The next morning, Elena woke in Damian's guest bedroom, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She sat up, heart heavy with confusion.
Damian was waiting in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up as he poured two cups of coffee. He looked impossibly composed, as if last night's chaos hadn't touched him.
"I'm calling the police," Elena said, crossing her arms.
"They won't find him," Damian replied flatly. "This isn't the first time I've dealt with enemies like him. It won't be the last."
Elena's stomach knotted. "You live like this?"
"Yes," Damian said simply. "Which is why I need you to listen carefully. Merge your firm with mine, Elena. I can protect you, your employees, everyone you care about. But only if you let me."
Her breath caught. "So this is what it's about? Control?"
"It's about survival," Damian said, stepping closer. "You think I want to control you? No. I want to keep you alive."
Elena looked away, her emotions a tangled mess. "I can't… I can't just give you everything my father built."
Damian reached out, gently tilting her chin up so she met his gaze. "You can hate me all you want," he said softly. "But you can't deny you need me."
Elena's heart hammered as she searched his eyes. She hated how much he was right.