Book 2: Chapter 33

Martina's eyes widened in shock and fury. She had expected rage, not this infuriating calmness. "Damn you, Ares!" she hissed, but her struggle was losing its vigor. The bite had been a last-ditch effort, and his reaction had thrown her off balance.

Ares gently but firmly placed her into the car, fastening her seatbelt before stepping back. He leaned in, his face close to hers, his eyes dark and intense. "Behave. You can be stubborn all you want but you can't handle Dominic. I can."

Martina glared at him, her chest heaving with anger and a hint of something else she refused to acknowledge. "I don't need your protection, Ares. I can handle myself."

Ares shook his head, a hint of frustration breaking through his calm exterior. "Not against Russo, you can't. This isn't just some street brawl or petty vendetta. This is life and death."

He straightened up, giving her one last, lingering look before closing the car door. Turning to Antonio, who was diligently cleani