I couldn't accept that I'd failed my job just like that. So, I started a daily routine of attempting to assassinate Dominic.

The first time, I hid a dagger behind me, wanting to kill him in one strike when his guard was down. I ended up being pinned to the table as he slashed my clothes open with the dagger.

The iciness of the table and the dagger made me jolt. "Wait, I can explain…"

Dominic tapped his cheek.

Huh?

He shot me a look. "Kiss me, and I'll forgive you."

My jaw dropped. Then, I shakily kissed him. It was humiliating, but I couldn't take him in a fight.

The second time, I reflected on my mistakes and opted for the poison route. I used the poison that I kept for extreme situations—a tiny drop would instantly make one froth at the mouth.

I made sure to lace the wine with it beforehand, and I smiled gently as I watched him pick up his glass and hold it to his lips.

When he paused, my heart shot to my throat. "What's wrong?"

He laughed. "You know there are surveillance cameras in the room, right?"

I was silent for a moment. Then, I slowly looked up with a smile that didn't meet my eyes. "Isn't that for show?"

Dominic put down the glass, drawling, "There are real ones in places you can't see."

I clenched my fists and downed my drink, which I hadn't poisoned. After a moment, I tugged at my collar. "Why's it getting so warm?"

His eyes darkened, and he said huskily, "I put something in your drink, too."

I tried to fight back my body's reaction, but I panted as I snarled, "I'm going to kill you, Dominic…"

He tapped the corner of his lips, unruffled. "Kiss me, and I'll give you the antidote."

Damn him. I would remember this. I needed to get the antidote first.

I glared at him and reluctantly gave him a peck on the lips.

Dominic's lips slowly curved into a smile. Then, he bent down and scooped me up.

"You said you'd give me the antidote, Dominic! You're a liar!" I yelled while flailing.

He smacked me on the backside. "Stop moving. It's the same if I act as your antidote."

When he tossed me onto the bed, I only had one thought in mind—I was doomed.

Dominic had imprisoned me, restricted my rights, broken his promises, and gone back on his word. His vile deeds were too numerous to list.

I swore I would take him down. I had to kill him!

…

After trying and failing multiple times, I switched tactics. I lay in wait at night for a surprise ambush.

Dominic came home drunk, which was rare. His guard was down, so I managed to pin him to the floor before straddling him. I wrapped my hands around his neck and slowly tightened my grip.

"Where's my gun?" I snarled, my grip relentless. I didn't hold back.

He started finding it hard to breathe. His fingers twitched upward at me.

I looked down at where he pointed and frowned. "What does that mean? I asked you where my gun—"

Something clicked in my mind. Then, I snapped, "What the hell is wrong with you, Dominic?"

I'd seen plenty in my life, but no one had ever toyed with me like this. For a moment, I was both angry and embarrassed.

It was all Dominic's fault for being so sick in the head. He'd infected me with his insanity!

He coughed softly, his Adam's apple quivering as if he were laughing.

I tightened my grip further and threatened him in a low voice. "You don't know what it's like to suffocate, do you? You'd better savor it before you die."

Dominic's expression finally shifted, and his voice grew strained. He was on the brink of death. Suddenly, he laughed. He slowly lifted his hands and pried my fingers off his throat, interlacing them with his before yanking me to him.

I was caught off guard and pulled so close that he could press his lips to my ear. His voice was hoarse and dripping with an odd sense of satisfaction. "It feels so damn good."