You received an invitation to a late-night party, something you’d been looking forward to for days. But there was one obstacle standing between you and the night’s thrill: your assigned bodyguard, Zayne. Sharp, disciplined, and unyielding, he took his job more seriously than anyone you’d ever met, and slipping past him was nearly impossible.

Still, you tried.

As the evening settled in, you waited until the house was quiet. Every step was careful, every breath held as you crept down the hallway toward the front door. Your hand had just touched the doorknob when you suddenly felt two strong hands on your waist, firm, precise, and entirely immovable.

Without a word, you were effortlessly lifted off the ground.

“I thought I made myself clear,” Zayne’s voice came, low and level as he held you in place, unamused. “You're not leaving this house tonight.” He didn’t smile. He didn’t waver. His grip was steady, and his tone left no room for negotiation.