Chloe drove through the city streets, her fingers gripping the sleek Lamborghini's steering wheel. The powerful engine hummed beneath them, and the car skimmed through the mid-week traffic.

Mina sat quietly in the passenger seat, her gaze flicking out the window before settling on the luxurious interior. "Nice ride," she remarked. "I've never been in one of these before."

Chloe smiled, glancing sideways at her. "Damian bought it for my birthday. I told him I didn't need anything extravagant, but giving is his love language. He has a generous heart."

"Your boyfriend saved my life. He protected me from an evil man. And thank you... for making me feel at home."

"Anytime, sweetie," Chloe replied, her voice gentle. "Stay as long as you need. When you're ready, we can enroll you in a local high school."

Mina nodded, a tiny glimmer of hope crossing her features. "I'd like that."

When they arrived at the private medical center funded by the Scott family, Chloe parked in a reserved spot. She placed a gentle hand on Mina's back, guiding her through the entrance to Doctor Vasquez's office.

Inside, they were greeted by Doctor Elena Vasquez's warm, familiar presence. Her kind eyes met theirs as she gestured for them to sit.

"Mina, Chloe, it's good to see you both," Doctor Vasquez said, her tone professional but with an underlying warmth. She settled into her chair, opening a file. "Mina, I've reviewed your results, and there are a few things we need to discuss."

Mina's hands fidgeted in her lap, her nerves apparent. Chloe reached over and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay," she whispered. I'm here with you."

"Mina, the results show that you've contracted chlamydia. The good news is it's curable, and you can start the medication I've prescribed to treat it. You will recover fully."

Mina exhaled a shaky breath, her eyes filling with tears. Chloe's heart squeezed with empathy, knowing how overwhelming this must be. "We'll go to the pharmacy and get your medication, Mina. Your body will get well," Chloe said, trying to infuse her words with as much comfort as possible.

Doctor Vasquez continued, her voice steady. "You can also start your first therapy session tomorrow at ten. It's important to continue with these sessions—they'll help you process everything you've been through and start healing emotionally."

Mina nodded, her composure starting to crumble. The burden of emotions she had been holding in—the trauma, the fear, the uncertainty—all crashed down on her. Her shoulders shook as the first sob escaped her lips, and she covered her face with her hands, trying to stifle the sound.

Chloe hugged Mina tightly. "It's okay, sweetie," she soothed. "Let it out. You're safe here. You're safe with us."

Mina clung to Chloe, her tears flowing freely as she let go of the emotions she had kept locked away. Chloe held her close, gently rocking her, murmuring reassurances as Mina sobbed into her shoulder.

Doctor Vasquez watched the exchange with a soft smile, understanding that this moment was crucial for Mina's healing. After a few minutes, Mina's sobs subsided, and she pulled back, wiping her tear-streaked face with the back of her hand.

"I'm sorry," Mina whispered, hoarse from crying. "I didn't mean to lose it like that."

"There's nothing to be sorry for," Chloe said, brushing a stray tear from Mina's cheek. "You've been through so much. It's okay to cry. It's okay to feel."

Mina looked up at her, her eyes red but determined with a fighting spirit. "I'm happy to stay with you and Damian. For the first time in a long while, I feel safe."

Chloe's warm, reassuring smile reached her eyes. "We're happy to have you, Mina. You're with us now."

***

The crisp air nipped at Chloe's cheeks as she walked through the park. Early fall painted the trees in fiery reds and golds on a fresh Friday morning, and the leaves crunched beneath her feet with each step.

Ahead, Valentina waited near the entrance, casually stretching her toned arms over her head. Her skintight sports bra and high-waisted leggings left little to the imagination, and the guys in the park took full notice, their glances lingering a bit too long.

"Hey, Valentina," Chloe greeted, closing the distance between them. "Glad we could meet up."

The blonde turned, flashing a confident smile. "Call me Val. Dami does. And thanks for the invite—I needed to get out."

Chloe's eyes drifted to the fading bruise on Val's arm, the deep purple turning a mottled yellow. "How's your arm?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Val shrugged, the movement casual but controlled. "Healing. Still, the shakes are harder to shake."

They fell into step together, walking along the winding path. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the distant chatter of joggers created a soothing backdrop, but Chloe's mind hummed with curiosity.

"Coffee?" she suggested, nodding toward a quaint café at the park's edge.

"Perfect," Val agreed, her smile softening as she followed Chloe inside.

The café's warm heating embraced them as they settled into a corner booth by the window. The smell of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, mingling with the cinnamon scent from the pastries on display. Chloe ordered two lattes, and they sat in companionable silence until the barista brought their drinks.

"Did Dami tell you what happened the night Mina found us?" Val asked, breaking the quiet as she wrapped her hands around the steaming cup.

Chloe shook her head, her fingers tracing the rim of her mug. "No, he keeps things like that to himself."

Val nodded as if expecting the answer. "Probably for the best. There's a lot he shoulders alone."

Chloe's curiosity piqued, and she leaned in. "He seems comfortable around you at the club. Almost too comfortable."

A smirk played at the corners of Val's lips. "It's all for show. I'm there to protect him, to keep him safe in a world that doesn't forgive weakness. Dami's got power, but in the club, it's a different kind of respect that keeps things running smoothly. My job is to make sure no one forgets who's in charge."

Chloe's brow furrowed. "And what does that mean for you?"

Val paused, taking a sip of her coffee before answering. "I've known him since he was twenty-one. He was quiet, almost painfully shy—nothing like the man you see now. But he's had to adapt and grow into the role he was born to play. The weight of two empires—Scott and Quinn—sits on his shoulders now. He's come a long way, but it hasn't been easy. Especially with Mike Marino's people always circling, waiting for a slip-up."

Chloe felt a pang in her heart for the man she loved. "So, you've been by his side through it all?"

Val's gaze grew distant, memories flickering behind her eyes. "I remember the first time Dami walked into the club. He was so green, unsure of himself. Bella—Isabella—saw something in him, though. She took him under her wing, teaching him to harness his power and command respect. I played a role, but Bella shaped him."

"How far did you three go?" Chloe asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes. Damian had once confessed he'd given Chloe his virginity.

Val shrugged, her tone calm but honest. "We explored a lot, but we never went all the way. That was his choice, not mine."

"I believe you," Chloe replied. "Tell me about Bella. What was she like?"

Val tilted her head, studying Chloe for a moment before responding. "She was a dominatrix from Japan. Confident, fierce—just like you. She knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to take it."

Chloe laughed lightly, shaking her head. "I'm Chinese, actually. Adopted by a Caucasian couple and raised here."

Val blinked, a touch of surprise flickering across her features. "I didn't mean—"

"No offense taken," Chloe cut in with a smile. "Damian's got a type, I guess."

Val chuckled softly, then grew more serious. "He missed you a lot when he was with Gemma. I could see it every time she wasn't around."

Chloe's eyebrows shot up. "Really? Tell me more."

Val sighed, setting her coffee down. "Gemma was... difficult. Insecure and mean-spirited. She'd do things to make us miserable—spill wine on purpose, drop champagne glasses so we'd have to clean up after her. Once, she even tripped one of my colleagues to watch her fall. She was the worst kind of toxic."

"How often did she come to the club?" Chloe questioned. Hate wasn't a strong enough word for how she felt about Gemma. She shuddered, trying to push back the memories of that bleak time in her life when Damian dumped her.

"Gemma didn't come often, thankfully," Val replied, her fingers flicking the air as if swatting away an unpleasant memory. "But when she did, she clung to Damian like a leech. It wasn't love—it was his power and money she craved. He'd come to me afterward, needing comfort."

Chloe raised an eyebrow. "Comfort?"

Val hesitated, then nodded. "One night, after too many drinks... things went further than they should have. There was no intercourse, but everything else was on the menu. But it didn't mean anything. He was miserable, Chloe. Desperate for connection."

Chloe let out a bitter laugh, though there was no humor in it. "The universe always collects. Gemma took him from me, and I—" She paused. "I miscarried when he left me for that stupid contract with his mother. All to protect his sister, Hope. And me."

Val reached across the table, her hand warm as it covered Chloe's. "I'm sorry. Truly. But know this—I'll never cross that line again. As long as he's with you, I'm on your side. The other girls at the club feel the same way."

Chloe's expression softened, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. "You've done a lot, Val. Especially saving Mina. I'm guessing she's not the first?"

Val shook her head, a shadow passing over her features. "No. Saira's dead now, but her trafficking ring is still very much alive. It's more lucrative than the drugs she sold, and Damian's determined to tear it down. We're all helping him, but it's dangerous work."

Chloe squeezed her hand. "I like you, Val. I mean it."

Val smiled, her eyes warming. "I want us to be friends."

"Aren't we?" Chloe returned the smile, genuine affection spreading through her.

"I've always thought you were beautiful," Val confessed, then sighed. "But Dami would kill me if he knew I was attracted to you. I'm bisexual, by the way."

Chloe blinked, heat rising to her cheeks. "Well, thanks for the compliment. But you're right—Dami is..."

"Possessive with you?" Val finished, a knowing grin tugging at her lips. "It's obvious."

"Yeah," Chloe admitted. "And as much as I'm flattered, I'm monogamous and... heterosexual."

Val laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Never say never. Trying something new can be... fun. With Dami's blessing, of course. He's got a wild side, you know. He's a terrific lover who'll always put your needs first."

Chloe's blush deepened, and she quickly looked away, her laughter a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

As they prepared to leave, Chloe's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her stomach dropping as she saw the notification.

A video was sent from an unlisted number.

Her hands shook as she tapped it open. On the screen, Damian—her Damian—was tied up, writhing as a naked woman rode him. Her nails dug into his shoulders as they moaned.

The accompanying message hit her like a punch to the gut:

> Looks like your man's all tied up.

"No... no, this can't be..." Chloe whispered, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at the screen, her world tilting on its axis.

"V-Val..." she stammered, her fingers trembling as she handed the phone to Valentina, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Val's expression hardened as she glanced at the phone. Her jaw tightened. She placed a steady hand on Chloe's arm. "Sweetie, let me see."

***

A/N: What do you think will happen?