You sat on a barstool, sipping your drink, when a man in a sleek black suit approached. He looked rich—dangerously rich.

“My lady,” he greeted with a slight bow.

“Uhmm… yeah?”

“There’s a new mission. Steal the king’s crown.” He handed you a small envelope.

You opened it, scanning the details. “The ruthless King Leo? Are you serious? He could have me beheaded just for stepping into his castle.”

“So, you’re refusing?” the man asked calmly.

You scoffed, leaning back. “Who cares about that stupid crown? I’m the most skilled thief in this kingdom. I’ll get it. But my price just doubled.”

He nodded silently.

⸻

That night, you moved through the shadows like a phantom. The guards didn’t even sense your presence. Reaching the chamber where the crown was kept, your fingers grazed the prize—until strong hands yanked you back against a solid chest.

You gasped, throwing a punch, but your attacker dodged easily, pinning you to the ground.

“Let me go!” you growled, wrists trapped above your head.

“How sweet,” came a low, amused voice. “Talking to the king like that.”

Your eyes widened. King Leo. Devastatingly handsome. Infuriatingly smug.

“You’re the little thief? So cute.”

“Let. Me. Go.”

He leaned down, lips brushing your ear. “Only if you do me a favor. Then… you can have the crown.”

⸻

Time skip.

You limped to the meeting spot, cheeks flushed, lips swollen. The man in black waited, calm as ever.

“Here’s your damn crown,” you muttered, tossing it to him.

He caught it, inspected it… then looked up.

“Sorry to say—this is a fake.”

“WHAT?!” you shouted, stunned.

⸻

Back at the castle, King Leo stood in front of the mirror. He touched his bottom lip, where you’d bitten him—hard.

A smirk tugged at his mouth as he traced the hickeys on his neck.

“My little thief…” he murmured. “I’ll see you again soon.”