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Whether it’s the allure of wealth, the danger of the underworld, or the beauty of love against all odds — Ashley’s Stories brings you tales that are bold, emotional, and unforgettable.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I'm elbow-deep in suds, sweat, and a very real existential crisis when the universe decides to play one more joke on me.
00:07And honestly, I should have seen it coming.
00:09My name is Harper Lane. I work the day shift at SunSplash Car Wash in downtown Phoenix.
00:14And this morning, I'm already on strike three of things that prove God has favorites and I'm not one of them.
00:22First, my landlord taped a bright orange.
00:24Final notice to my apartment door like it was an arts and crafts project.
00:27Second, my ex texted me a photo of his engagement ring with the caption,
00:32You good.
00:33And third, the real cherry, my manager Stan, just informed me that if I'm late one more damn time,
00:40he'll replace me with the teenager who vapes behind the vacuum station.
00:44So yeah, I'm not thriving.
00:46The desert sun is blinding, bouncing off every windshield like it's personally offended by their shine.
00:51The line of cars snake around the lot, horns honking, people arguing through rolled-down windows.
00:56It's chaos under UV rays.
00:59And I'm here, scrubbing a minivan with Cheerios melted into the upholstery.
01:04Trying not to cry because crying at work means someone asks,
01:07Are you okay?
01:09And the answer is always no, which is exhausting.
01:13I lean out of the van to rinse my sponge when I hear it.
01:16A sound so smooth it doesn't belong in this parking lot.
01:19A low, throaty engine purr.
01:21Like money.
01:22Like danger wrapped in leather.
01:23Like the complete opposite of my life.
01:25I turn.
01:26And oh!
01:27Oh, hell.
01:28A Ferrari.
01:29Not red, not yellow.
01:30Pearl white.
01:31Gleaming so hard it looks like someone carved it out of sunlight.
01:35Pulls into the VIP lane like the asphalt exists just to hold it.
01:38The engine shuts off.
01:40The world stays loud.
01:41But I go very, very still.
01:43The door lifts open.
01:44And he steps out.
01:46I swear the temperature spikes ten degrees.
01:47The man is tall, broad-shouldered.
01:50Mid-thirties at most.
01:52Wearing a fitted charcoal.
01:54T-shirt that somehow looks more expensive.
01:57Than my entire student.
01:58Debt.
01:59Aviators.
02:00Faint scruff.
02:01Tattoos curling out from under both sleeves.
02:03Black geometric lines.
02:05Intricate.
02:06Deliberate.
02:07Not decorative.
02:08Meaningful.
02:08His presence hits like static electricity and a minor heart attack.
02:12I realize I'm staring.
02:14And then I realize everyone else is too.
02:16Even Stan, who once ignored a literal fire in the trash bin, is gawking.
02:21The man looks around the lot like he's assessing it for either a Yelp review or a hostile takeover.
02:26His gaze lands on me.
02:28And doesn't move.
02:29Shit.
02:30He walks over.
02:31Slow.
02:31Calm.
02:32Like he owns the sidewalk, the street, and probably the entire zip code.
02:37The sun hits his watch, blinding me for a second.
02:40It's not just luxury.
02:41It's a statement.
02:43A threat made of diamonds.
02:44I swallow hard.
02:45He keeps approaching.
02:47When he finally stops in front of me, the air shifts.
02:50I can't explain it.
02:51Everything is still bright and loud and hot.
02:54But it feels like the world is holding its breath.
02:56Then he removes his sunglasses.
02:59His eyes are icy blue, sharp, assessing, unbothered.
03:02The kind of eyes that have seen too much and fear absolutely nothing.
03:06Are you the one who's gonna wash my car?
03:08His voice is deep, smooth, with a faint rasp like whiskey poured over in tension.
03:12I blink, twice.
03:14Uh, yes.
03:15I mean, I, yeah.
03:16I can do that.
03:18He studies me for a second like he can see every bad decision I've ever made.
03:22And maybe he can.
03:23His presence has that vibe.
03:25Like secrets gravitate to him.
03:27Good, he says.
03:28I don't like strangers touching my things.
03:31My brain short-circuits.
03:33Partly because of the sentence.
03:35Partly because he's close enough that I smell him.
03:37Clean.
03:38Expensive.
03:39Confident.
03:40A quiet storm-wearing cologne.
03:42He hands me the keys.
03:43Don't scratch it.
03:45He turns away, but then he pauses.
03:47Looks back.
03:48What's your name?
03:49I freeze.
03:50I don't know why.
03:52Maybe because nobody important has asked me that in a long time.
03:55Maybe because something in his tone says the answer matters.
03:58I'm Harper.
03:59I finally manage.
04:00His lips twitch.
04:01Not a smile, not yet.
04:03Harper.
04:05He tries my name like he's testing its weight in his mouth.
04:08Pretty.
04:09My heart does a very stupid, very unhelpful somersault.
04:12He slides his sunglasses back on.
04:14Taps the roof of the Ferrari once.
04:17Just once.
04:18And walks toward the VIP, waiting patio like he's done this a thousand times.
04:21I stand there, gripping the keys, trying not to combust.
04:25Stan appears beside me, whisper-hissing like a gossiping kettle.
04:29Harper, that's Nico Raphael.
04:31Who?
04:32I whisper back.
04:33Stan looks at me like I asked who the president is.
04:36The Raphael family?
04:38The ones who own half the southwest coast?
04:40Private islands, ranches, real estate.
04:43And also, allegedly, maybe, possibly the entire west coast syndicate?
04:48My stomach drops.
04:49Fantastic.
04:50A mob boss.
04:51Just what my life needed.
04:53He's bad news, Stan adds.
04:55Be careful.
04:56I glance at Nico across the lot.
04:59He's sitting on the patio in full sunlight.
05:01Legs spread.
05:02One arm draped over the back of the bench.
05:04Relaxed in a way that only very powerful men can be.
05:07He's scrolling his phone like he's deciding...
05:09The fate of the universe between texts.
05:11Bad news?
05:12Yeah, obviously.
05:14And he's watching me again.
05:16Eyes hidden under those expensive lenses.
05:17But I can feel it like heat on the back of my neck.
05:21I get to work.
05:22The Ferrari is smooth beneath my hands.
05:25Warm from the sun, humming with quiet promise.
05:27It's surreal washing a car worth more than my existence.
05:30I'm trying to keep my breathing normal when I hear footsteps approaching.
05:34I don't turn.
05:35I know it's him.
05:36Nobody else walks like the ground owes them rent money.
05:39You missed a spot, Nico says.
05:41I look over my shoulder.
05:43Pretty sure I'm still actively washing it.
05:45He stands beside me.
05:47Close enough that the sunlight catches the tiny scar on his jaw.
05:50Still missed a spot.
05:52I raise a brow.
05:53Do you want the sponge?
05:55Since you know so much?
05:56His lips twitch again.
05:57I don't wash my own cars.
05:59Of course not, I mutter.
06:01He hears it, because of course he does.
06:04You always this mouthy?
06:05He asks, leaning slightly closer.
06:07I'm having a long day.
06:09I can tell.
06:10His tone is amused but searching.
06:12Like he's trying to figure out why a girl like me
06:14looks like she's about to crumble
06:16and punch someone at the same time.
06:18And then, because the universe hates me,
06:21my phone buzzes in my pocket.
06:23I pull it out.
06:25It's my landlord.
06:26Again.
06:27Eviction finalized.
06:28Must vacate by tomorrow, 6 p.m.
06:31My throat tightens so fast I nearly choke.
06:34Great.
06:35Wonderful.
06:36Perfect timing.
06:37Nico watches my face shift.
06:39His expression sharpening like he just saw the crack beneath my smile.
06:43Bad news, he asks.
06:44It's nothing, I lie.
06:46Because I don't need a mafia boss knowing I can barely afford gas.
06:49He doesn't buy it.
06:50You look like someone just kicked your life sideways.
06:53I shrug, gripping the hose.
06:55Just grown-up problems.
06:57You wouldn't get it.
06:59That gets his attention.
07:00His head tilts.
07:01Try me.
07:03I swallow hard.
07:04Look, can you just...
07:05I don't know.
07:07Give me five minutes to wash your ridiculous car without interrogating me?
07:11He steps back, raises both hands.
07:13Fair enough.
07:14I expect him to walk away.
07:15He doesn't.
07:16He waits.
07:18Watches.
07:19Like he's making sure I don't fall over or break into tears.
07:22The pressure is too much.
07:24I finish the wash in a blur, hand shaking as I dry the passenger side mirror.
07:29Nico steps forward.
07:31Harper?
07:31I freeze.
07:33You're not okay, he says, low enough that only I hear.
07:37Tell me why.
07:38My chest tightens.
07:39Why do you care?
07:41He looks at me for a long moment.
07:43The sun hits him just right, making his eyes bright and unreadable.
07:47Because I don't leave until I know your name, he murmurs.
07:50And I don't walk away until I know what put that look on your face.
07:54My breath catches.
07:56This, this right here, this is the moment of no return.
07:59I know it.
08:00He knows it.
08:01The entire parking lot probably knows it.
08:04I could lie.
08:05I could run.
08:06I could pretend this is just another Thursday at the car wash.
08:09But when his gaze holds mine, steady, unblinking, something inside me cracks.
08:14And I whisper the truth.
08:16I'm getting evicted tomorrow.
08:18He doesn't move.
08:19He doesn't flinch.
08:20Just studies me like he's rearranging a plan in his head.
08:23Then he says quietly, decisively,
08:26Harper, you're not going anywhere.
08:28And that's how I know my life is about to explode in ways I'm not ready for.
08:32But I can't look away.
08:33Not from him.
08:34Not anymore.
08:36Come with me.
08:37That's the first thing Nico says after dropping the eviction bombshell.
08:40Like he's just offering me a free car wash coupon.
08:43He says it calm, firm, unshakable.
08:46Like he's used to people just obeying.
08:50And I do not obey strangers.
08:52Especially not mafia looking.
08:54Strangers with cheekbones sharp enough.
08:56To file taxes on and tattoos that probably mean something like I have definitely killed people.
09:01I cross my arms.
09:02I can't come with you.
09:04I still have-
09:04I gesture vaguely at the tiny, half-collapsed universe around me.
09:09My life, my job.
09:10My apartment that's apparently allergic to my presence.
09:13Nico just nods like he already expected resistance.
09:16I didn't say move in.
09:18I said come with me.
09:19Now.
09:20Why?
09:20He studies me for a beat.
09:22Sunlight glinting off his watch.
09:24Because I don't like repeating myself.
09:26I roll my eyes.
09:28Wow.
09:28So charming.
09:29His lips twitch.
09:31That almost smile again.
09:32Before he says,
09:34Harper, you're about to get steamrolled by something.
09:37You can't fix in the next 24 hours.
09:39I don't need saving.
09:41Good.
09:42He murmurs.
09:43Because I'm not offering that.
09:45I'm offering time.
09:46Time.
09:47The one thing I don't have.
09:48I take a breath, glance at Stan.
09:50Who looks like he's about to faint.
09:52Then back at the man who just tossed a grenade into my schedule.
09:56Fine.
09:56I say finally.
09:58Ten minutes.
09:59And then I'm back.
10:00Ten minutes.
10:01I can survive ten minutes.
10:03Nico nods once in approval.
10:05Like I passed a test I didn't know I was taking.
10:08He opens the passenger door of the Ferrari, motioning with his hand.
10:12I hesitate.
10:13A full-body, oh god, what am I doing kind of hesitation.
10:16But then I slide in.
10:17The interior smells like citrus, leather, and sin.
10:20The sun catches the dashboard, turning it gold.
10:22My reflection stares back from the glossy console.
10:26Flushed cheeks.
10:27Frazzled hair.
10:28The expression of someone who definitely did not plan on being kidnapped.
10:32On her lunch break, Nico gets in on his side.
10:35The door clicks shut.
10:36Seatbelt, he says.
10:38It feels like an order.
10:39It probably is.
10:40I put it on.
10:42He pulls out of the lot with one hand on the wheel.
10:44The other resting between us.
10:46Relaxed in a way that tells me this man does not fear accidents.
10:49Or consequences.
10:51Or God.
10:52So where are we going?
10:53I ask, gripping the door handle as we weave through traffic like physics is a rumor.
10:58Somewhere quieter.
11:00That's not ominous at all.
11:02He smirks.
11:03You talk too much when you're nervous.
11:05I talk too much when I'm annoyed.
11:07Good to know.
11:08We drive through sunlit Phoenix streets.
11:11Palm trees swaying.
11:12Kids eating ice cream outside convenience stores.
11:15Cyclists sweating like sinners in church.
11:17Everything is bright, hot, alive.
11:19And here I am, riding shotgun with a man.
11:22Whose presence has the gravitational pull of a small planet.
11:25He eventually pulls into the parking lot of a rooftop cafe.
11:28Surprisingly normal.
11:30Surprisingly public.
11:31Surprisingly adorable.
11:33Really?
11:34I ask.
11:35A cafe?
11:36I thought you'd take me to, I don't know, a hidden compound or a private ranch with laser
11:40fences.
11:41Why?
11:42He says, getting out.
11:43Because of the tattoos?
11:45Because of the vibes?
11:46He raises a brow.
11:48Vibes.
11:49Big ones.
11:50Dangerous ones.
11:51Good.
11:52He offers me his hand to help me out of the car.
11:55I stare at it.
11:57I can get out by myself.
11:58Never said you couldn't.
12:00I take his hand.
12:01Mostly because it feels rude not to.
12:03His palm is warm.
12:05Annoyingly warm.
12:06And holding it makes my stomach drop like I'm on a roller coaster.
12:09He leads me up to the rooftop.
12:12Patio where the sun is so bright it sharpens every edge of the skyline.
12:16He chooses a corner table under a wide umbrella, the shade softening the heat.
12:21A waitress appears immediately, cheeks flushed.
12:24Flustered.
12:24Mr. Raphael, good afternoon.
12:27He nods.
12:27Two iced coffees.
12:29I blink.
12:30Wow, you didn't even ask what I wanted.
12:32He glances at me.
12:34Do you want something else?
12:36No, iced coffee is great.
12:37I just wasn't expecting you to order for me.
12:40You looked like you needed caffeine.
12:42The man is annoyingly observant.
12:44When the waitress leaves, I fold my arms on the table.
12:47Okay, talk.
12:48Why am I here?
12:49Because you're upset.
12:50And you're trying to hide it.
12:52My jaw tightens.
12:53So you dragged me to brunch?
12:55He lifts an eyebrow.
12:57Do you see food?
12:58Okay, fine.
12:59You dragged me to...
13:01Caffeine therapy?
13:02He leans in slightly.
13:04Studying me with those winter blue eyes that see too much.
13:07Harper, what's the real problem?
13:09I told you.
13:10No, you told me the symptom.
13:13His voice softens.
13:14Tell me the cause.
13:16I exhale.
13:17The sun is warm on my shoulders, the brightness making me feel too exposed.
13:22My landlord raised the rent again, I admit quietly.
13:25And I can't keep up.
13:27I'm already working extra shifts.
13:28I'm saving every penny.
13:30But it's not enough.
13:32I'm out tomorrow.
13:32He nods slowly.
13:34Then you'll stay somewhere else.
13:36Wow, I say, voice dripping sarcasm.
13:40Revolutionary.
13:41His tone stays calm.
13:43Harper, I'm not offering charity.
13:44I'm offering options.
13:46What kind of options?
13:48Safe ones.
13:49My life isn't unsafe.
13:51Nico doesn't respond right away.
13:52He just looks at me like he's trying to decide how much truth I can handle.
13:56Then he says,
13:57You think what's happening to you is bad luck.
14:00It isn't.
14:01What does that mean?
14:02It means someone's pushing you.
14:04Frozen.
14:05I actually freeze.
14:07What?
14:07Who?
14:08No one even knows.
14:09Harper.
14:10He cuts in, voice low but firm.
14:12The Raphael family controls the city's business pipelines.
14:16Real estate.
14:17Loans.
14:17Industries nobody talks about.
14:18If someone is trying to squeeze you out of your home, I'd know.
14:22You're saying this is connected to you?
14:24I'm saying it's possible.
14:26A sharp breath escapes me.
14:28Suddenly the sun feels too bright.
14:30The world too loud.
14:32You think someone is targeting me?
14:34No, he says immediately.
14:36I think someone made a mistake.
14:38And you got caught in it.
14:39That doesn't sound better.
14:41I know.
14:42He's calm, steady, infuriating.
14:44But I can fix it.
14:46If you let me.
14:47Before I can respond, my phone buzzes again.
14:50Another message.
14:51From an unknown number.
14:52Move out today.
14:53Or we move you.
14:55My heart stutters.
14:56Nico sees my face.
14:58Let me see.
14:59No, I'm sure it's...
15:01Harper.
15:02His voice drops, deep and commanding.
15:04Give me the phone.
15:06I hand it over.
15:07Because somehow he leaves no room for no.
15:10He reads the text, jaw tightening,
15:12eyes turning from icy blue to glacier cold.
15:15When did this start?
15:16He asks.
15:17Two days ago, I whisper.
15:19I thought it was a scam.
15:21It isn't.
15:22The waitress returns with our iced coffees.
15:24Breaking the tension for a brief second.
15:26As soon as she leaves, Nico leans forward.
15:29You don't go home today.
15:30He says softly but decisively.
15:33Not alone.
15:34You can't just...
15:35Yes, he cuts in.
15:36I can.
15:38I shake my head.
15:39This is insane.
15:40My life is not some mafia chessboard.
15:42You're right, he says.
15:44It's not.
15:45He leans back, eyes on mine.
15:47But you stepped into mine the moment I saw your face.
15:50And whether you like it or not,
15:52someone else noticed, too.
15:53The words send a shiver down my spine despite the heat.
15:56Why me?
15:57I whisper.
15:58I'm nobody.
16:00Harper.
16:01His voice is soft but unwavering.
16:03People who think they're nobodies are usually the ones worth watching.
16:06My throat closes.
16:08I look away.
16:09But he reaches across the table and gently hooks a finger under my chin, turning me back
16:14to him.
16:15Hey, he murmurs.
16:17You're not alone.
16:18I swallow hard.
16:20Why are you helping me?
16:21He considers the question.
16:23Then he gives the truth.
16:24Quiet.
16:25Dangerous.
16:26Raw.
16:27Because the moment you said your name I stopped wanting to walk away.
16:30The air leaves my lungs.
16:32He stands, tossing cash onto the table.
16:35Let's go.
16:36Where?
16:37To get your things.
16:38And then somewhere safe.
16:40I told you I'm not moving in with you.
16:42I didn't ask you to.
16:43Then where?
16:45He opens the car door for me, leaning close enough for his shadow to fall across my arm.
16:49Harper, he says, voice low.
16:52I own eight properties in this city.
16:54You can pick whichever one has the best sunlight.
16:56My heart flips, twists, tries to escape.
16:59And if I say no?
17:01I whisper.
17:02His eyes lock onto mine.
17:04Then I stay with you, he says simply.
17:06Every step.
17:08Every minute.
17:08Until this is solved.
17:10Heat rushes through me.
17:11Panic.
17:12Disbelief.
17:13And something dangerously close to trust.
17:16Because this is the moment I realize.
17:18He isn't trapping me.
17:19He's choosing me.
17:20And I'm choosing him back.
17:22Even if it terrifies me.
17:23If you ever want to know who you really are,
17:25try packing your entire life into two duffel bags while a mafia boss stands outside your
17:31door casually, scrolling his phone like, don't mind me, just ready to shoot someone
17:35if necessary.
17:36That's where I am.
17:37In broad daylight.
17:38Sun streaming through my crappy blinds like God's flashlight during a police lineup.
17:42I'm grabbing clothes, shampoo.
17:45The embarrassing stuffed llama I sleep with sometimes.
17:47Look.
17:48Trauma comes in many forms.
17:50And shoving everything into bags.
17:52While my heart tries to claw its way out of my chest.
17:55Outside the apartment, I hear Nico speaking quietly to someone.
18:00His tone sharp and controlled.
18:02Then the building manager, who always pretends not to see my Amazon packages, rounds the
18:07corner, spots Nico's tattoos, and immediately decides to have an urgent appointment somewhere
18:12else.
18:13I sling the duffel over my shoulder and step out.
18:16Nico stands waiting in full sun, arms crossed, sunglasses on, tattoos on display, looking like
18:22daylight was specifically engineered to highlight his jawline.
18:25You ready?
18:26He asks.
18:27No.
18:27Not even close.
18:29But I nod.
18:30We walk down the stairwell toward the parking lot.
18:33I expect a decoy car or bodyguards or some bulletproof SUV.
18:36Nope.
18:37He takes me back to the bright white Ferrari.
18:39Nico.
18:40I whisper.
18:41Isn't this a little... visible?
18:43He shrugs.
18:45Visibility keeps people honest.
18:47Does it?
18:48For me?
18:48Yes.
18:49I strap in as he starts the engine.
18:52We're pulling out when the first sign of trouble hits.
18:54A black GMC truck parked across the street.
18:57Windows dark.
18:58Engine off.
18:59Too still.
19:00Too intentional.
19:01Is that normal?
19:02I ask.
19:03Nico's eyes slide toward the rearview mirror.
19:06No.
19:06My stomach sinks.
19:08As soon as we turn onto the main road, the truck pulls out too.
19:11Nico.
19:12I whisper.
19:13It's following us.
19:14I know.
19:15He accelerates.
19:17Sunlight flashes off buildings.
19:18The desert air is thick.
19:20Traffic buzzes around us, bright and noisy.
19:23The normalcy feels surreal when adrenaline is slicing through my ribs.
19:27Nico, what is happening?
19:28I'm about to find out.
19:30He taps something on the console.
19:32A second later, a calm voice answers through the speakers.
19:35Boss?
19:36Marco.
19:37Nico says, tone clipped.
19:39We have a tail.
19:40Black GMC.
19:41Tinted windows.
19:42Eastbound on Monroe.
19:43I want eyes on them now.
19:45On it.
19:46My pulse slams against my neck.
19:48This is about the eviction, isn't it?
19:50My voice cracks.
19:51Someone's trying to push me out.
19:53For what?
19:54To get to you?
19:55His grip tightens on the wheel.
19:57Harper listened to me.
19:58No.
19:59My voice rushes out, breathless.
20:01No.
20:03You said this wasn't my fault.
20:04That it wasn't.
20:05It's not your fault.
20:07He says firmly.
20:08But it is because of you?
20:10His jaw flexes.
20:11And that's all the answer I need.
20:13Pull over, I say.
20:14Not happening.
20:16I'm serious.
20:16Let me out.
20:18He turns, eyes fierce under the sunglasses.
20:20I'm not letting you step into traffic so whoever's behind us can snatch you.
20:25Snatch me.
20:26My blood goes cold.
20:27Another voice crackles through the car.
20:30Marco again.
20:31Boss, we've got a positive ID.
20:33Truck belongs to the Serrano group.
20:35Nico mutters something in Italian I'm pretty sure is not.
20:38Have a nice day.
20:39Why are they after me?
20:41I choke out.
20:42They're not after you, he says.
20:44They're after what matters to me.
20:47That sentence nearly knocks the breath out of my lungs.
20:49But I don't.
20:50I barely know you.
20:52You barely know me.
20:53He shakes his head once.
20:54Harper.
20:55I don't leave people behind.
20:57I'm shaking.
20:58A mix of fear and disbelief and something.
21:00Dangerously close to heartbreak.
21:02His phone buzzes.
21:04Marco again.
21:05They're speeding up.
21:06What's the play?
21:07Nico glances at me.
21:09We finish this in public.
21:11What does that mean?
21:12He changes lanes, turning sharply into a wide, sunlit commercial plaza.
21:18Families.
21:18Shoppers.
21:19Kids eating pretzels.
21:20Everything bright and normal and safe.
21:22Safe.
21:23Good.
21:24He pulls the Ferrari right, up to the thick of crowds and parks sideways.
21:28Across three spots.
21:29Stay here, he says.
21:31Like hell I will.
21:32Harper.
21:33No.
21:34My voice comes out low but steady.
21:36If they're after me, if I'm part of this, I'm not hiding behind a windshield while you
21:40get shot.
21:41I'm not.
21:42His eyes soften.
21:43Just barely.
21:44I'm not getting shot today.
21:46He gets out.
21:47And I...
21:47Because I'm apparently addicted to bad decisions.
21:50Follow him into the blazing sunlight.
21:53The GMC pulls in.
21:54Tires screeching.
21:55Doors opening fast.
21:57Three men step out.
21:58Tattoos.
21:59Hard eyes.
22:00Guns under their shirts but not drawn.
22:02Not with kids around.
22:04They hesitate, scanning the crowd.
22:06Nico steps forward, voice like steel under the sun.
22:09You picked the wrong girl.
22:11My breath catches.
22:13The leader smirks.
22:14Boss Raphael.
22:16We just want to talk.
22:17Then talk, Nico says.
22:19In the open.
22:20No weapons.
22:21No games.
22:22Your people have been stepping on our territories, the man says, shrugging casually.
22:28Business is business.
22:29And threatening a civilian?
22:31Nico snaps.
22:32That's not business.
22:34The man glances past Nico.
22:36At me.
22:36Fear floods me so fast my vision wavers.
22:39Nico shifts instantly, blocking their view of me with his whole body.
22:43You look at her again.
22:45I rip your eyes out.
22:46He says quietly.
22:47The sunlight makes everything surreal.
22:49Like the entire confrontation is happening under a cosmic spotlight.
22:54No one can turn off.
22:55Then Marco arrives, and not alone.
22:57Two SUVs pull in, doors slamming.
22:59More men in sun-warmed suits fan out behind us.
23:02The Serrano men freeze.
23:03The leader raises his hands.
23:05Okay.
23:06Point made.
23:07No.
23:08Nico says.
23:09Not yet.
23:10He steps closer.
23:12Your people put pressure on the wrong woman.
23:14That ends today.
23:15You stay away from her.
23:16Her home.
23:17Her job.
23:17Her life.
23:18Or I end yours.
23:19Clear?
23:20A tense beat.
23:22Then...
23:22Crystal.
23:23The guy mutters.
23:24They back off, slide into their truck, and peel away.
23:27When they're gone, adrenaline slams through my knees so hard I practically fold.
23:32Nico is beside me instantly.
23:34Harper, he murmurs, gripping my shoulders.
23:37Breathe.
23:38I'm...
23:39I gasp.
23:39I'm trying.
23:41The sunlight feels too bright.
23:42The pavement too hot.
23:44The world too sharp.
23:46You're safe, he says.
23:47I meant it.
23:48You're safe.
23:50No, I'm not, I choke out.
23:52Not if this keeps happening.
23:53Not if they think I matter to you, he hesitates.
23:56A tiny telling flicker.
23:58Nico, I whisper.
24:00Why do I matter to you?
24:01The truth sits heavy in the air, thick as heat.
24:04He finally says it.
24:06Because I saw you, he murmurs.
24:09Scrubbing cars like your life depended on it.
24:11Fighting through your day with more grit than I've seen in men twice your size.
24:15You were drowning and still moving forward.
24:17He lifts my chin.
24:19And I...
24:20I haven't cared about anyone in a long time.
24:22Not like this.
24:24My breath stutters.
24:25Why didn't you walk away?
24:27I ask.
24:28Because you looked at me like I was a man.
24:30He says softly.
24:31Not a weapon.
24:32He takes a breath.
24:34Then adds.
24:35And I don't want to lose that.
24:37The vulnerability in his words hits harder than any threat.
24:40But my life can't be this dangerous.
24:42I whisper.
24:43It won't be, he says.
24:44Not anymore.
24:46You can't promise that.
24:47Yes.
24:48He says.
24:49Brushing his thumb against my cheek.
24:51I can.
24:52I swallow hard.
24:54So what now?
24:55Now, he says.
24:56You choose.
24:58Choose what?
24:59Whether you stay in my world, he says.
25:01Or I walk you to whatever life you want.
25:04And make damn sure nobody ever touches it again.
25:06The air goes silent.
25:08The sun bakes the pavement.
25:09Wind rattles a palm tree.
25:11Somewhere a kid laughs.
25:12And in the middle of a bright, chaotic parking lot, he waits.
25:15Not commanding.
25:16Not demanding.
25:18Just waiting for my choice.
25:19I step closer.
25:21My voice shakes.
25:23I don't want you to walk away.
25:24His relief is subtle.
25:26A slow exhale.
25:27A softened jaw.
25:29A flicker of warmth in his eyes.
25:31But it's real.
25:32He cups my face gently.
25:34Then you stay with me.
25:36On your terms.
25:37My terms?
25:38You want independence?
25:39You keep it.
25:40You want space?
25:41You have it.
25:42You want sunlight, safety, peace?
25:44I'll build it.
25:45His forehead presses to mine.
25:47Just stay, he whispers.
25:49And I do something shocking.
25:51I laugh.
25:52A breathless, tearful, ridiculous laugh.
25:54Only if you stop assuming I need rescuing, I say.
25:58He smirks.
25:59Deal.
26:00And stop ordering my coffee.
26:01No promises.
26:03Sunlight spills across us as he finally, finally, kisses me.
26:08Warm.
26:09Certain.
26:10A collision months overdue.
26:11The world spins and steadies all at once.
26:13When we break apart, he says, come on.
26:15Let's go home.
26:17I blink.
26:18Which of your eight houses is home, exactly?
26:21He squeezes my hand.
26:22The one you choose?
26:24My chest swells.
26:25Okay.
26:26I whisper.
26:27Drive.
26:28He leads me back toward the Ferrari.
26:30Toward sunlight.
26:31And danger and safety and chaos and something terrifyingly close to love.
26:36And for the first time in a very long time, I don't feel like I'm drowning.
26:40I feel like I'm living.
26:41Hey, beautiful people.
26:43If you love the story, the chaos, the sunshine, the romance, the mafia boss who refuses to
26:48leave without knowing her name, make sure you hit subscribe.
26:51Drop a comment and tell me your favorite moment.
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