Emma sat stiffly in the backseat as the car wove through the glittering city streets. The further they drove, the more the neon lights faded, replaced by tall iron gates and sprawling mansions hidden behind walls.
Power lived here.
Old money. Blood money.
The car rolled to a stop in front of a towering estate, guarded by men in black with stone faces. Skyler stepped out first, offering her his hand.
Emma hesitated.
She didn't trust him — but refusing would only make her look weak.
So she placed her hand in his.
Warm. Strong.
The brief touch sent a jolt up her arm before she quickly pulled away.
Skyler smirked but said nothing, leading her inside.
The mansion was breathtaking — marble floors, grand chandeliers, dark wood polished to a shine.
But under the beauty, there was a heaviness. Like the walls had witnessed too much bloodshed to ever forget.
They entered a private dining room — cozy, almost intimate — a small table set for two, candles flickering in the center.
Emma's eyes narrowed.
"This looks like a date," she said flatly.
Skyler's mouth quirked. "It's a debt payment."
Emma crossed her arms. "I don't owe you anything."
"No," he agreed, pulling out a chair for her. "But I owe you. And I pay my debts... in full."
Reluctantly, she sat.
The smell of roasted meat and spices filled the air. Silver covers were lifted, revealing an exquisite meal — way too fancy for someone who lived off diner leftovers.
Skyler poured her a glass of wine.
Emma stared at it suspiciously.
He caught her hesitation and gave a dry chuckle. "Relax. If I wanted to hurt you, Emma, you wouldn't be sitting across from me."
Charming.
She took a cautious sip anyway — rich, dark, and surprisingly smooth.
Skyler studied her as they ate, barely touching his own food.
"So, what do you do?" he asked finally.
Emma blinked at the question. "You stalked me. You probably already know."
He smirked. "I know the facts. I want to hear the real story."
Emma stabbed a piece of steak. "I work two jobs. I have a crappy apartment. And I don't need saving."
Skyler leaned back in his chair, watching her with an unreadable expression.
"I don't want to save you," he said.
"I want to know you."
That caught her off guard.
He said it like it was the most dangerous thing he could do.
"And what about you?" she asked, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Who are you really, Skyler?"
His jaw ticked.
For the first time, she saw a crack in the armor.
"I'm the man you shouldn't trust," he said quietly. "The man who destroys everything he touches."
Emma's throat tightened.
Because for a heartbeat, he sounded... broken.
"And yet," she whispered, "you're looking at me like you want to touch anyway."
The candlelight flickered between them, painting him in gold and shadow.
Skyler's eyes darkened. He reached across the table, his hand brushing hers — a featherlight touch that still felt like a brand.
"I don't want to want you," he admitted, voice rough.
"But I do."
Emma's breath caught.
The tension was thick enough to drown in.
Without thinking, she pulled her hand away, standing abruptly. "This was a mistake."
Skyler rose too, but slower. Controlled. Dangerous.
"You're afraid," he said.
"I'm smart," she snapped. "I don't get involved with men like you."
Skyler moved toward her, every step deliberate, cornering her without touching her.
"You already are," he murmured.
Emma's back hit the wall.
Skyler stopped inches away, close enough that she could smell the faint trace of smoke and leather on him. His hands stayed at his sides — a silent promise he wouldn't touch unless she let him.
"I don't want your world," Emma said, trying to keep her voice steady.
He dipped his head, his mouth close enough to brush hers if he moved even an inch.
"And yet..." he whispered, "...your heart's racing for me."
Emma clenched her fists, furious at him, furious at herself — because he was right.
Skyler smiled like a predator who had all the time in the world.
"I won't force you, Emma," he said, voice low and molten. "But I will make you want to stay."
And with that, he stepped back.
The space between them felt colder instantly.
Emma gasped for air she hadn't realized she was holding.
Skyler's eyes glittered in the candlelight. "Dinner's over. For now."
Emma turned on her heel and stormed out of the room.
But no matter how far she walked...
She could still feel his gaze burning on her skin.
And deep down, she knew —
Skyler Romano wasn't finished with her yet.
Not even close