Theo stormed into his penthouse, his jaw clenched so tight it ached. The door slammed behind him with a force that rattled the walls, the sound echoing through the cavernous space like a gunshot. His chest heaved, his breath coming in sharp, furious bursts. He had spent the last hour tearing through the city, his mind a whirlwind of rage and disbelief.
Mira was gone.
She had left him.
And he had no idea why.
The note she had left on his pillow was burned into his memory, the words seared into his soul.
*Theo, I’m so sorry. I have to go. It’s the only way to keep you safe. Please don’t come after me. I love you.*
He had crumpled the paper in his fist, his vision blurring with a mix of fury and despair. *Keep him safe?* From what? From who? The questions had gnawed at him, relentless and unyielding, until he had been forced to confront the one person who might have answers.
Daniel Carter.
Theo had stormed into Daniel’s office, his presence alone enough to make the other man’s secretary pale. He hadn’t bothered with pleasantries. He hadn’t even knocked. He had simply thrown open the door, his eyes blazing with a fury that had made Daniel’s smug smile falter.
“Where is she?” Theo had demanded, his voice a low, dangerous growl.
Daniel had leaned back in his chair, his expression carefully neutral. “Who?”
Theo had crossed the room in three strides, slamming his hands onto Daniel’s desk and leaning in until their faces were inches apart. “Don’t play games with me, Carter. Where the *fuck* is Mira?”
Daniel’s eyes had flickered with something—amusement, maybe, or triumph—but his voice had been smooth, almost bored. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Theo had wanted to strangle him. He had wanted to wrap his hands around Daniel’s throat and squeeze until the life drained from his eyes. But he had forced himself to step back, to rein in his fury. He needed answers, not a murder charge.
“Cut the shit,” Theo had snarled. “I know you had something to do with this. I know you’ve been watching her. Threatening her. So tell me, Daniel—what the *hell* did you do?”
Daniel had sighed, as if Theo’s anger was nothing more than an inconvenience. “I don’t know what Mira told you, Theo, but I assure you, I had nothing to do with her leaving. If she’s gone, it’s because she *wanted* to go.”
Theo’s hands had clenched into fists at his sides. “Bullshit.”
Daniel had shrugged, his smile returning, sharper this time. “Believe what you want. But if you think I’m the reason she left, you’re delusional. Maybe she just realized she didn’t belong with a man like you.”
Theo had seen red.
He had lunged across the desk, his hand wrapping around Daniel’s collar and yanking him forward. Daniel’s chair had tipped, sending him crashing to the floor, but Theo hadn’t cared. He had hauled Daniel up by his shirt, slamming him against the wall hard enough to crack the plaster.
“You’re a *liar*,” Theo had growled, his face inches from Daniel’s. “And I *will* find out the truth. And when I do, you’re going to *regret* ever crossing me.”
Daniel’s breath had hitched, his eyes widening for the first time. But then he had laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. “You’re pathetic, Theo. Always so desperate to play the hero. But you’re not a hero. You’re just a man who’s about to lose everything.”
Theo had wanted to hit him. He had wanted to beat him until there was nothing left but blood and broken bones. But he had forced himself to let go, shoving Daniel back against the wall before stepping away.
“This isn’t over,” Theo had promised, his voice deadly calm.
Daniel had straightened his shirt, his smirk returning. “Oh, I know.”
Theo had turned on his heel and stormed out, his mind racing. Daniel’s words had been a taunt, a challenge. And Theo had every intention of rising to it.
But first, he needed to find Mira.
---
Theo’s penthouse was silent except for the sound of his ragged breathing. He paced the living room like a caged animal, his hands flexing at his sides. He had called her phone a dozen times, but it had gone straight to voicemail. He had texted her, begged her to call him, to tell him where she was, but there had been no response.
She was gone.
And he was *losing his mind.*
He stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, his reflection staring back at him—a man on the edge, his control unraveling. He pressed his forehead against the cool glass, his eyes squeezing shut.
*Think, Theo. Think.*
Mira wouldn’t have left without a reason. She wouldn’t have walked away from him, from *them*, unless she had been forced. And the only person who had the power to force her hand was Daniel.
Theo’s jaw tightened.
He had underestimated Daniel. He had assumed the man was all talk, a nuisance more than a threat. But now, seeing the way Daniel had manipulated Mira, the way he had *threatened* her—Theo realized he had made a mistake.
A *fatal* mistake.
He pushed away from the window, his mind racing. He needed to find her. He needed to bring her home. And then he needed to make Daniel *pay.*
But first, he needed proof.
Theo strode to his office, his steps purposeful. He sat down at his desk, pulling up the security footage from the building’s cameras. He had access to every angle, every feed. If Daniel had been watching Mira, if he had been following her, Theo would find the evidence.
He fast-forwarded through the footage, his eyes scanning the screens. And then he saw it.
A black sedan, parked across the street from the building. The same car that had been there for days, the same car that had followed Mira when she had gone out for coffee. The windows were tinted, but Theo didn’t need to see inside to know who was behind the wheel.
Daniel.
Theo’s hands clenched into fists.
He had been watching her.
*Stalking* her.
Theo’s vision blurred with rage. He had known Daniel was obsessed with Mira, but he had never imagined the man would go this far. He had never imagined he would *threaten* her.
Theo’s phone buzzed on the desk, the screen lighting up with an unknown number. He hesitated for a second before answering, his voice a low growl.
“Who is this?”
“Mr. Sterling.” The voice on the other end was smooth, unfamiliar. “I have information you might find… *interesting.*”
Theo’s grip tightened on the phone. “Who the *fuck* is this?”
“A friend,” the voice said. “Or at least, someone who wants to see Daniel Carter *burn.*”
Theo’s pulse quickened. “What do you want?”
“Meet me at The Velvet Lounge in an hour. Alone. And I’ll give you everything you need to take Daniel down.”
The line went dead.
Theo stared at the phone, his mind racing. He didn’t trust the caller. He didn’t trust *anyone* right now. But if there was even a chance this person had information that could help him find Mira, he had to take it.
He stood, grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair. He would go to the meeting. He would hear what this person had to say. And then he would decide whether to trust them.
But one thing was certain.
Daniel Carter was going to *regret* ever crossing him.
---
Theo arrived at The Velvet Lounge twenty minutes early. The bar was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of whiskey and cigar smoke. He took a seat at the far end of the bar, his back to the wall, his eyes scanning the room.
He didn’t like this.
He didn’t like the secrecy, the games. But he was out of options.
The bartender approached, his expression neutral. “What can I get you?”
“Whiskey,” Theo said, his voice tight. “Neat.”
The bartender nodded, pouring the drink and sliding it across the bar. Theo took a sip, the liquid burning his throat, but he barely felt it. His mind was elsewhere.
*Where are you, Mira?*
The door to the lounge opened, and a man stepped inside. He was tall, broad-shouldered, his dark hair slicked back. He wore a tailored suit, his movements confident, almost predatory. He scanned the room before his eyes landed on Theo.
Theo’s grip tightened on his glass.
The man approached, sliding into the seat beside him. “Mr. Sterling.”
Theo didn’t respond. He just stared at the man, his expression unreadable.
The man smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “I’m glad you came.”
“Who are you?” Theo demanded.
The man’s smile widened. “Call me Victor.”
Theo’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want, Victor?”
Victor signaled to the bartender, ordering a drink before turning back to Theo. “I want the same thing you do, Mr. Sterling. I want Daniel Carter *destroyed.*”
Theo’s jaw tightened. “And why should I trust you?”
Victor took a sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving Theo’s. “Because I have something you want. Something you *need.*”
Theo’s pulse quickened. “And what’s that?”
Victor reached into his jacket, pulling out a manila envelope and sliding it across the bar. “Proof.”
Theo didn’t touch it. “Proof of what?”
Victor’s smile was sharp. “Proof that Daniel Carter has been *blackmailing* Mira. Proof that he threatened to ruin you if she didn’t leave. Proof that he’s been *watching* her for months.”
Theo’s vision blurred with rage. He reached for the envelope, his hands shaking as he pulled out the contents.
Photos.
Dozens of them.
Mira, walking down the street. Mira, sitting in a café. Mira, leaving his building.
And then, the final photo.
A screenshot of a text message.
*If you don’t leave him, I’ll make sure he loses everything. His company. His reputation. You.*
Theo’s breath hitched.
He had known.
He had *known* Daniel was behind this.
But seeing the proof, seeing the way Daniel had *stalked* her, the way he had *threatened* her—it made his blood boil.
Theo’s hands clenched into fists, the photos crumpling in his grip. “Where is she?”
Victor’s expression darkened. “Daniel sent her away. Somewhere he could keep an eye on her. Somewhere he could *control* her.”
Theo’s heart pounded. “Where?”
Victor hesitated. “I don’t know the exact location. But I know someone who does.”
Theo’s eyes locked onto Victor’s. “Who?”
Victor leaned in, his voice a low whisper. “Daniel’s right-hand man. A man named Marcus. He’s the one who’s been following Mira. He’s the one who took her to the airport.”
Theo’s mind raced. “And where is *he*?”
Victor’s smile was cold. “He’s at Daniel’s estate. Waiting for orders.”
Theo stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. “I’m going to kill him.”
Victor grabbed his arm, his grip firm. “Not yet. If you go in there guns blazing, you’ll tip Daniel off. And then he’ll disappear. And so will Mira.”
Theo’s jaw clenched. “Then what do you suggest?”
Victor’s eyes gleamed. “We get Marcus to talk. And then we use him to get to Daniel.”
Theo’s pulse pounded in his ears. He wanted to storm Daniel’s estate. He wanted to tear the man apart with his bare hands. But Victor was right. If he acted rashly, he would lose Mira forever.
And that was *not* an option.
Theo nodded, his voice deadly calm. “Tell me what to do.”
---
Theo’s car sped through the city, the engine roaring as he pushed it to its limits. Victor sat in the passenger seat, his expression grim.
“Marcus is expecting a call from Daniel tonight,” Victor said. “We intercept it. We make him think *we’re* Daniel. And then we get him to tell us where Mira is.”
Theo’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. “And if he doesn’t talk?”
Victor’s smile was sharp. “Oh, he’ll talk.”
Theo didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. They both knew what would happen if Marcus refused.
They pulled up to a secluded warehouse on the outskirts of the city, the building dark and foreboding. Theo killed the engine, his eyes scanning the area.
“This is where you’ve been keeping him?” Theo asked.
Victor nodded. “He’s inside. Waiting.”
Theo stepped out of the car, his body coiled with tension. He followed Victor to the warehouse door, his mind racing.
Marcus was inside.
And he was going to *talk.*
Theo stepped into the warehouse, the door slamming shut behind him. The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of sweat and fear.
And then he saw him.
Marcus.
Bound to a chair, his face bruised, his eyes wide with terror.
Victor stepped forward, his voice cold. “Marcus. So nice of you to join us.”
Marcus’s breath hitched. “W-what the *fuck* is this?”
Victor smiled. “This is where you tell us everything we want to know.”
Marcus’s eyes darted to Theo, his expression shifting from fear to recognition. “S-Sterling?”
Theo stepped forward, his voice a low growl. “Where is she?”
Marcus swallowed hard. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Theo’s hand shot out, wrapping around Marcus’s throat and squeezing. Marcus gasped, his eyes bulging.
“Let’s try this again,” Theo snarled. “Where. Is. *Mira.*”
Marcus’s breath came in ragged gasps. “I-I can’t—”
Theo’s grip tightened. “You *will.*”
Marcus’s face turned red, his struggles growing weaker. And then, finally, he gasped out the words.
“She’s in *Paris.*”
Theo’s grip loosened, his heart pounding. “Where in Paris?”
Marcus coughed, his voice hoarse. “A penthouse. Near the Eiffel Tower. Daniel owns it.”
Theo’s mind raced. Paris. She was in *Paris.*
He stepped back, his eyes locking onto Victor’s. “We’re going to get her.”
Victor nodded. “And then we’re going to *end* Daniel.”
Theo’s smile was sharp, deadly. “Oh, I’m counting on it.”
---
Theo’s private jet touched down in Paris just after dawn. The city was bathed in golden light, the streets bustling with life. But Theo barely noticed.
All he could think about was Mira.
He had spent the flight planning, strategizing. He had called in favors, pulled strings. By the time they landed, he had a team in place, ready to move.
Victor had stayed behind, handling things on his end. But Theo didn’t need him anymore.
He had what he needed.
He knew where Mira was.
And he was going to get her back.
Theo’s car pulled up to the building, a sleek, modern high-rise near the Eiffel Tower. He stepped out, his eyes scanning the entrance.
This was it.
He was *here.*
He strode into the building, his steps purposeful. The doorman barely had time to react before Theo was in the elevator, his finger jabbing the button for the penthouse.
The doors slid shut, and Theo’s heart pounded in his chest.
He was so close.
So *close.*
The elevator dinged, the doors opening to reveal a luxurious foyer. And then he saw her.
Mira.
Standing by the window, her back to him, her body tense.
Theo’s breath caught in his throat.
She was *here.*
She was *safe.*
And then she turned, her eyes widening as she saw him.
“Theo?”
Theo didn’t hesitate.
He crossed the room in three strides, his hands cupping her face, his lips crashing down onto hers.
Mira gasped, her hands flying to his chest, but she didn’t push him away. She melted into him, her lips parting, her body pressing against his.
Theo groaned, his hands tangling in her hair, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. She tasted like heaven, like home. Like everything he had ever wanted.
And then, suddenly, she pulled away, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
“Theo, what are you—”
Theo cut her off, his voice rough. “I know everything.”
Mira’s eyes widened. “W-what?”
Theo’s hands tightened on her face. “I know about Daniel. I know about the threats. I know *why* you left.”
Mira’s breath hitched, her eyes filling with tears. “Theo—”
Theo’s voice was fierce. “You should have *told* me.”
Mira’s tears spilled over, her voice breaking. “I couldn’t. He said he would *ruin* you. He said he would—”
Theo crushed his lips to hers again, silencing her. When he pulled away, his voice was a low growl. “I don’t *care* what he said. I don’t *care* what he threatened. You should have *trusted* me.”
Mira’s hands clenched in his shirt. “I *did* trust you. That’s why I left. To *protect* you.”
Theo’s jaw tightened. “I don’t *need* your protection, Mira. I need *you.*”
Mira’s breath hitched, her eyes searching his. “Theo—”
Theo’s voice was raw. “I *love* you. And I’m not letting you go. Not for Daniel. Not for *anyone.*”
Mira’s tears fell faster, her voice a whisper. “I love you too.”
Theo’s heart swelled, his hands tightening on her face. “Then *fight* with me. Fight *for* me. Fight *for* us.”
Mira’s eyes blazed with determination. “I *will.*”
Theo’s smile was sharp, possessive. “Good.”
And then he kissed her again, his hands sliding down her body, pulling her against him.
Mira moaned into his mouth, her hands tangling in his hair.
Theo growled, his hands gripping her ass, lifting her off the ground. Mira wrapped her legs around his waist, her body pressing against his.
Theo carried her to the couch, laying her down before covering her body with his. His hands roamed over her, his touch desperate, hungry.
Mira arched into him, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “Theo—”
Theo’s lips trailed down her neck, his teeth grazing her skin. “I need you.”
Mira’s hands slid under his shirt, her nails digging into his back. “Then *take* me.”
Theo groaned, his hands sliding under her dress, his fingers finding the waistband of her panties. He tore them off in one swift motion, his fingers sliding between her legs.
Mira gasped, her hips bucking against his hand. “Theo—*please*—”
Theo didn’t hesitate.
He unzipped his pants, freeing himself before thrusting into her in one smooth motion.
Mira cried out, her nails digging into his shoulders.
Theo groaned, his forehead pressing against hers. “Fuck, Mira. You feel *so* good.”
Mira’s legs wrapped around his waist, her hips rising to meet his thrusts. “Don’t *stop.*”
Theo didn’t.
He couldn’t.
He drove into her, his pace relentless, his body coiled with need. Mira’s cries filled the room, her body trembling beneath him.
Theo’s hands gripped her hips, his thrusts growing harder, faster. “Come for me, baby. *Come* for me.”
Mira’s back arched, her body tightening around him as she cried out his name.
Theo groaned, his own release crashing over him, his body shuddering as he spilled inside her.
They lay there, tangled together, their breaths coming in ragged gasps.
Theo pressed a kiss to Mira’s forehead, his voice soft. “I’m not letting you go again.”
Mira’s arms wrapped around him, her voice a whisper. “I don’t *want* you to.”
Theo’s heart swelled, his arms tightening around her.
He had her back.
And he was never letting her go.
---
Theo’s phone buzzed on the coffee table, the screen lighting up with Victor’s name.
Theo hesitated before answering, his voice low. “Yeah?”
Victor’s voice was grim. “It’s done.”
Theo’s jaw tightened. “Daniel?”
“He’s *gone.*”
Theo’s eyes locked onto Mira’s, his expression unreadable. “Good.”
Victor hesitated. “There’s something else.”
Theo’s grip tightened on the phone. “What?”
“Daniel left a message. For *you.*”
Theo’s pulse quickened. “What did it say?”
Victor’s voice was tight. “‘Tell Sterling if he thinks this is over, he’s *wrong.*’”
Theo’s smile was sharp, deadly. “Oh, it’s *over.*”
He hung up the phone, his eyes never leaving Mira’s.
Daniel thought he had won.
But he was *wrong.*
Theo had Mira back.
And he was going to make sure Daniel *regretted* ever crossing him.
Mira’s hand slid into his, her voice soft. “What now?”
Theo’s smile was possessive. “Now? We go *home.*”
Mira’s eyes softened. “Home.”
Theo pulled her into his arms, his lips pressing against hers.
Home.
With Mira.
And nothing—*nothing*—was going to take that away from him.
---
**End of Chapter 13**