While Alex busied himself in the kitchen, Elena pulled Sophia aside to the balcony. The city lights twinkled below, but the air was thick with tension.
"Why are you really here?" Elena hissed, her possessive instincts flaring. Sophia knowing about Alex was dangerous.
"Relax, sis. I'm not here to drag you back. But others… they've heard. Your old rivals. They see your hubby as leverage. I came to warn you."
Elena's blood ran cold. "Who?"
"Doesn't matter. Just watch your back—and his."
Inside, Alex poured coffee, oblivious. But as he turned, a shadow flickered outside the window. He frowned, setting the mugs down. Probably nothing. He stepped out to the hallway to grab mail from the box, leaving the women talking.
The ambush came swift. In the dimly lit corridor, two figures lunged from the stairs—masked, armed with silenced pistols. One grabbed Alex from behind, the other aimed a gun at his head.
"Message for the Viper," the attacker snarled. "Her past catches up."
Adrenaline surged. Alex's old training kicked in—years of sparring, self-defense classes from his youth when he dreamed of being a pro fighter. He stomped the assailant's foot, elbowed his gut, and twisted free. The gun clattered. The second man fired, but Alex dodged, the bullet grazing the wall.
They grappled. Alex's fists flew—precise, powerful. He disarmed the first, using the man's own knife against him in a desperate thrust. Blood spilled. The second charged; Alex countered with a chokehold, snapping his neck with a grim crack. Panting, he stared at the bodies, heart pounding. What the hell just happened?
Footsteps. Elena burst out, Sophia behind her. Elena's eyes widened at the scene, then softened with a mix of horror and pride.
"Alex… are you okay?"
He stood, tall and bloodied, his handsome face etched with confusion. "Elena, who were these guys? And why did they mention 'the Viper'?"
Sophia whistled low. "Well, damn. He's got skills. You picked a good one."
Elena approached, her possessive gaze turning protective. She cupped his face. "I'll explain everything. But know this: you're mine, and I'll keep you safe. No matter what."
Alex's world tilted. Questions burned in his mind—who was his wife, really? What secrets had she hidden? But as she pulled him close, he felt the pull of their love, even amid the shadows.
To be continued…