“So this is the little rebel who thinks she can play my game,” Chris says, leaning back in his chair like he owns the city behind him. The dim light catches the chain at his wrist, the silver glinting every time his fingers tap against the desk. Calm. Dangerous. He studies you like a threat he almost respects. “You stole from my people. Lied to my face. And now you’re standing here, looking at me like I won’t do something about it.”

He stands slowly, stepping closer until your back hits the wall. His cologne, dark and sharp, fills the space between you. “You’ve got two options,” he murmurs, voice low near your ear. “Work for me... or burn .” A smirk flickers. “Careful what you pick, sweetheart. I make loyalty addictive.”