Chapter 2 Paper Shield

The contract was signed, sealing their fate. That same night, Damon took Mara to his penthouse, the weight of their agreement settling in.

The silence inside Damon's penthouse felt heavier than the danger waiting outside. Shadows seemed to watch and wait for her return. The fancy apartment, full of modern art and shiny surfaces, didn't match the chaos Mara felt inside.

Mara sat on the cool leather couch. Its coldness was sharp against the storm of worry in her mind. Her shoulders tensed, and her fists clenched in her lap, like she was trying to hold on to something real in the mess inside her. The warm tea she drank earlier felt like a memory now, leaving her fingers cold and her chest heavy with fear.

Damon stood by the big window, his back to her, looking out over the city's sparkling lights below like stars fallen to earth. The view was beautiful, but Damon seemed bored, like he already owned it all.

"Can you please tell me what's happening?" Mara finally said, her voice soft and shaking, full of hurt and confusion.

Damon slowly turned to face her. His face showed nothing, like he was hiding everything inside.

"They planned to kill you tonight," he said quietly but firmly. Her heart dropped.

Her heart sank like a heavy stone in a deep lake, fear rushing through her. "Who? Why do they want to kill me?" Her voice shook with growing panic.

"The Morales organization," Damon explained. "They think you're my weakness. If they get rid of you, they can take me down."

Mara couldn't believe it. Her mind raced to understand.

"But we haven't talked in years. We live different lives now."

"Maybe," Damon said, his eyes darkened. You're the only person who ever made me feel truly alive. We've known each other since childhood. You were the one person who didn't see the darkness in me. You give me hope. I feel safe with you.

His gaze drifted, pain flickering in his eyes. "My father was a Don, leader of the underground organization. He taught me to protect what's mine. When I met you...," his words trailed off, eyes locking onto hers. "I knew I'd do anything to keep you safe. But after my father was brutally killed, and... my mom was murdered in front of me, I had to leave Mara. I couldn't risk putting you in danger, too."

Her breath caught at his words. Each one hit her deeply. "That's why you disappeared?"

Damon nodded. "I had to protect myself and those I cared about."

"I've been watching over you all these years," he said, his voice heavy with truth.

Her eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean? You... what?"

"From the moment I got into this dangerous life, I knew you weren't safe. I stayed away, so you'd think you were free. I paid for your education. I made sure your streets were safe. Anyone who came too close to you was... dealt with," Damon said, stepping closer, his presence both strong and scary.

Mara stood up, shaking with fear and anger. "That's not protection, Damon! That's control! Why are you doing this? You're ruining my life! I shouldn't have signed that contract."

Damon's jaw tightened. She saw pain in his eyes, a deep hurt that had been inside him for years.

"I did it to keep you safe because I knew they would find you, eventually. I can't let anything happen to you," he said, his voice low and desperate.

She took a careful step back, feeling a bigger gap between them. "And now that they know where I am? What will you do?"

"I won't let anything happen to you. I swear," he said, reaching out his hand, hoping to bring her to safety.

Mara stared at his hand like time had stopped. The weight of their past filled the room. Finally, she slowly put her hand in his.

His grip was warm and strong. It felt both safe and dangerous, sending shivers down her spine.

As they stood there, Damon pulled out a small box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring.

"My mother left this to me," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want you to wear it as a symbol of our agreement."

Mara's eyes widened as she gazed at the ring. "Damon, I don't know... I'm not supposed to wear it; it should be for your wife," she whispered, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"You are my wife."

"It's just fake. I might be your pretend wife, but not the one you love. You should save it for the woman you truly love."

"Don't talk like that," he hesitated. "You are my...."

His gaze softened, showing his softer self.

"Please, Mara," Damon said, his eyes locked on hers. "It's just a symbol. It will make things easier."

Mara hesitated, her hand hovering over the ring. "What if I don't accept it?" she asked, her voice firm.

Damon's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to darken. "You will," he said, his voice low and steady.

She looked down at the ring, feeling a mix of emotions.