Chapter 33

The weight of everything that had just happened pressed on her chest, but it was different now. The fear, the helplessness—everything that had been spiraling out of control moments ago, it felt like it was slipping away with every step she took closer to Von.

He was steady, his presence solid behind her, a wall she hadn't realized she needed until now. Every time she glanced over her shoulder, he was right there, like a shadow, like he was a part of her.

But the silence in the warehouse wasn't just oppressive—it was heavy with the tension of what was about to unfold. She could feel it in her bones, the way the air hummed with anticipation.

Von was no longer just protecting her. No, this wasn't about protection anymore. This was something bigger, something darker—this was about them all understanding that they couldn't fuck with Von, and they definitely couldn't fuck with her.

Selena swallowed hard, the taste of adrenaline still on her tongue. "What happens now?" she asked quietly, though she already had an inkling of what was coming.

Von didn't answer at first. His eyes scanned the room, the air tense around them. His jaw was tight, and Selena could see the anger simmering in the way he carried himself. This wasn't the Von she'd known before—the quiet, reserved man who kept to himself. This Von was the one who commanded a room, the one who made people take notice.

"Now, we take care of it," he said finally, his voice low and measured.

His eyes met hers then, soft for a split second, but only just. It was like he was making sure she was okay—really okay—before he did whatever it was he was planning. She wasn't sure what to expect. He had always been a mystery, but right now, there was something in the air that made her want to take a deep breath and brace herself.

"You just sit tight, alright? I got this." Von's voice was firm, but there was a tenderness there too, buried beneath the fury. He wanted to reassure her, even though he didn't need to. She knew he wasn't going to let anything else happen to her.

Before she could respond, he turned, striding toward the door without another word, leaving her standing there for just a moment longer. She could hear him giving orders, his voice sharp and commanding as he spoke to the people on the other side. Whoever thought they could come after her was about to learn just how serious Von really was.

Selena took a steadying breath, her fingers trembling just a little as she touched her lips. She didn't need to be told twice that Von was handling it—whatever "it" was, whatever mess they had found themselves in. But part of her was still uneasy. There was a dark side to Von she'd only seen hints of, and now, it felt like that side was about to come to the surface.

She glanced around the warehouse. It was cold and sterile, like a place that had seen far too many deals and far too many people come and go. It wasn't the kind of place she ever wanted to be again, and it wasn't the kind of place she ever wanted Von to bring her to again, either.

But then, as she was standing there, she heard Von's voice again—closer this time. And it wasn't just the tone that made her stop in her tracks. It was the finality in it, the undeniable certainty that whoever had crossed them was going to regret it.

"Get it done. Now."

And just like that, the room shifted. The air grew heavier, the tension more palpable, as Von set the stage. Selena's heart beat faster—not out of fear, but because she knew that once Von got involved, there was no turning back. He wasn't just about to handle business—he was about to make sure it was handled the right way.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her out of the moment, and she glanced down to see the name flashing on the screen.

It was Ray.

Selena didn't even think twice as she answered. "Yo."

"Selena, what the fuck just happened?" Ray's voice was a mix of concern and disbelief. "You good?"

Selena sighed, the weight of the situation still hanging over her. "I'm fine," she said, though her voice was steadier than she felt. "Just... waiting for Von to handle some things."

Ray was quiet for a second, probably processing what that meant. "Damn, girl. I knew that shit with Nia was shady. I didn't think it would go this far, though."

Selena smirked, the adrenaline from earlier giving her a surge of confidence. "I'm used to it. Just gotta let Von work."

Ray was quiet for a moment, before she responded with a tone that was half relieved, half amused. "You really got that man wrapped around your finger, huh?"

Selena's lips twitched into a smile. "Maybe," she said, but deep down, she knew it wasn't just about her. It was about trust. Von had always had her back, and no matter what, he always would.

"Let me know if you need anything," Ray said, her voice softening a bit. "I got you."

"Thanks," Selena replied, her voice quiet. "I'll keep you posted."

She hung up, the sound of her phone clicking off almost too loud in the quiet warehouse.

A minute later, Von was back, his presence looming as he stepped into the dim light. His eyes locked onto hers, and for the briefest moment, everything felt like it was standing still.

"You're safe," he said, his voice low and steady.

She nodded, feeling the knot in her stomach loosen just a little. The storm wasn't over, but with Von here, she knew she'd face whatever came next. Together.