My Safest Danger

Under His Roof

Skylar's POV

“Here.” He pointed to the signature line in the contract.

“Do you have a personal relationship or beef with Jace? Because it seems you know everything about him.”

His hand paused over the contract. “Sign it. Aren't your legs aching from standing for too long?”

“One more thing.” I pressed my lips together. “Why did you always decline our partnership? You don't even waste any time shutting us down.”

He scoffed and looked away. “You had Jace. I didn't want to do business with a woman who belonged to someone else.” His gaze returned to me. “Maybe you could've tried calling again after breaking up with him.”

My brows pulled together. “You're so confusing. I don't even know what to call you. Like I said, did we assume the name ‘Damien Rodriguez’ because my friend told me that?”

“On paper, it's Salvatore Russo. But don’t call me that. It's Damien to everyone.” His lips twitched. “You were both drunk that day. I couldn't let her drive my woman in that state. She kept asking for my name as I drove, so I told her.”

My eyes widened. I didn't even know what to say. All this time, I never wondered how we got home that day. I thought we had taken a cab or something.

“So, you knew me.” I swallowed. “You even followed me to the club. And it's likely you purposely approached me.”

“Who doesn't know Skylar Morrison?” I didn't follow you to the club and you came with your own two legs.”

I studied his face. His expression was hard to read, but I knew one thing for sure, he was partly lying.

“But you know what you did was childish.” I narrowed my eyes. “Sending me that video wasn't necessary.”

“I helped you by wiping it from the club's CCTV footage.” He tilted his head. “I only sent it to you to…”

“To remind me? Is there anything else I need to know about you?”

“Yes. I invited everyone I know to come watch me introduce my woman.” His gaze dropped to my lips for a second before meeting my eyes. “You know you kissed me when I was kind of drunk and in a vulnerable moment, and…”

My mouth fell open. “You also kissed me without my permission, okay.”

“So we're even now. Now sign.”

I stared at the paper for a few seconds. Not agreeing to this, Jace and Ava- no. I shook my head. That can't happen. “Your pen.”

He slipped his hand into his pocket and leaned closer, pointing to his cheek. “A peck.”

I let out a scoff and pressed my thumb firmly against my upper lip, staining it with lipstick. Then I pressed the thumb onto the contract without taking my eyes off him.

“Done.” My fingers remained curled around the paper.

Hope I wasn't making a bad decision.

He chuckled and quickly snatched the paper from my hand. I tuned on my heel without sparing him a glance.

Across the hall, my aunt stood by the entrance, talking with her driver. I lifted a hand, waving at her, but she ignored me and walked away. Damien stepped forward, catching my hand before I could follow.

“I have something to take care of. No time for chit-chat.”

“Can't we just stay at my house?” I nudged a pebble with the toe of my shoe, my gaze dropping to the ground. “Do you think I should also go visit my uncle's lawyer right now?”

“Do you want to make it obvious that it's fake? And it's only three months, Sky. I should be done dealing with those bastards by then.” His eyes searched my face. “Then you can decide whether you want the marriage to continue or not.”

“But after that, there's no marriage to continue. For me to stay married to you, I'd have to fall for you.” I gave a small laugh. “And that's impossible.”

He arched a brow. "Why impossible?"

“If Salvatore Russo had approached me first, maybe I would've thought about it.” I glanced at him. “But you're still Damien Rodriguez to me. An infuriating man who somehow manages to get on my nerves every time he opens his mouth.”

His eyes remained on me for a long moment. Then the corner of his mouth lifted. “Good to know.”

He turned and strode toward his car.

I watched him climb into his car and rolled my eyes when I spotted Zack leaning against a pillar nearby.

Zack straightened and walked toward me. “Are you still angry?”

I shook my head and adjusted his collar, my gaze shifting to Damien. His hands rested on the steering wheel, eyes fixed on us through the windshield.

“My life isn't exactly simple anymore, Zack. Someone is trying to kill me, my company is being targeted, and now I'm supposed to spend the next three months under Salvatore’s protection.” I glanced toward Damien's car. “So if you’re planning to stay around me, you should know what you're getting yourself into.”

“Do you trust Damien enough to stay under his roof and let him protect you?”

“No, I think I'd be stupid to refuse his protection when someone wants me dead.” My fingers tightened around his collar. “For now, I need him. And I intend to make sure I get everything I can from this arrangement.”

My eyes flickered toward Damien again, and I flashed him a smile before looking back at Zack. “Drive Joan home.”

Turning away from him, i walked toward Damien's car. He unlocked the door without a word as I slid into the passenger seat.

As the engine roared to life, I pulled out my phone and typed his name into the search bar.

CEO of Nexora Technologies.

The first few results were about business articles, investments, partnerships. No interviews, photographs or personal details.

Another article mentioned how he loved his private life, with only a few of his business associates knowing anything about him. The guy was loaded, but something about him was off.

I scrolled further. A news article popped up, and a photograph of Damien and me from earlier today filled my screen.

Real Face of Salvatore Russo Spotted With His Newly Wedded Wife, Skylar Morrison.

“Welcome home, Sky.” Damien's eyes met mine as he drove through the open gate and brought the car to a halt.

Looking through the windshield, my mouth opened in awe. The beautifully trimmed flowers along the walkway reminded me so much of my garden.

Armed guards stood around the entrance, their eyes scanning the surroundings. My eyes traveled up the tall iron gate. This was more of a fortress than a home.

As we stepped out of the car, several other cars pulled to a stop behind us.

More guards came out, spreading around the entrance. Then one woman stepped out among them. I recognized her immediately from our supposed wedding.

A frown pulled at my lips, my gaze moving over their faces. None of them were smiling. They all wore the same expression as they watched me.

“This is very uncomfortable,” I whispered. “Why are there only men and just one woman?”

“You're just seeing one of the women right now. There are cooks and maids, too.” His hands went to my back, guiding me toward the house. “Someone is at your house to get your things.”

I glanced around again. This place was unsettling. Why does he need so many guards?

The gate was still open. Maybe I could just run through it now, but instead, I kept my chin up and kept walking.