01/10/2026
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30/09/2026
💘 HER PSYCHOPATH 💘
😏 HIS OBSESSION 😈
Tags: Mature themes, jealousy, mafia, dark romance
❕❕DO NOT COPY!!❕❕ if u neva wan die midnight 😒
BEWARE OF ERRORS❗
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
---
THE VALDEZ COMPOUND – NIGHT
---
The car pulled up to the gates. Two guards stepped forward. They saw who was inside, and they froze, watching her Nana rolled down the window.
"Tell Valentino I'm here."
Nana said and the guard nodded running inside to deliver the message.
The gates opened and Nana stepped out and looked around, smirked and walked into the compound like she owned it, her heels clicking against the marble, her hair pinned up as always, her eyes sharp.
She dressed simple, in a black dress, elegant in it simple and dangerous.
Guards lined the hallway, none moved none spoke, they all watched and she walked passed them like they went there.
She soon got to the main hall, where Valentino was waiting for her patiently, he looked at her from the head of the table, his jaw tightened, his belly felt hot for a second.
"Nancy." Her name rolled out of his mouth in his thick voice, his eyes dim, tracing his finger on the table.
"Valentino." She called his name too, and stopped in front of him. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Years of history sat between them.
"You look well," he finally said.
"So do you."
Nana said and a pause followed.
"What are you doing here?"
"You know why."
"I don't."
He said, his voice low, she tilted her head.
"You...tried to kill my grandson's girlfriend."
His expression changed slightly hearing what she said.
"Three men."
Silence.
"In the street."
Valentino said nothing, just stared at her and chuckled.
"You started a war."
She stepped closer.
"You attacked my family."
His eyes hardened.
"You left me."
He said in a casual voice, an emotion behind it, but Nana didn't move.
"You chose him." He continued, his voice quieter now.
"And now you come here, to my home, to tell me what to do?"
"I came to tell you to stop." Nana stated out plainly.
"Or what?"
Valentino said and Nana scoffed staring directly into his eyes.
"Or I'll destroy you."
She said and he just laughed. A cold, bitter sound, he laughed like she had just made a funny joke.
"You?"His smile widened.
"Destroy me?"
"I've done it before to men bigger than you" She said calmly and his smiled dropped.
"You think I'm afraid of you?"
"I think you're smart enough to be."
She said and stepped closer.
"Stop the attacks." She stated out and her voice dropped.
"Leave Phantom alone."
Silence.
"Leave Rose alone."
Valentino's eyes narrowed at the name.
"Or?"
He dared to say and Nana smiled.
"I'll end you."
The room went silent. Valentino studied her face.
"You wouldn't."
"Try me."
She turned walking toward the door.
"Nancy."
He called out, her name echoed through the room, she stopped but she didn't turn around also.
"Why did you really leave me?"
He asked unexpectedly and her fingers tightened slightly. For a moment, she said nothing.
Then,,,
"You know why."
"No." His voice softened.
"I don't." She sighed
She finally turned and their eyes met. Her expression was unreadable.
"Because I had to, just forget about it"
Then she walked out. The door shut close behind her. Valentino remained standing there, alone, staring at the door, and for the first time that night, he didn't look angry, he looked hurt.
---
THE CAR – NIGHT
---
Nana sat in the back seat, her hands resting on her lap, eyes fixed on the window watching as the city blurred past.
She didn't cry, she didn't flinch, she simply watched the lights.
Then her phone rang, interuppting her and she looked down.
Damien.
She sighed then answered.
"What?"
"Where are you?"
"Driving."
"Where?"
"Don't start."
A pause.
"Nana."
She rolled her eyes.
"I went to see Valentino."
Silence.
"You did what?"
"I went to see Valentino."
"Alone?"
She looked out the window.
"Do you think I need an army to talk to one old man?"
"He's not just an old man."
"Neither am I."
Damien went quiet.
Nana leaned back.
"He changed strategy."
"I know."
"No."
Her voice became serious.
"You don't."
Damien sat up.
"What did he say?"
"Not much."
"Then how do you know?"
"Because I know Valentino."
Another silence.
"He won't attack you directly anymore."
Damien's eyes narrowed.
"Then who?"
Nana looked outside.
"Everyone around you."
His jaw tightened.
"Rose."
"Rose."
A pause.
"Mira."
Another pause.
"Brandon. Dimitri. Lydia." She sighed.
"Anyone who matters to you."
Damien said nothing, Nana continued.
"He's not trying to beat you with bullets anymore."
Her voice became colder.
"He's going to try to beat you with people."
Damien's fingers tightened around his phone as he spoke.
"Then I'll kill him."
"No."
He frowned.
"No?"
"Don't touch him."
"Nana—"
"I said don't."
She looked out at the dark city.
"Not yet."
---
PHANTOM VIRUS CLAN BASE – DAMIEN'S OFFICE – NIGHT
---
The doors opened and Damien walked inside, Nana was already there sitting on the couch like she owned the room, which she basically owned.
Damien closed the door behind him gently, facing Nana.
"You went to his compound." Damien said and Nana looked up.
"Yes."
"Alone."
"Yes."
"You could have been killed." He said and Nana chuckled.
"By Valentino?"
"By anyone."
Nana smiled.
"You're beginning to sound like your grandfather."
Damien ignored that like she didn't say anything.
"What exactly happened?"
"I told him to stop."
"And?"
"He didn't agree."
Damien's expression darkened.
"Then why are you telling me not to kill him?"
"Because that's exactly what he wants."
Damien stopped and Nana leaned forward.
"Valentino wants you angry."
She pointed at him.
"And you're making it very easy."
Damien stared at her, trying hard not to blow up.
"He attacked Rose."
"I know."
"He sent men after her"
"I know."
"He attacked my family."
"I know."
"Then what am I supposed to do?" Nana's expression softened slightly as she spoke.
"Think."
A long silence.
"He wants you to react."
She continued.
"He wants you to stop thinking about the people around you, it's an emotional game now"
Damien looked away. Nana watched him.
"You're protecting Rose."
"Of course."
"Good."
She stood.
"But don't forget the others." Damien looked at her.
"Mira."
"Yes."
"Brandon."
"Yes."
"Dimitri."
"Yes."
"Lydia."
Nana nodded.
"Everyone."
Damien exhaled.
"I don't give a f**k!"
"No, you do"
He looked at her his anger written all over his face.
"You make me mad easily"
"I'm just saying"
"Because if Valentino realizes we know what he's doing..." She paused.
"I WILL HADLE IT MYSELF"
Damien's eyes narrowed, he glared at her dangerously before walking out.
" Ah this grandson of mine, oh well"
---
GRAND VILLA – ROSE'S ROOM – LATE NIGHT
---
Rose was sitting on the edge of her bed. She looked at the clock.
11:47 PM.
She sighed. Damien had been gone for hours, she was already falling asleep when she heard the door open.
Her head immediately lifted sharply, Damien walked inside and Rose stood up.
"Where... were... you?"
He looked at her, then walked toward her.
"Handling something."
"With... Nana?"
He nodded and Rose frowned.
"Is... everything... okay?"
Damien stopped in front of her.
"Yes."
She looked at him carefully.
She didn't believe him.
"You... look... worried."
"I'm fine."
She stared at him.
He sighed before he pulled her into his arms. Rose froze for a second. Then relaxed against him.
His chin rested against her head.
"I missed you."
She smiled against his chest.
"You... were... gone... for... like... th...ree... hours."
"Too long."
She laughed softly.
"You're... dramatic."
"I know."
He pulled back slightly. His brown eyes met hers.
"You okay?"
She nodded.
"I'm... okay."
He brushed a strand of chestnut hair away from her face.
"Good."
Rose looked at him.
"Damien?"
"Hm?"
"Are... we... okay?"
His expression changed.
"Yes."
"Promise?"
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I promise."
Rose smiled.
Then she wrapped her arms around him again.
"I'm... not... going... anywhere."
His arms tightened around her.
"Good."
---
ECLIPSE CLAN COMPOUND – MIRA'S ROOM – NIGHT
---
Mira was lying across her bed.
Her phone was in her hand.
She stared at the screen.
Then typed.
Mira:
Rose?
She waited.
Nothing.
She typed again.
Mira:
Bestieeee 😭
Nothing.
Mira frowned.
"Where is this girl?"
The door opened.
Brandon walked in.
"You talking to Rose?"
Mira looked up.
"Maybe."
He walked over.
"She with Damien?"
"Probably."
Brandon nodded.
Mira stared at him.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you ask?"
He shrugged.
"No reason."
Mira narrowed her eyes.
"You know something."
"I don't."
"Brandon."
"I'm serious."
She sat up.
"You've been acting weird since yesterday."
He looked at her.
"I'm always weird."
She laughed.
"That's true."
He smiled.
Then his phone vibrated.
His smile disappeared.
He looked down.
A message.
From an unknown number.
His expression immediately changed.
Mira noticed.
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
She reached for the phone.
He moved it away.
"Brandon."
"It's nothing."
She stared at him.
"You suck at lying."
He sighed.
"Go to sleep."
"Absolutely not."
"Mira."
"No."
She folded her arms.
"Whatever you're hiding, I'm finding out."
Brandon looked at her.
Then smiled slightly.
"There she is."
Mira rolled her eyes.
"Idiot."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Exactly."
---
PHANTOM VIRUS CLAN BASE – INTELLIGENCE ROOM – SAME NIGHT
---
Screens covered the walls.
Maps.
Names.
Routes.
Photographs.
Dimitri stood in front of one of the screens.
His ember eyes were fixed on a map of Valdez territory.
Red dots marked their known locations.
Blue dots marked Phantom's.
Lydia sat at the table.
She flipped through a file.
Her pale blue eyes were tired.
But focused.
"Valdez communication has changed," she said.
Dimitri looked over.
"How?"
"They've stopped discussing direct attacks."
"Meaning?"
"They're talking about people."
Dimitri's eyes narrowed.
"Who?"
Lydia turned the file around.
"Everyone connected to Rose."
Dimitri went quiet.
Then—
"Of course."
Lydia watched him.
"They're trying to create pressure."
"Between Damien and Rose."
"Exactly."
Dimitri leaned against the desk.
"They're going to try to make them turn against each other."
Lydia nodded.
"And if that doesn't work?"
Dimitri looked at the screen.
"They'll try again."
Lydia stood.
She walked toward him.
"Should I warn Damien?"
"He already knows something's coming."
She looked at him.
"Then what do we do?"
Dimitri smiled.
"We watch."
Lydia stopped beside him.
Her shoulder brushed his arm.
"You've been here for hours."
"So have you."
"I'm not the one who skipped dinner."
Dimitri glanced at her.
"I wasn't hungry."
"Liar."
He almost smiled.
Almost.
Lydia reached out.
Her fingers brushed his hand.
"You need to rest."
"I can't."
"You can."
He looked at her.
His ember eyes were tired.
"There's too much to do."
"There's always too much to do."
She stepped in front of him.
Her pale blue eyes held his.
"But you're not going to win this war if you collapse."
Dimitri stared at her.
Then—
"You sound like Damien."
"No."
She smiled.
"I sound like someone who cares about you."
Silence.
Dimitri reached out.
His hand cupped her cheek.
"You're distracting me."
"Good."
He leaned closer.
His forehead rested against hers.
"I don't know what I'd do without you."
She closed her eyes.
"You'll never have to find out."
He kissed her.
Soft.
Slow.
Tired.
She kissed him back.
When they broke apart, she was smiling.
"Come to bed."
"I have work."
"The work will still be here tomorrow."
He sighed.
"Fine."
She took his hand.
She led him toward the door.
---
DIMITRI'S MANSION – BEDROOM – LATER
---
They lay in his bed.
The sheets were tangled around them.
The room was dark.
Quiet.
Lydia's head rested on his chest.
Her fingers traced lazy circles on his skin.
"You're quiet," she said.
Dimitri stared at the ceiling.
"I'm thinking."
"That's dangerous."
He almost laughed.
"You keep saying that."
"Because it's true."
He was silent for a moment.
Then—
"Valdez is going to try to break them apart."
Lydia lifted her head.
"Damien and Rose?"
"Yes."
She studied his face.
"You're worried."
"I'm not worried."
"You are."
He looked at her.
"I'm... concerned."
She smiled.
"That's the same thing."
He sighed.
Lydia rested her chin on his chest.
"Why are you concerned?"
"Because Rose is good for him."
Lydia blinked.
"What?"
"Damien. He's different with her. Softer. More... human."
He paused.
"If Valdez succeeds... if they break them apart..."
He didn't finish.
Lydia finished for him.
"He'll become worse than before."
Dimitri nodded.
Lydia was quiet for a moment.
Then—
"Then we don't let them succeed."
Dimitri looked at her.
"We protect Rose. We protect their relationship. We protect Damien."
She leaned up.
She kissed him.
"Together."
He studied her face.
"Together."
She smiled.
Then she settled back against his chest.
"Now sleep."
"I'm not tired."
"Liar."
He almost smiled.
"Fine."
He closed his eyes.
But sleep didn't come easily.
---
PHANTOM VIRUS CLAN BASE – INTELLIGENCE ROOM – THE NEXT MORNING
---
Dimitri walked in.
Lydia was already there.
She stood in front of the screens with a fresh cup of coffee in her hand.
"You're up early."
"I never slept."
He frowned.
"Lydia."
"I found something."
He walked toward her.
"What?"
She pointed to the screen.
"There's been a new player."
Dimitri's expression changed.
"What do you mean?"
"A new contact. Someone Valdez has been talking to. Someone outside their usual network."
Dimitri's eyes narrowed.
"Who?"
"We don't know yet."
"Then how do you know they're new?"
"Because the communication style is different."
She paused.
"More formal. More... calculated."
She looked at him.
"Whoever this is... they're not just another soldier."
A pause.
"They're someone with power."
Dimitri stared at the screen.
"Can you trace them?"
"I'm working on it."
He nodded.
"Keep me updated."
She smiled.
"Always."
He turned to leave.
"Dimitri."
He stopped.
"Yes?"
"You didn't sleep either."
He didn't answer.
She walked toward him and touched his arm.
"I'm serious. You need to rest."
"So do you."
She sighed.
"We're both terrible at this."
He almost smiled.
"Yeah."
She leaned up.
She kissed his cheek.
"Tonight. You and me. No work. No war. Just us."
He studied her face.
"Promise?"
She smiled.
"Promise."
---
PHANTOM VIRUS CLAN BASE – GENERAL MEETING ROOM – NIGHT
---
The room was large.
Screens covered the walls.
Maps.
Names.
Routes.
Photographs.
Everything connected to the war.
At least ten people were in the room.
Analysts.
Techs.
Operatives.
They sat at computers, typing, scanning, watching.
Lydia stood in front of the main screen.
Her pale blue eyes were fixed on the data streaming in.
Dimitri walked in.
His ember eyes swept across the room.
"Report."
One of the analysts looked up.
"Valdez movement is still quiet. But we've picked up chatter from the smaller clans."
Dimitri walked toward the screen.
"What kind of chatter?"
"They're nervous. Asking questions. Wondering who's going to win."
Another analyst spoke.
"Three families have reached out. They want to know where Phantom stands."
Dimitri's eyes narrowed.
"They want protection."
"They want to know who to back."
Lydia turned.
"They're scared."
"Good."
Dimitri looked at the screen.
"Fear keeps people careful."
One of the older analysts nodded.
"The Valdez. The Crimson Pact. Everyone who thought they could challenge Phantom."
Dimitri's expression hardened.
"Phantom has been untouchable for decades."
He looked around the room.
"No one messes with us."
A pause.
"The ones who do..."
His eyes returned to the screen.
"...don't last long."
Lydia studied him.
"So Valdez is either stupid or desperate."
"Both."
She smiled slightly.
Dimitri glanced around the room.
"Keep monitoring."
He pointed toward the screens.
"I want updates every hour."
"Yes, boss."
Dimitri turned toward the door.
Then looked at Lydia.
"Walk with me."
She nodded.
They walked out together.
---
THE HALLWAY – CONTINUED
---
Their footsteps echoed against the marble.
Lydia walked beside him.
For a few moments, neither spoke.
Then—
"You promised."
Dimitri looked at her.
"What?"
"No work. No war. Just us."
He almost smiled.
"We're walking."
"You're thinking about work."
"I'm always thinking."
"That's the problem."
He glanced at her.
"You really think I'm going to stop thinking about the war because you told me to?"
"No."
She smiled.
"But I can try."
Dimitri shook his head.
Then his expression softened.
"Tonight."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Tonight?"
"No work."
He paused.
"No war."
She smiled.
"Just us."
"Just us."
She slipped her hand into his.
They continued walking down the hallway.
---
DIMITRI'S MANSION – BEDROOM – LATER
---
The room was dark, quiet. Dimitri stood by the window and Lydia sat on the edge of the bed.
For once, there were no files, no screens, no maps, no phones.
Just silence.
Lydia looked at him.
"The other clans are scared."
"I know." He said and turned to face her.
"They're scared of Valdez."
A pause.
"But they're also scared of us."
Lydia added and Dimitri just nodded because she was right.
"They should be careful." Lydia studied him.
"Phantom has been on top for decades."
She said and stood up.
"No one has ever challenged us and survived."
Dimitri looked at her with a smirk.
"Valdez knows that." He said
"Then why are they still fighting?"
Dimitri's expression hardened before speaking.
"Because desperate men do stupid things."
Lydia smiled.
"Then we'll remind them why no one touches Phantom."
He looked at her determined.
"We?"
She asked and raised an eyebrow.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Dimitri studied her face.
"Promise?"
She leaned up and kissed him.
"Promise."
He smiled and for the first time that night he stopped thinking about the war.
---
UNKNOWN LOCATION – NIGHT
---
Leo stood alone in a dark room. His phone vibrated, he looked down to see that he'd gotten a message.
VALENTINO WANTS TO SEE YOU.
Leo's expression didn't change.
Another message appeared.
SEVEN. NOW.
He put his phone away and a guard opened the door.
"Seven."
The guard called and Leo looked up.
"Valentino is waiting."
Leo nodded following behind him. His mind raced as he walked through he hallway, he knew what Valentino wanted, more information, about Rose, Damien the other clan. But Leo also knew something that Valentino didn't know.
Standing in the enemies circle, close enough to hear everything, close enough to destroy them from within, but one mistake? And his cover would be blown.
The door opened and Leo stepped inside, the first person who came to his view was Valentino.
"Seven."
Leo lowered his head slightly at the hearing of his name.
"Don."
Valentino looked at him up and down before proceeding to speak.
"I need information."
"About?"
"Damien."
A pause.
"His movements."
Then,,,
"His people."
Leo stayed silent as Valentino stepped closer.
"And especially the girl."
Leo's expression remained calm.
"Rose?"
Valentino smiled.
"Yes." Leo nodded.
"I'll find out everything."
Valentino walked past him after hearing what he wanted.
"Good."
Leo watched him leave, him his hands slowly tightened into fists.
Rose.
They were getting closer, too close, he couldn't let them reach her, not like his sister, not yet.
---
CINDER'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
---
Cinder sat on the couch.A cigarette burned between her fingers, meanwhile, Rachael stood by the window. She looked exhausted.
"Keith is dead."
Cinder looked up, her mind flashed back to the good times she had with Keith and she sighed.
"I know."
"How?"
"They called."
Rachael turned around surprised.
"Who killed him?"
"They don't know."
Rachael frowned.
"Then somebody knows."
Cinder took another drag.
"Probably."
"I want to know what Rose is hiding."
Racheal said walking closer and Cinder looked at her.
"Why?"
"Because everything started changing after she came into that man's life."
Cinder said nothing, but Rachael's expression hardened.
"Anna died."
"Keith disappeared."
"And now Keith is dead."She looked toward the window.
"Rose is connected to all of this."Cinder said and slowly stood up.
"Then find out how."
Rachael nodded.
"I will."
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T. B. C
27/09/2026
Big shout-out to my newest top fans! Glory Gabriel, Osaherumwen Gift, Euphie Rhymnd, Thandile Cele
26/09/2026
💘 HER PSYCHOPATH 💘
😏 HIS OBSESSION 😈
Tags: Mature themes, jealousy, mafia, dark romance
❕❕DO NOT COPY!!❕❕ if u neva wan die midnight 😒
BEWARE OF ERRORS❗
CHAPTER TWENTY
PLEASE COMMENT,
LIKE
SHARE
COMMENT!
CHAPTER TWENTY
---
GRAND VILLA – DAMIEN'S ROOM – MORNING
7:35 AM
The morning light was soft through the curtains. The room was quiet. Warm.
Waking up slowly, she reached out, her fingers brushing the empty space beside her.
But this time, it wasn't cold. She heard the shower running, it made her smile.
She sat up, pulling the duvet around her. Her hair was messy. Her lips were still swollen from the night before. She touched them, remembering.
The bathroom door opened and Damien stepped out.
His hair was damp. A towel hung low around his hips.
His eyes found her immediately.
"You're awake." He said to her his voice Low and deep, and she nodded blushing in between.
He walked toward her. He didn't bother with a shirt. He sat on the edge of the bed.
"How do you feel?"
She was quiet for a moment. Then she smiled.
"Happy."
His lips curved. A slow, rare smile.
"Good."
Damien said his voice lower and deeper, he leaned in and kissed her forehead, then her nose, then her lips.
"Get dressed," he said.
"I'm taking you somewhere."
Rose blinked twice cutely.
"Where?"
"You'll see."
---
THE CITY – A PRIVATE GARDEN – DAY 9 AM
The garden was hidden. Tucked behind an old building, walled off from the city.
Inside, it was green, quiet, peaceful. Flowers bloomed in every color. A small fountain trickled in the center.
And Rose? Rose stood in the middle of it. Her grey eyes were wide. Admiring the serenity of the garden.
"This... is... beautiful."
Damien stood behind her, his hands in his pockets.
"I own it." He said proudly as if trying to impress her and she turned to look at him.
"You... own a gar...den?"
"I own a lot of things."
She laughed. A soft, real laugh.
Damien then walked toward her taking her by her hand.
"Come."
He led her to a bench near the fountain and there they sat down.
Rose rested her head on his shoulder. His arms wrapped around her.
"This....this...this..."
Rose stopped when she struggled to speak, eventually she looked down, embarrassed.
Damien smirked.
"C'mon. Say it."
He said and she nodded then took a deep breath first.
"It is... pretty." Rose said looking around.
He smiled.
"It is."
He said and looked at her.
"But not as pretty as you."
Rose's cheeks turned pink just hearing what he said.
"I... I could... stay here... forever."
He looked at her lovingly.
"Then stay."
She looked up.
"What?"
"Stay."
His voice was quieter now.
"With me. Not just as my girlfriend. But... stay."
Rose blinked. Her heart racing.
"I... I'm not... going... anywhere."
He leaned down, kissing her Softly, slowly, like they had all the time in the world.
---
ECLIPSE CLAN COMPOUND – BRANDON'S OFFICE – AFTERNOON
12PM
Mira walked into Brandon's office without knocking.Brandon looked up from the papers in front of him.
"No." He immediately said and she stopped on her tracks and pouted cutely.
"I haven't even said anything."
"I know that look."
"What look?"
"The look that usually costs me money." He said and crosses his arm.
Mira folded her arms too, tilting her head slightly.
"I need the car."
"No."
"The black card."
"No."
" The gold one? "
She stared at him and rolled her eyes.
"You're seriously saying no to me?"
"I'm saying no because the last time I gave you my card, you came back with seventeen bags."
"Fourteen"
"Seventeen"
"Well three was Rose's." She said after counting her fingers and he just stared at her.
"And?"
Mira smiled innocently.
"And besties share." Mira said and Brandon leaned back in his chair.
"You've already spent enough."
"I didn't ask how much I spent."
"I checked."
Mira rolled her eyes again.
"You're stingy "
" Fine fine, I'll give them to you later, take a break will you "
"You are so annoying."
"And you're spoiled."
"You made me spoiled."
"Exactly."
She walked around his desk and Brandon immediately caught her around the waist and pulled her against him.
"Babe!" She squealed.
"What?"
"Let me go."
"No." He said and She tried to pull away but he held tighter.
"You're impossible."
"You love me."
"I tolerate you."
"Lies"
She smiled despite herself.He kissed her forehead. Then her cheek.
Mira groaned.
"You're doing too much."
"I'm your boyfriend."
"And?"
"And I can."
She finally turned around in his arms. Her expression softened slightly.
"You've been acting weird all day."
Brandon's smile disappeared.
"I'm not weird."
"You've checked your phone twelve times."
He said nothing.
"Brandon."
He sighed.
"There's movement around Phantom."
Her expression changed.
"Valdez?"
"Possibly."
"And Rose?"
"She's with Damien."
Mira immediately reached for her phone.
"I'm calling her."
Brandon caught her hand.
"Later."
"Why?"
"Because if something is happening, we wouldn't want her distracted."
Mira stared at him then nodded.
"Fine."
Brandon pulled her closer to him again, sniffing her scent.
"But you're staying here today."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?"
"I mean it."
"You're giving me orders now?"
"Yes."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Try me." She said and a small smile appeared on his face.
"There she is."
Mira shoved his chest.
"Idiot." She said blushing.
He laughed and pulled her back.
---
PHANTOM VIRUS CLAN BASE – INTELLIGENCE ROOM – EVENING
4:30PM
Dimitri stood in front of several screens.
Maps.
Photographs.
Territory reports.
Names.
Routes.
Everything connected to the war was spread across the room and Lydia stood beside him.
She wore a black fitted jacket, her long hair falling over one shoulder.
"You've been staring at that map for ten minutes."
Dimitri didn't look at her.
"I'm thinking."
"That's dangerous." She said and He finally looked at her.
"You talk too much."
"You missed me talking."
"I did." He said and She smiled. Dimitri stepped closer.
"So what did you find?" Dimitri said and Her expression became serious.
"Valdez changed their communication routes."
"How?"
"They're using secondary channels. Ones they haven't used in years."
Dimitri's eyes narrowed, his ears and mind working the same time.
"Why?"
"Because they don't trust their own people anymore."
"After Valeria?"
"Partly."
Lydia said and paused.
"Valeria's death shook them."
Dimitri studied her.
"Any word on who they think did it?"
"Nothing confirmed." A faint smile touched Dimitri's mouth.
"Good."
Lydia looked at him.
"You know something?"
"I know enough."
He said making her step closer to him.
"You're hiding something."
"So are you."
"That's my job."
"And mine."
She smiled.
"Still annoying."
"Still beautiful."
She rolled her eyes. But she smiled as Dimitri reached for her hand.
For a moment, the war disappeared.
Then Lydia leaned closer.
"Don't get distracted."
"You're the one distracting me."He said and She laughed quietly. Then her expression turned serious again.
"There's more."
Dimitri's attention sharpened.
"Talk."
"Valdez isn't planning another direct attack."
"What are they planning?"
"They're looking at the people around Damien."
Dimitri's jaw tightened.
"Rose."
"And everyone close to her."
Silence.
Dimitri immediately reached for his phone.
"Get the others."
Lydia nodded.
The game had changed.
---
UNKNOWN LOCATION – NIGHT 8PM
Leo sat alone in a dark room. His phone rested on the table.
One message.
Then another.
He opened the first.
VALDEZ SECURITY HAS INCREASED.
He deleted it.
The second came from Brandon.
Any movement?
Leo stared at the screen. Then typed.
They're looking for whoever killed Valeria. They're getting paranoid.
He paused.His eyes hardened. He knew exactly why. He had been the one who killed her.
He had been the one who brought her head back to Brandon. But no one on the enemy side could know.
His cover depended on that.
A knock sounded, interrupted his thoughts making Leo immediately put the phone away.
Just then a guard stepped in.
"Seven." The guard called and Leo looked up.
"Yeah?"
"Valentino wants you."
Leo stood.
"Coming."
He followed the man out. But his face remained calm. But his mind was already working.
---
CINDER'S HOUSE– LIVING ROOM – NIGHT 9PM
Cinder sat on the couch smoking, that was what she did best. Rachael stood near the window. She had barely spoken for several minutes.
"You're going to burn a hole through that window," Cinder muttered.
Rachael ignored her. Then the phone rang.
Cinder answered.
"Hello?"
Silence.
Her expression changed.
"What?"
Rachael turned, staring. Cinder slowly lowered the phone.
"What happened?"
Cinder stared at her.
"It's Keith."
Rachael froze.
"What about him?"
"They found him."
Her voice dropped.
"He's dead."
Rachael's face went blank. For a moment, neither woman spoke.
Then Rachael whispered:
"Who killed him?"
Cinder shook her head.
"They don't know."
Rachael's eyes hardened. She immediately thought of Rose, of Anna, of the strange men she'd seen, of everything that never made sense.
"Something is wrong with that girl."
Cinder looked at her.
"Rose?"
Rachael nodded.
"She's connected to something."
"And what are you going to do?"
Rachael looked toward the window.
"I'm going to find out what."
---
THE CITY – WALKING THROUGH THE STREETS – NIGHT 10PM
They walked hand in hand, the city lights glittered around them.
People passed.Cars honked.
Rain had begun falling lightly, making the pavement shine beneath the neon lights.
Rose looked up at Damien.
"Where... are we... going?"
"Nowhere."
She blinked.
"Nowhere?"
"I just want to walk with you."
She smiled and they continued walking in silence.
Comfortable and Warm.
For once, Damien wasn't thinking about meetings.
Weapons.
Territories.
Enemies.
He was just walking. With her.
Then—
BANG!
The first shot rang out.
Damien moved before the sound finished echoing. He grabbed Rose and pulled her behind a parked black SUV.
Another shot.
The window above them shattered.
"Stay down."
Rose's heart pounded, but she wasn't scared, instead she was alert.
Three men emerged from the shadows. Guns raised.
Damien looked at them with pure disgust in his eyes.
"Amateurs."
He drew his gun.
One shot.
The first man dropped.
The second fired.
Damien moved.
Another shot.
The second man fell.
The third turned and ran.
Damien looked at Rose.
"Stay here."
He didn't wait for an answer. He moved.
Fast.
Silent.
He disappeared into the alley. Rose stayed behind the vehicle. Seconds passed. Then more.
She couldn't hear anything clearly through the chaos.Her chest tightened.
"Damien..."
She stepped out, she followed.
---
ALLEYWAY – MOMENTS LATER
The third attacker barely had time to turn. Damien grabbed him and the man's weapon hit the ground.
"Who sent you?"
The man said nothing.
Damien's expression darkened.
"Wrong answer."
The attacker suddenly reached for a knife but Damien caught his wrist on time.
The knife fell, a struggle,then silence, the man collapsed.
Damien stood there breathing heavily. He looked down at his shoulder.
Blood.
A bullet had grazed him.
"Damn."
Then he heard footsteps. He turned. Rose stood at the entrance of the alley. Her face changed when she saw the blood.
"Your... arm."
"I'm fine."
"You... you're bleeding."
"It's a scratch."
She rushed toward him.
"I said I'm fine." Damien said not wanting her to worry but she ignored him and quickly tore a piece from her sleeve.
"Rose—"
"Sit." Damien stared at her. She pointed toward the wall.
"Sit."
For perhaps the first time that night, Damien obeyed.
She pressed the fabric against his shoulder. Her hands were steady. He watched her.
"You weren't scared."
She looked at him.
"No."
"Why?"
She hesitated. Then whispered:
"Because... you were there."
Something changed in his expression. He leaned closer.
Before he could say anything...
His phone rang and he groaned before he answered.
"What?"
Rust's voice came through.
"We found another vehicle." Damien's eyes narrowed.
"Where?"
"Three blocks from your location."
"And?"
"Six men inside. Maybe more." Damien's jaw tightened.
"Alive?"
"No." Rust's voice came through.
Silence.
Rust continued.
"Boss... this wasn't a random attack."
Damien looked at Rose. Someone had known exactly where they would be. Someone had planned this.
"Get everyone moving."
"Yes, boss."
Damien ended the call and Rose looked at him.
"Someone... knew."
"Yes."
"About us?"
His eyes met hers.
"Yes."
"We're going home." He said and took her warm hands into his.
---
GRAND VILLA – ROSE'S ROOM – LATER
11:30 PM
Damien sat on the edge of the bed. Rose beside him.
She was cleaning the wound on his shoulder.
"You... should.... let...let...me do this."
"I'm fine."
"You're... bleeding."
"It's a scratch."
She didn't argue. She just kept cleaning.
He watched her, Her focus, Her steady hands. She wasn't shaking.
"You weren't scared," he said making her look up.
"No."
"Why?"
She was quiet.
Then—
"Because... you were there."
He studied her face,then he leaned in, his gaze dropped her lips and he swallowed, he couldn't help it, he kissed her.
Hard.
Possessive.
"You're mine," he whispered against her lips.
"I know."
He pulled her closer.
For a moment, the outside world didn't exist.
---
PHANTOM VIRUS CLAN BASE – GENERAL MEETING ROOM – SAME NIGHT 11:45PM
Dimitri stood at the head of the table.
Marco.
Russo.
Sal.
Rocco.
Several other senior members were present. The room was tense.
"Damien is occupied," Dimitri said and Marco raised an eyebrow.
"Occupied?"
Sal sighed.
"His girlfriend."
Marco leaned back.
"Obviously."
A few of them chuckled while Dimitri shook his head.
"Enough."
He placed a photograph on the table.
"Three attackers."
Russo looked at it.
"Valdez?"
"Likely."
Marco's expression hardened.
"They're getting closer."
"No," Dimitri said.
"They're getting smarter."
Silence.
Lydia entered and Everyone looked at her, she placed a file on the table.
"They've begun targeting relationships."
Dimitri looked at her.
"Explain."
"They don't just want Rose dead."
She looked around the room.
"They want the people around her destabilized."
Russo's jaw tightened.
"Mira."
"And everyone else."
Marco leaned back.
"Then we protect them."
Dimitri nodded.
"Exactly."
Sal grunted.
"And Rose?"
Dimitri's expression softened for only a second.
"She's with Damien." Marco smiled.
"Safe, then."
"For now."
The room went quiet. Dimitri looked at them.
"Nobody moves alone. Nobody meets unknown contacts without clearance. We don't underestimate Valdez."
He paused.
"And nobody touches Rose."
Marco relaxed into his chair.
"Because she's one of us now?"
Dimitri gave him a look.
"Because if anything happens to her, boss will skin us alive."
The room erupted in quiet laughter.Even Lydia smiled.
---
ECLIPSE CLAN COMPOUND – BRANDON'S OFFICE – LATER 12AM
Mira sat on Brandon's desk. She was scrolling through her phone. Brandon standing behind her.
"You should go home."
"No."
"Mira."
"No."
He sighed.
"You've been here for hours."
"Because something is happening." He placed his hands on her shoulders.
"I know."
She looked up at him and frowned.
"Then stop telling me to go." Brandon crouched slightly so they were eye level.
"I'm not trying to get rid of you."
"Then what?"
"I'm trying to keep you safe."
Mira stared at him.
"I'm not Rose."
"I know."
"I'm not helpless."
"I know."
"Then stop treating me like I am." She said and touched the tip of his nose. Brandon smiled faintly.
"You're impossible."
She smirked.
"And you're obsessed with me."
"Completely." He kissed her forehead and Mira tried to look annoyed.
She failed anyways.
Then her phone buzzed. She checked it. A message from Rose.
Are you okay?
Mira immediately smiled.
She typed back.
I'm fine bestie. Are YOU okay?
Brandon watched her.
"Rose?"
"Yeah."
She looked at him.
"She worries too much."
Brandon smiled.
"She learned from you."
Mira gasped.
"Excuse me?" He laughed and she hit his shoulder.
---
VALDEZ COMPOUND – EARLY MORNING
12:30 AM
Valentino sat at his desk. His strategist stood before him.
"The attack failed."
Valentino's jaw tightened.
"Three men."
"Dead."
"The girl?"
"Alive."
Silence.
"But we learned something."
Valentino looked up.
"What?"
"She's not just a weakness." He placed a photograph of Rose on the desk.
"She's becoming a fighter."
Valentino studied the photograph carefully.
"Interesting."
"She didn't run." He reported and Valentino leaned back.
"Then we stop attacking her directly."
"What do you suggest?" His eyes narrowed.
"Relationships."
The strategist listened.
"Make Damien doubt her."
"How?"
"Give him reasons."
"And Rose?"
"Make her doubt him."
Valentino's expression darkened.
"Make them turn against each other."
"And then?" A slow smile appeared.
"Then we take her."
---
GRAND VILLA – ROSE'S ROOM – EARLY MORNING
1AM
Rose lay in bed, Damien was beside her, His arm was wrapped around her. Her phone buzzed.
She glanced at it.
Nana.
She answered.
"Nana?"
"Put Damien on." Nana's cold voice cut through and Rose frowned.
She handed the phone to Damien. He took it.
"What?"
Nana's voice was sharp.
"The Valdez are moving. We need you at the base. Now."
Damien was silent.
"Did you hear me?"
"I heard you."
"Then get here."
"No."
There was a pause.
"What?"
"I'm busy."
"Damien—"
"Handle it yourself. You have the power. You know what to do. You've been lazing around"
"Damien—"
He ended the call and handed the phone back to Rose like nothing happened.
"Everything okay?"
He looked at her.
"Everything's fine." He pulled her closer.
"Go to sleep."
Rose closed her eyes. But Nana's words lingered.
The Valdez are moving.
---
PHANTOM VIRUS CLAN BASE – NANA'S QUARTERS – EARLY MORNING
1:30 AM
Nana set her phone down. Her jaw was tight. Handle it yourself.
She stood, walked toward the window.
The city glittered below. She had been Donna for decades. She had led armies, She had killed men, She had built an empire, She didn't need Damien's permission.
Nana picked up her phone. Dialing a number.
"Prepare the car."
A pause. Her eyes hardened.
"I'm going to the Valdez compound."
She ended the call. Outside, thunder rolled across the city. Nana looked toward the distant lights and smirked.
"Let's see what you've been planning."
---
UNKNOWN LOCATION – SAME TIME
A phone vibrated, Leo looked down, drifting back to reality, he had been thinking of Clara.
One new message.
VALDEZ HAS CHANGED STRATEGY.
He read it twice.Then another message appeared.
THEY'RE GOING AFTER ROSE'S PEOPLE.
Leo's expression hardened. He immediately typed one response.
Tell Phantom.
He stopped, then deleted it. Too obvious.
Instead, he opened another contact. Brandon.
He typed:
Something is coming. Keep Mira close.
He sent it.Then he slipped the phone back into his pocket. A door opened behind him.
Leo turned. Valentino stood there.
"Seven."
Leo's face remained expressionless, surprised Valentino came himself.
"Don."
Valentino studied him.
"Come. We have something to discuss."
Leo followed him. His expression gave nothing away. But inside his mind, one thought repeated. They were coming for everyone. And he couldn't afford to let his cover break.
Not yet, not when the war was only beginning.
T.B.C.
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