Chapter 15
Colen’s POV
The first time I saw her was at the mafia banquet three years ago. The room was a glittering display of power and wealth, but none of it held my attention. My eyes were fixed on her–Camilla. She stood near the center of the hall, her laughter light and unrestrained, as though untouched by the darkness that surrounded the rest of us. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She wasn’t just beautiful; she was magnetic. Her presence demanded attention, but not in the way most people did in our world. There was no pretense with her. The confidence she exuded felt natural, like it was etched into her very being.
“Boss, you’ve been staring at her for ten. minutes.” It was Isaac, one of my most trusted men at the time, leaning in close to whisper. “Should I find out who she is?”
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I shook my head, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips. “No need. I’ll find out myself.”
The thought of walking up to her sent a strange rush of anticipation through me. I wasn‘ t the type to chase after anyone, but there was something different about Camilla. She made me curious, something that hadn’t happened in years.
I watched her laugh at something a man said, her hand delicately lifting a glass of champagne to her lips. The way she moved, so unguarded in a room full of predators, intrigued me. I’d never been one to care for banquets like these, but suddenly, I was glad I’d come.
With a deep breath, I began making my way toward her.
But just as I crossed the room, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I ignored it at first, but it buzzed again. And again.
“Colen,” Isaac‘ s tone was grave as he
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handed me his own phone, showing me the message from our underboss. “The
estate has been attacked. Your father…”
The words hit me like a bullet. My father was dead.
I didn’t hesitate. I turned on my heel and left the banquet, the memory of Camilla’s smile burned into my mind. That night, everything changed.
Three years later, I sat in my office, now the head of the Steel Serpent. The room was dark, the only light coming from the cityscape visible through the floor–to-
ceiling windows. The sound of my enemies‘ names being crossed off my mental list had become the rhythm of my. life. I had secured my position, silenced the traitors, and made sure everyone understood one thing: Don Colen Armand
was untouchable.
But even now, Camilla was never far from
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my thoughts.
I leaned back in my chair, my mind wandering to her again. Over the years, I’d kept tabs on her. The more I learned, the more I admired her. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was strong, a woman who could survive in our world without losing her sense of self.
“Boss,” Isaac’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. He stood in the doorway, a thick folder in his hands. “The proposal has been accepted. The Silver Bullets have agreed to the arrangement.”
I nodded, already expecting the news. The deal had been in the works for weeks, and I’d made sure there was no room for refusal. Camilla‘ s family needed protection, and I needed her.
Isaac hesitated before speaking again.
“You‘ re sure about this?”
I gave him a sharp look. “Do I seem
unsure?”
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He shook his head quickly. “No, boss. Just… marriage isn’t exactly your style.”
“It is now,” I said simply, my tone leaving no room for argument.
As the deal was finalized, memories of that night at the banquet resurfaced. I thought about how close I’d come to meeting her, how the chaos of our world had stolen that moment. But now, I had the power to protect her, to ensure no one could harm her or take her away from me.
The day of our first meeting came quicker than I expected. When I finally saw her again, she looked just as stunning as I remembered. But there was hesitation in her eyes, a flicker of uncertainty. I knew this wasn’t the life she had dreamed of, but I was determined to show her that she could trust me.
“You‘ re quiet,” I said, breaking the silence between us as we sat at the table
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during the banquet. People still whispering about us but let them talk.
Her gaze flicked up to meet mine. “I’m still processing,” she admitted.
I admired her honesty. “I don‘ t expect you to trust me overnight, Camilla. But I’ll prove to you that I’ll protect you. Always.”
She studied me for a moment, her expression unreadable. “I’ve heard stories about you,” she said cautiously.
I smirked. “Most of them are probably true. Why are you scared of me?”
She pressed her lips together. “I don‘ t know.”
“Don’t be.” I held her hand and kissed it. “I’m here to protect you and make sure you get the love you truly deserve.”
For the first time, a small smile tugged at her lips. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. I knew this was only the
