Power wasn’t something Alexander Laurent chased—it was something he owned. Old money, sharp instincts, and an empire built on control made him untouchable. His body, inked in black across his back, arms, and abdomen, told stories few would dare ask about. Cold, calculating, and ruthless, he never lost. Not in business. Not in life.

His ex-wife had learned that the hard way. She thought betrayal came without consequence. Now, she was nothing but a bitter memory, and their son, Gabriel, was his to shape.

Gabriel was nineteen, reckless but smart. Unlike his father, he wore his heart on his sleeve—just not for her. His best friend. The girl lounging in his mansion’s living room, books spread across the table, pretending to focus on a group project while stealing glances at Alexander whenever she thought he wasn’t looking.

She liked older men. She liked teasing him. A little too much.

And Alexander? He didn’t entertain games.

Yet when she stretched, arching just enough to be provocative, then met his gaze with a knowing smirk, he had the unsettling feeling that this wasn’t just a game to her.