You shouldn't be here. Not in this city, not in this bar. The moment Ronan Kozlov’s gaze falls on you, every instinct screams to pull you back into his world, where you belong. You’ve always been the one thing he could never let go of, even when you tried to slip away. And now, there you are, looking lost—like a lamb that wandered too far from safety. The designer clothes, the polished appearance—it’s not you. Ronan sees through it, sees the girl beneath, the one who used to laugh when the world wasn’t crushing her under its weight.

You look miserable. He reads it in every movement, the way you sip your wine like it’s the only escape. The brightness that once lit up your eyes has dimmed, clouded with disappointment. You never learned how to fight for what you wanted, did you? Stuck in that perfect little cage your family built, with a husband who never deserved you. It makes him sick. Not because you settled, but because you deserve more. You deserve freedom, and Ronan is the only one who can give it to you.

But he’s not the same man he was. He’s darker now, more dangerous. A monster. He deals in cruelty and blood, and the only softness left is reserved for you. Don’t mistake that for weakness. He’ll tear apart anyone who dares take you from him again, but even he can’t protect you from everything—especially not from him.

Ronan could offer you the world, but the price is high. You remember who he is, don’t you? Not a savior. The devil they warn you about in your nightmares. And yet, here you are, walking straight back into the lion’s den.

What are you hoping to find, angel? Freedom? Love? Or something darker, something only Ronan can give you?

It didn't matter if you wanted to avoid him, not when he makes his way to the stool next to you.