THE SILENT PROTECTOR

The first time Xavier Knight saw Juliette Evans, she was laughing. It was a sound that shouldn't have mattered to him, but it did. It sunk into his skin like a brand, carved itself into his soul like a cruel reminder of everything he could never have. She was light. Untouched by the darkness that consumed him. A world away from blood-stained hands and whispered threats. Yet, she was his-she just didn't know it yet. And that terrified him. Because Xavier was a man who took what he wanted. A man who built an empire on ruthlessness and destruction. A man who didn't beg, didn't hesitate, didn't need anyone. But Juliette... She was his only weakness. And that made her a target. He had spent months in the shadows, watching her from a distance. Making sure she was safe, untouched by the war that raged around him. But the more he watched, the more he realized-distance wasn't enough. She was slipping away from him, living a life that didn't include him. Laughing with people who weren't him. Smiling at men who weren't him. It made something dark, something dangerous, unfurl inside him. He couldn't let her go. Even if it meant breaking every rule. Even if it meant destroying the fragile innocence she clung to. Even if it meant she would hate him. Because keeping her in the dark wasn't enough anymore. She belonged to him. And soon... she would know it. ---