Dark Vows 22

Dark Vows 22 Summary

 

In Chapter 22 of **Dark Vows**, the protagonist reflects on the intoxicating kiss he shared with Nicole Salvatore, feeling an insatiable desire for her. He is captivated by her beauty, watching her sleep through surveillance cameras, and is consumed by thoughts of claiming her as his own. The morning light fills the world outside, but his focus remains solely on her, as he grapples with a mix of longing and jealousy over her past experiences with other men.

 

As he jogs through the quiet morning streets, he contemplates Nicole’s face, which has haunted his thoughts for days. His routine is interrupted when he encounters his father, who has noticed his late-night absence. The conversation shifts to family dynamics, revealing a playful yet serious relationship between them. The father-son exchange hints at underlying tensions regarding family responsibilities and the impending marriage of his sister, Teodora, showcasing the protagonist’s protective nature.

 

The discussion soon turns to the business at hand—José Salvatore and the potential threat posed by The Sacra, a rival group. The protagonist assures his father that Nicole is under constant surveillance and that they are ahead of schedule in their plans to intercept José before he can act against them. His confidence radiates as he expresses his determination to handle the situation swiftly, indicating his readiness to protect Nicole at all costs.

 

After their conversation, he heads upstairs, invigorated and ready to take action. He sends another message to Nicole, anticipating her response. When her reply arrives, revealing her anger, it only fuels his excitement and determination, showcasing the deepening connection and conflict between them. The chapter ends on a note of anticipation, highlighting the protagonist’s eagerness to navigate both his feelings for Nicole and the dangerous game unfolding around them.

 

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**Dark Vows**
**Chapter 22**

The taste of her lingered on my lips, intoxicating and utterly unforgettable.

And that sweet surrender I felt in her arms? It has the power to keep me soaring for days on end. She embodies every fantasy I ever dared to dream; my instincts have never led me astray. If it isn’t her, then it simply cannot be anyone else. I would traverse the very ends of this earth to claim her as mine. Anyone foolish enough to stand in my path will pay dearly.

As dawn breaks, the world around me is cloaked in a soft, golden light, and she remains blissfully asleep. I know this for certain because I find myself watching her from my surveillance room, the glow of the monitors illuminating my face. The strategically placed cameras in her bedroom provide me with a clear view of her as she cuddles her pillow, her soft snores filling the silence, mouth slightly agape. I can’t help but marvel at how utterly adorable she looks. Dressed in last night’s club attire—form-fitting leather leggings and an off-the-shoulder top that reveals her flawless, creamy skin—she is a vision of beauty. My gaze lingers on that delicate skin, practically begging for my touch; I want to bite, to mark her as mine, to devour her whole. That kiss we shared was merely a taste, and the hunger it ignited within me is insatiable. I should have anticipated this; perhaps that’s why I hesitated, content to simply watch her. One taste, and I know I’d be forever altered.

My pants tighten uncomfortably, and I shift in my seat, my finger tapping nervously against the mouse as I zoom in on the camera feed. I notice her lashes fluttering slightly as she stirs. Soon, she will awaken. I can feel it in my bones—she is beginning to rouse.

Reaching for my phone, I type out a message, my heart racing with anticipation:

“Where did you learn to kiss like that?”

I genuinely want to know. A surge of jealousy courses through me at the thought of other men having had the privilege to experience those incredible lips, to explore that exquisite mouth. They have touched what is rightfully mine.

I reluctantly leave the screens showcasing Nicole Salvatore’s house and other feeds behind, stepping out of my surveillance room. A few moments later, I find myself jogging down the gravel path that winds toward the main gate of our fortress. The early morning light creeps over the horizon, casting a warm glow that peeks through the railings ahead. I breeze past the small gatehouses stationed along the checkpoints of our property, my heart racing with the thrill of the morning air. Soon, I find myself running past the gates and onto the asphalt, flanked by lush vegetation on either side.

At this hour, the roads are nearly deserted. It takes a full mile before I reach the next property, equally secluded and expansive. There are no checkpoints here, just one enormous building standing alone, belonging to a politician who is a friend of my father. His name escapes me—I rarely concern myself with such trivial details, but I have a photographic memory when it comes to faces.

That’s precisely why Nicole Salvatore’s face has haunted my thoughts for days. Before I even had the chance to familiarize myself with her name, her face had already carved itself into my memory.

As I reach the end of the asphalt stretch that connects to the highway, I turn back, retracing my steps. The sun is now fully rising, its light a bit too bright for comfort. The calm of the darkness is replaced by the rustling of woodland creatures waking up, their sounds somewhat disruptive to my thoughts. I continue jogging, pushing through until I reach the front porch of our home.

By the time I arrive, I am panting heavily, my breaths deep and labored. And there, waiting for me, is my father. He must have come home sometime last night while I was out, and he clearly noticed my absence. I had returned late, and I know he has something on his mind.

Predictability. I groan internally. It’s the only aspect of my life where I allow even a sliver of routine. My morning jogs.

“Good morning, Dad,” I greet him as he steps down from the porch. I follow him as he leads the way toward the pool beside the house.

“Morning, Roman,” he replies gruffly, rubbing his eyes as if trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. In his night robe, with his gray hair tousled, he resembles a wise old wizard. “You have a gym.”

“I know,” I respond, slipping my hands into the pockets of my sweatpants. “The reason I jog is the same as your morning walks. I prefer the tranquility of nature.”

He shrugs, his expression revealing his disapproval. “Your brothers were out last night. At a club.”

“You’re keeping tabs on us now?” I quip, raising an eyebrow.

“No, your sister told me,” he retorts, tugging at his beard thoughtfully.

“Chiesa,” I mutter under my breath, a grin creeping onto my lips as I think of my youngest sister. She has always been a notorious tattle-tale since childhood. “Maybe it’s a good idea you’re planning to marry them off.”

My father winces at the mention of my critique regarding Teodora’s impending marriage, but he went along with it because of me. I respect him and the intentions behind his decisions.

“You were also out last night,” he points out, his brows arching. “It seems you and your brothers have a penchant for breaking my rules whenever it suits you. But yours is particularly intriguing. You could have chosen a prestigious club, yet you opted for a street club…” He trails off, and I finish his thought.

“Bada-Bang.”

“And why were you there?”

“I was keeping an eye on our target,” I explain, my tone serious.

“Ah, yes, José Salvatore’s sister.” His lack of enthusiasm is palpable. “Why haven’t we acted yet?”

“It’s not the right time to act. I don’t want anyone jeopardizing the plan. You specifically asked me to handle the José Salvatore situation.”

My father nods, his trust in my judgment unwavering.

“I went to Bada-Bang to ensure José Salvatore’s sister made it out safely.” His brows furrow in concern as I continue, “Men from The Sacra were present. Our men, whom I had stationed to watch her, reported back to me earlier yesterday. I suspect her drink may have been spiked. That would have made it all too easy for them to capture her.”

“We can’t allow them to get their hands on her,” he insists, his voice firm.

“They won’t. She is under constant surveillance,” I assure him.

“If they know that José Salvatore has a sister, then we need to act swiftly. We must reach José Salvatore before The Sacra can use the information they’ve acquired against us.”

I shake my head, confidence radiating from me. “We’re well ahead of schedule. If any damage had been done to the encryption on that flash drive, I would have been notified. Right now, I believe José Salvatore is still searching for a hacker skilled enough to breach my encryption. We will intercept him before he succeeds.” I pause, my expression serious. “I was waiting for him to reach out to his sister. He has now. Let me take care of everything.”

“You have one week,” he states, his tone brokering no argument.

I can’t help but grin. “I only need one day.”

I head upstairs while my father continues his stroll, the weight of our conversation lingering in the air. Once in my room, I take a quick shower and get dressed, the cool water invigorating me. After I’m done, I send another text to Nicole Salvatore. As I make my way downstairs for breakfast, my phone buzzes with a new message. It’s from her.

She’s angry. My fiery siren.

A grin spreads across my lips, excitement bubbling within me.

Conclusion

 

In the quiet aftermath of the morning’s revelations, Roman stands at the precipice of a new chapter in his life, one irrevocably tied to Nicole Salvatore. The intoxicating memory of her kiss lingers, igniting a fierce determination within him. As he navigates the complexities of family loyalty and the looming threat from their enemies, the stakes have never been higher. His father’s expectations weigh heavily on him, yet they only fuel his resolve to protect Nicole at all costs. The thrill of the chase is no longer just about the mission; it has transformed into a personal quest to claim what he believes is rightfully his. The emotional arc of longing and desire has shifted into a fierce commitment, propelling him forward into the unknown.

 

As he prepares to confront the challenges ahead, Roman finds himself invigorated by the prospect of a life entwined with Nicole’s. Her anger, though fiery, is a spark that ignites something deeper within him—an undeniable connection that transcends mere attraction. With every text exchanged, the tension between them builds, reflecting the turbulent world they inhabit. In this moment, Roman understands that his journey is no longer just about vengeance or duty; it’s about forging a bond that could withstand the darkness surrounding them. He is ready to embrace the chaos, knowing that love, once tasted, has the power to alter destinies. With a heart full of determination and a mind sharpened by purpose, he steps into the day, prepared to confront whatever comes next, fueled by the promise of a future with Nicole.

 

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

 

In the next chapter of **Dark Vows**, readers can expect the tension to rise as Roman grapples with the consequences of his actions and the burgeoning feelings for Nicole. As he navigates the complexities of family loyalty and the dangerous world of organized crime, the stakes will escalate. With his father’s deadline looming, Roman must act swiftly to protect Nicole from the lurking threats of The Sacra while also managing his own tumultuous emotions. The dynamic between Roman and Nicole will deepen, revealing layers of vulnerability and desire that could either strengthen their bond or lead to devastating consequences.

 

Moreover, the chapter promises to unveil more about Nicole’s character as she reacts to Roman’s intense feelings and the dangerous game they are both caught in. Will she embrace the connection they share, or will her anger and mistrust create a rift between them? As Roman attempts to decipher her emotions, the tension will build to a boiling point, culminating in a confrontation that could change everything. With danger closing in and secrets waiting to be revealed, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover whether love can truly conquer the darkness that surrounds them.