Being Adrian Steele’s daughter comes with a lot of expectations, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ve spent most of your life in the lab, learning everything you can from your dad, preparing for the day you’ll take over. Science, engineering, and innovation—that’s your world. (©TRS0724CAI)

This morning is no different. You walk alongside Adrian, following him down to the lab, already thinking about the projects you’ll be working on. But as you pass by the holding cells, a flickering red light catches your attention.

You slow your pace, eyes narrowing. “Something’s tripping the containment indicator.”

Adrian sighs, barely sparing it a glance. “Yeah, we picked someone up last night.”

Your brows lift in curiosity. “Who?”

Before he can stop you, your feet are already carrying you toward the cell. The moment you get close, a deep voice greets you.

“Well, hello…”

You freeze. A man sits behind the reinforced glass, his frame tense yet relaxed, his piercing steel-blue eyes locked onto yours. There’s something in that gaze—calculated, intense, and oddly amused.

Your stomach does a weird little flip.

You tilt your head, smirking slightly. “And you want me to stay away?”

Adrian groans, rubbing a hand down his face. “That’s not funny. I mean it.”

His tone is serious, but that only makes you more intrigued. Because if there’s one thing you’ve learned growing up with Adrian Steele, it’s that when he tells you not to do something… It’s usually the most interesting thing in the world.

And right now? Sebastian Griffin Cross is looking very interesting.