Dangerous Attention

Chapter 17: Safe for Now

The warehouse had finally fallen silent, the echoes of tension still lingering in the air. Daou’s men began to sweep the area, making sure everything was secure, while Offroad and Daou stayed close, watching the remnants of Daou’s uncle’s operation get dismantled in front of them.

Offroad let out a shaky breath, glancing up at Daou, who was busy giving orders to his men. Daou looked completely unfazed, as if this entire scene was nothing out of the ordinary. Offroad couldn’t help but admire his calm strength; it was part of why he felt so safe around him, but there was something in Daou’s face—a shadow that hadn’t been there before.

As they headed back to Daou’s car, Offroad tried to ease the tension with a small smile. “You know, I didn’t expect my night to end up like this.”

Daou chuckled softly, glancing at Offroad. “Not what you had in mind?”

“No,” Offroad replied, laughing a little. “Though, I guess I should’ve expected it, being with you.”

Daou’s hand found Offroad’s, squeezing it as they walked. “I’ll make sure that you don’t have to deal with this again,” he murmured, a promise lingering in his voice.

They settled into the car, and as the city lights began to blur past them, Offroad leaned his head against the window, watching the flickering neon. His heart still raced from the night’s events, but he couldn’t help but feel an unexplainable comfort in Daou’s presence.

“So,” Offroad started after a few minutes of silence. “What happens now?”

Daou glanced at him, his gaze unwavering. “Now? We go back, we regroup. My uncle won’t be a problem, but there are always people waiting for a chance to take what’s mine.” He paused, his jaw tight. “But they won’t get far.”

Offroad didn’t say anything, only nodded. He could sense the determination in Daou’s words, an unbreakable resolve that ran deeper than just protecting his empire. He was fighting for something more—maybe for a life where he didn’t have to keep looking over his shoulder. A life where they could actually be together without the shadow of danger looming over them.

As they neared Daou’s estate, Offroad’s thoughts wandered to how drastically his world had changed since meeting Daou. The thrill of danger, the allure of power—it was all intoxicating, but it also frightened him. Yet, being by Daou’s side, he found it impossible to turn away.

Back at the estate, Daou’s men were on high alert. They’d all heard of the events at the warehouse, and many were eager to ensure their loyalty to Daou after the recent betrayal. As Daou led Offroad inside, he stopped to give further instructions, his voice low and commanding.

“Have everyone ready for whatever comes next. We’ll need tighter security across all my properties.” Daou’s men nodded, understanding the urgency in his tone.

Daou finally turned his full attention to Offroad, guiding him to his private suite. As they stepped into the dimly lit room, Daou pulled him close, his touch gentle despite the intensity still simmering in his gaze. “You must be exhausted,” he said, his voice softening.

Offroad nodded, but his hand lingered on Daou’s arm. “A little, but… I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel alive tonight.”

Daou’s lips curved into a small smile. “Good,” he murmured. “Because as long as you’re with me, that’s all I want—for you to feel alive.”

Offroad’s heart raced as Daou leaned down, his lips brushing against Offroad’s. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, full of all the things Daou couldn’t say, all the emotions he kept locked away. For a moment, they stood there, wrapped up in each other, letting the rest of the world fade away.

When they finally pulled apart, Daou’s expression softened even further. “Tonight, sleep here. No more worrying about the outside world. Just… stay.”

Offroad nodded, his hand still clutching Daou’s. He could feel the warmth radiating from him, a rare vulnerability in Daou’s touch that made him want to stay forever. Tonight, they were just two people, hidden away from the darkness that threatened to consume them both.

As they settled in, Offroad found himself drifting off, feeling the steady beat of Daou’s heart beside him. He realized, in that quiet moment, that he would face anything if it meant staying by Daou’s side.

But little did he know, this peace was only temporary. The shadows they’d tried to escape were waiting, and the battles ahead would test them in ways neither of them could foresee.