Chapter 120

The deafening crack of gunfire shattered the night's silence, instantly followed by the ear-splitting screech of tires.

Evelyn clutched Dominic's arm so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably as hot tears streaked down her pale cheeks.

The black sedan's tires had been blown out.

It veered violently before smashing into the cotton candy stall where Evelyn had made her purchase moments earlier.

Dominic's protective embrace tightened around her as his sharp gaze tracked the wrecked vehicle.

Someone had tried to assassinate him—and failed spectacularly.

Another gunshot rang out.

This bullet found its mark in the driver's seat.

Screams erupted around them as panicked bystanders scrambled for cover. The festive atmosphere had turned to chaos in seconds.

Evelyn's skin felt icy beneath Dominic's touch.

Cradling her face between his hands, he rasped, "Look at me. It's over." His thumbs brushed away her tears.

Her chest heaved with ragged breaths. Fear and confusion swirled in her wide eyes, but she couldn't tear her gaze from his face.

"Dominic... Dominic..."

A thousand words lodged in her throat, but only his name escaped her quivering lips.

"Still breathing, sweetheart."

He pressed her trembling palm against his cheek. "Feel that? Warm. Alive."

She nodded mutely, fresh tears spilling over.

"I thought—" Her voice broke. "I couldn't bear it if—"

"Death needs an engraved invitation to claim me." His fingers intertwined with hers. "Now let's get those ribs before the kitchen closes."

Evelyn gripped his wheelchair handles and propelled them into the nearest restaurant at record speed.

They'd barely settled at their table when Lucas burst in with security detail.

"Christ, Blackwood!" Lucas dropped into the adjacent chair. "When I heard those shots—"

"Save the dramatics." Dominic speared a juicy rib and placed it on Evelyn's plate. "Eat."

Color was slowly returning to her cheeks.

"Who...?" She glanced between the men.

That sedan would've plowed through them if not for the timely tire explosion.

"Enhanced security protocol after last month's incident," Lucas explained. "We had snipers positioned on surrounding rooftops."

"Oh."

"You must be shaken, Miss Thorne." Lucas pushed a steaming bowl toward her. "Chicken soup for the nerves."

"My appetite's gone."

The delicious aromas that had made her stomach growl earlier now turned it sour.

"Figured as much." Lucas chuckled. "Car's outside when you're ready."

Dominic's intense gaze locked onto Evelyn.

"What?" She fidgeted under his scrutiny.

Instead of answering, he pulled out his phone and began typing.

Evelyn's phone vibrated seconds later.

Her breath hitched as she read:

[Curious about my birthday wish?]

The device practically burned her fingertips. They were sitting three feet apart!

She dared not look up, hyperaware of their audience.

Evelyn: [Depends on the wish.]

Dominic: [I wished you'd come home with me.]

Her brows knitted in confusion.

Dominic: [Not for dinner. For good.]

The message glowed on her screen like a live wire.