| Later that night —Antonio’s Penthouse |

Eloise was curled up on the couch when she heard the door open. Her heart skipped a beat upon hearing the sound. She'd been patiently waiting for his return, and the moment he walked in, she jumped to her feet.

She stood, expecting the usual smug, composed Antonio. But something was different tonight.

His shirt was dark. His hands were bare. His knuckles were red like he'd spent his night punching something.

Her pulse quickened.

“Hey,” he muttered as he walked past her.

Then it hit her nose —a faint iron-heavy smell. Raw, sharp, unmistakable.

Blood.

She swirled back towards him,“Where have you...