The desperate Lovers

Chapter 28: A Love Tested by Fire

The morning after their passionate night together, Isabella woke to the soft caress of Alexander's fingers tracing delicate patterns on her bare back. She shivered slightly at his touch, eyes fluttering open to meet his intense gaze.

"Good morning, my love," he murmured, his lips brushing against her temple.

She smiled sleepily, stretching beneath the silk sheets. "Morning."

Alexander shifted closer, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her against his chest. "Last night… I needed you more than you know," he admitted, his voice husky.

Isabella tilted her head, looking up at him. "I needed you too," she whispered. "But I also need honesty, Alexander. No more secrets."

He exhaled slowly, nodding. "I meant what I said, Isabella. I'll tell you everything."

She searched his eyes, and for the first time, she felt completely safe in his arms—not just physically, but emotionally.

But their peace was short-lived.

---

A Threat That Cannot Be Ignored

Later that afternoon, Isabella sat in her office at the gallery when her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.

Curious, she answered. "Hello?"

A cold, familiar voice slithered through the speaker.

"Did you think this was over, Isabella?"

Her heart stopped. "Victoria."

A low chuckle. "Oh, darling, I admire your confidence. But confidence without power is just arrogance."

Isabella tightened her grip on the phone. "What do you want?"

Victoria's voice turned razor-sharp. "To warn you. You might have Alexander's heart for now, but do you really think you can handle everything that comes with it? You're just an outsider, a distraction. I've been in his world for years. I know him."

Isabella's stomach churned, but she refused to let Victoria shake her. "You knew the old Alexander. The man who let his past dictate his future. But the man I love? He's not yours to manipulate anymore."

Victoria laughed, but there was no humor in it. "We'll see about that. Tell me, Isabella, what happens when love isn't enough?"

The line went dead.

Isabella stared at her phone, her heart pounding.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

---

The Battle for Their Love

That evening, Alexander found Isabella standing by the balcony, staring out at the city lights, lost in thought. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

"You're tense," he murmured. "Tell me what's wrong."

She sighed, leaning into him. "Victoria called me today."

Alexander stiffened. "What did she say?"

"That I'm just a distraction. That I don't belong in your world."

He turned her to face him, his expression dark with anger. "She's wrong."

"Is she?" Isabella whispered. "Your world is ruthless, Alexander. And Victoria… she's willing to destroy us to get what she wants."

His grip tightened. "I won't let her."

She looked up at him, searching his face. "But will you fight for us? Truly fight?"

His jaw clenched. "Isabella, you are everything to me. I would burn the world down before I let anyone take you from me."

Tears pricked her eyes. "Then prove it. Because I can't do this alone."

Alexander cupped her face, his lips crashing into hers with a desperate, consuming hunger. He poured every unspoken promise, every ounce of love, into that kiss.

When they broke apart, his forehead rested against hers. "I will protect us, Isabella. No matter what it takes."

She nodded, breathing him in.

The war for their love had begun.

To be continued…