Chapter 2 - The Crimson StainThe air in the high-rise office instantly turned to ice.
Dante’s eyes narrowed further, a dangerous glint flashing in his grey irises. He didn't ask about the reports. He didn't ask about her tardiness.
Instead, he crouched slightly, his gaze fixed entirely on the wet, dark stain coating the side of her shoe.
"Whose blood is that, Elena?" Dante asked softly, his voice dropping into a lethal whisper that echoed off the marble walls.
Elena’s heart slammed against her ribs. She instinctively took a half-step back, her mind racing for an explanation that wouldn't get her killed—or worse, expose the dangerous secret she had been carrying all evening.
"It... it's nothing," Elena stammered, her voice betraying her panic. "I stepped on something outside. On the sidewalk."
Dante stood back up to his full height, his face hardening into an expression of absolute ruthlessness. He reached out with terrifying speed, his fingers wrapping firmly around her wrist before she could pull away.
"Look at me," Dante commanded, tilting her chin upward so she had no choice but to meet his piercing stare. "You walked into my headquarters ten minutes late wearing fresh human blood on your shoe. Do I look like a man who believes in sidewalk accidents?"
"I didn't hurt anyone," Elena whispered, tears of frustration stinging the corners of her eyes. "You don't understand what's happening outside these walls."
"Then enlighten me," Dante murmured, his thumb brushing against her pulse point, feeling how fast it was racing. "Because if someone brought violence onto my territory tonight, I need to know whose blood is on my floor."
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Marcus stepped closer from the doorway, his hand resting near his holster. "Boss, should I lock down the building?"
Dante held up a single finger, never breaking eye contact with Elena. "Wait."
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