Chapter 1:The Past That Won't Stay Buried

Serena had spent years convincing herself that he was just a fleeting memory—a mistake she could forget, an obsession that would eventually fade into nothingness. But deep down, she knew better.

Damien Cross was the kind of man no woman could forget.

He was her first taste of something dark and dangerously addictive, a man who made her heart race in fear and desire at the same time. But she had run from him, from the chaos and the madness that clung to him like a shadow. And now, years later, just when she thought she had buried that part of her life, he was back.

Serena’s life had never been easy. Growing up poor in a world where wealth dictated power, she had learned to survive by keeping her head down. But there was one thing she couldn’t hide—her beauty. It was both a blessing and a curse.

The elite girls at her prestigious high school despised her for it. Especially Bianca Hart, the self-proclaimed queen bee, who had made it her mission to torment Serena at every opportunity.

"Slumming it again, are we?" Bianca sneered as she blocked Serena’s path in the hallway that morning. Her perfectly manicured fingers twirled a strand of platinum blonde hair as she smirked. "I don’t know why they let girls like you in here. You don’t belong."

Serena clenched her books tighter, ignoring the laughter of Bianca’s followers. She had heard it all before. She knew better than to fight back—it only made things worse.

"What, nothing to say?" Bianca pouted mockingly. "Maybe if you begged me, I’d consider being nice for once. But then again, I don’t think even groveling would help a charity case like you."

Serena exhaled slowly, walking past her without a word. Bianca’s words cut deep, but she refused to let them see her break.

That’s why, when Maya pulled her aside after class, insisting they needed a night out, Serena almost said no. But she was tired. Tired of feeling like she didn’t belong, tired of pretending she wasn’t suffocating under the weight of everything.

"You need a break from all this, Serena," Maya said, twirling her pen between her fingers. "Let’s go out tonight. A club. Just for fun."

Serena hesitated. Going out wasn’t her thing, not anymore. She had spent too long trying to keep a low profile. But Maya wasn’t taking no for an answer.

That night, the club pulsed with life, bodies swaying under neon lights, the scent of alcohol thick in the air. Serena clung to her drink, scanning the crowd, feeling like she had made a mistake coming here.

Then she saw him.

Damien Cross.

Her heart stopped. He was leaning against the VIP section, a glass of whiskey in hand, his dark eyes locked onto her. He looked the same—no, more dangerous, more lethal. His tailored suit hugged his powerful frame, his presence commanding attention without even trying.

Serena turned away, panic gripping her. Not now. Not like this.

But it was too late.

One second she was trying to disappear into the crowd, the next, a loud gunshot shattered the music. Screams erupted around her. Chaos. People running. Another shot fired.

The lights flickered wildly, and in that split second of flashing neon, she saw him—a figure in a dark mask, gun raised, aimed directly at her.

Her breath hitched, her body frozen. But just as the masked figure pulled the trigger, a sudden shift in the lights made him miss. The bullet embedded itself into the wall inches away from her.

A strong arm wrapped around her waist, yanking her down. She hit a solid chest, the scent of whiskey and something dangerously masculine surrounding her.

"Stay down," Damien’s voice growled into her ear.

Her breath came in ragged gasps. She was trapped against him, her body pressed to his in a way that sent a familiar heat spiraling through her. She tried to fight it, fight him, but he didn’t let go.

When the gunshots ceased and the commotion died down, she turned to look at him. His face was unreadable, but his eyes burned with something raw. Possession. Need. A hunger that had never left.

"Who was that?" he demanded, his fingers tightening around her wrist.

Serena shook her head. "I don’t know."

Damien’s jaw clenched, his grip tightening. "That person was clearly directing the gun at you. What do you mean you don't know who that person is?"

Serena swallowed hard, avoiding his piercing gaze. "I swear, I don't know."

His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "You cannot lie to me, Serena."

It was a lie. She had a feeling she knew exactly who had pulled the trigger.

Damien exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "You know something. And you’re in danger."

She yanked her arm free, taking a step back. "Stay out of my life, Damien."

A smirk curved his lips, dark and knowing. "You think I came all this way just to let you walk away again? I told you once, Serena—you’re mine. And this time, I’m not letting you go."

She shivered at the promise in his voice, her pulse hammering. God help me…

Because this time, there was no running. Not when the past had just tried to kill her.

Who was the masked shooter? And why were they after Serena now?