The sun hadn't risen yet when Aira opened her eyes.
For a moment she forgot where she was—until she saw the ceiling carved with black-gold patterns.
Kade Blackthorn's mansion.
She groaned. "I should've escaped when I had the chance."
A deep voice cut through the silence.
"Escape? You're hilarious."
She shot upright. Kade was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, watching her like she was a puzzle he enjoyed solving. He was no longer in combat gear—now in a crisp black shirt, hair slightly damp from a shower. Too composed for someone whose mansion was attacked last night.
Aira frowned. "Why am I still alive?"
He smirked. "Because you didn't die. You're welcome."
"That's not what I meant."
"You think I kept you here for fun?" His eyes darkened. "Someone sent men to kill me last night. They knew my vault was open. That means…" He stepped closer. "…either they followed you, or you're involved."
Aira's jaw tightened. "I work alone."
"Everyone says that." He grabbed her chin gently—but firmly—forcing her to meet his eyes. "But someone wanted you and me in the same place. That's not coincidence."
Her pulse raced. She hated that his touch affected her.
She slapped his hand away. "I'm not your enemy."
He chuckled low. "Not yet."
---
🔥 Tension Builds
Kade led her through the hallways. The mansion was being repaired, guards everywhere.
People bowed their heads to Kade, but every pair of eyes lingered on Aira with suspicion.
She ignored them—until a tall woman approached, her glare sharp enough to cut.
"Who is she, Kade?" the woman demanded.
Aira whispered, "Girlfriend?"
"Business partner," Kade replied, expression unreadable.
The woman scoffed. "She looks like a thief."
Aira smirked. "That's because I am."
The woman stiffened. "Kade, you brought a thief into your home?! After your enemies invaded?"
Kade's voice dropped, cold. "Watch your tone, Mira. I know what I'm doing."
Mira's eyes flashed—jealousy, clearly.
She walked away, throwing Aira a murderous stare.
Aira raised an eyebrow. "Your people like me already."
Kade shot her a sideways look. "You enjoy provoking them."
"I enjoy being honest."
---
⚠️ The First Twist
In the main office, Kade pulled up the security footage of last night.
A dark figure appeared—leading the attackers. Masked. Silent. Precise.
Kade leaned forward. "That's the Shadow Serpent. A rival mafia faction. They've never attacked me directly before."
Aira watched the screen more closely… and her blood ran cold.
She recognized the pattern of movement.
The fighting style.
The way he tilted his head.
Her past came rushing back like a punch to the chest.
Kade noticed her reaction immediately. "You know something."
Aira's voice came out shaky despite her effort to hide it.
"…I think the man leading them is someone I used to work with."
Kade's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Used to? Or still do?"
She slammed her hands on the table. "I left that life years ago!"
"People like us don't leave," he said quietly.
Their eyes locked—hers filled with fear and anger, his filled with suspicion and something softer he didn't want to admit.
---
🔥 Forced Proximity Twist
Before she could protest, he took out a keycard and tossed it to her.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Your room. You're staying here."
Aira stepped back. "Absolutely not."
"You think I'm letting you walk out while a mafia rival wants you dead?"
He stepped closer—close enough that she felt heat radiating off him.
"You're safer under my roof."
"And if I refuse?" she challenged.
Kade's voice dropped, low and possessive.
"Then I'll chain you to the bed until you stop arguing."
Her breath caught—equal parts irritated and flustered.
"You're insane."
He smirked. "Annoyingly, so are you."
Aira stared at the keycard in her hand.
She wasn't his prisoner.
Not yet.
But she wasn't free either.
And deep down… a dangerous part of her didn't want to run.
Because the way he looked at her…
The way he defended her…
The way he challenged her…
She hated how much it stirred something inside her she hadn't felt in years.