mouth claimed hers—deep, possessive, and hungry. Her hands gripped his suit jacket as his fingers tangled in her hair.
The kiss was raw.
Desperate.
Wrong.
And completely electric.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Aria searched his dark eyes.
“Why does it feel like we’re both falling into som
ething neither of us can control?” she whispered.
Dominic’s voice was ragged. “Because we are.”