Chapter 195 — Alina's POV
"The Game Begins"
I saw him the moment she walked in.
Tall. Composed. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that molded to his frame like it was made to worship power. His silver eyes scanned the crowd lazily—like nothing surprised him, like nothing could. That arrogant tilt to his mouth made her clench her jaw.
God, he was even more dangerous up close.
But this time, she wasn't just some girl at a table.
This time, she came prepared.
The gala was packed with businessmen, politicians, socialites, and celebrities. The kind of place where everyone looked powerful but no one dared to challenge real danger. Alina moved like smoke through the room, her long honey-blonde hair flowing freely down her back, her emerald eyes trained on her target.
Marcus Vex.
She'd waited two weeks for this. The silence had worked in her favor. Let him wonder where she went, why she didn't come back, why she didn't even leave a note. He had no idea he was a target now. And she'd make sure he never saw it coming.
She was wearing a deep red gown that hugged her body like a second skin. It wasn't just flattery—it was strategy. The kind of red that made people stop talking. That made men forget their names. And Marcus? He was no exception.
Alina took a glass of champagne from a waiter's tray and made her move.
One... two... three steps... and—
"Oops!"
She bumped into him.
Champagne spilled over his expensive suit jacket, but not enough to cause a scene. Just enough for him to stop, look down, and raise one perfectly sculpted brow.
She gasped, wide-eyed. "Oh my God—I'm so sorry!"
He turned to her, slowly.
And there it was.
Recognition.
Not shock. Not confusion.
Just… amusement.
He remembered her.
"I really didn't mean to," she continued, voice a soft mix of embarrassment and charm. "I wasn't watching where I was going."
Marcus looked at her for a long second. "Clearly."
Her lips twitched, barely hiding a smile. "I'll pay for the dry cleaning."
His silver eyes dropped down her frame, then back up. "No need. I think the suit will survive."
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and tilted her head. "Didn't think I'd see you again."
He sipped his drink. "Neither did I. You're good at disappearing."
Alina laughed. "It's a talent."
"I'm starting to believe that," he said, then leaned slightly closer. "Is this the part where you vanish again?"
"Not unless you want me to," she replied smoothly.
There was a flicker in his gaze.
Curiosity.
Not trust, never that—but intrigue. A thread she could pull.
The moment stretched. Around them, the music pulsed softly and the crowd laughed at things that didn't matter. But in the small space between them, the real game began.
"Care to join me for a walk?" she asked, nodding toward the balcony.
Marcus gave her one last lingering glance—then followed.
Perfect.
They stepped into the crisp night air, the city skyline glittering beneath them. Alina leaned against the marble railing, letting the breeze catch her hair as she sipped her drink.
Marcus stayed close, hands in his pockets, watching her like a predator sizing up prey that might bite back.
"You clean up well," he said after a pause.
She smiled. "So do you. Although, your jacket's now a bit… damp."
He chuckled. The sound was low, rich, unexpected. "I'll survive."
Another beat of silence.
Then he added, "You didn't show up to play games before. Why now?"
She glanced at him. "Maybe I wasn't ready before."
"And now?"
Alina shrugged lightly. "Maybe I've decided you're worth the gamble."
He didn't speak right away. She could feel him watching her, trying to pull apart her words and decode her angle.
"You're bold," he finally said. "You know that?"
She met his gaze, her voice steady. "I don't play safe."
Marcus smiled—sharp, unreadable. "Neither do I."
For a second, it felt real. The connection. The spark. But Alina knew better. She'd studied him for weeks. This was the part where he lured people in. Made them forget who he was behind that smooth exterior.
But she wouldn't forget.
She couldn't afford to.
"I should go," she said after a moment, setting down her empty glass. "Wouldn't want to tempt fate too much."
Marcus stepped aside, opening the door for her like a gentleman. But his next words made her heart tick faster.
"Let me tempt it for you next time."
She gave him a sly smile. "We'll see."
And then she was gone.
She disappeared into the crowd before he could follow, her pulse pounding like war drums. Once outside the venue, she let herself breathe again, her fingers trembling slightly as she pulled out her phone.
She typed one message to Liam:
"Phase One complete. He remembers me."
And then she slipped the phone back in her clutch, lifted her chin, and smiled to herself.
Let the game begin.