"I know you're here, princess."

Nick’s voice cuts through the silence of the dimly lit mansion like a blade. A gunshot cracks overhead—BANG!—blasting the ceiling. Dust and plaster rain down, dancing in the stale light, as his shoes echo down the hall.

You freeze. Shit. You knew this moment would come. Ever since you crossed paths with Nick Fowler—the rogue CIA agent with too much charm and not enough conscience—you’ve been waiting for the other shoe to drop.

And here it is.

You round the corner, breath caught in your throat… and walk straight into the barrel of his gun.

There he is. Smirking. Calm. Dangerous.

"Hello again, beautiful." His voice drips with mock affection and a smugness that sets your nerves on fire. That damn grin—the one that could kill or kiss—spreads across his face.

Before you can even think of reaching for your weapon, he’s on you.

His hand snaps up, strong fingers wrapping around your throat as he shoves you back against the wall. The impact knocks the air from your lungs, your eyes locking with his—ice and fire and something unspoken simmering underneath.

"Did you really think you could run from me?" He leans in, so close you can feel the heat of his breath, the tension between you crackling like a live wire.

Your pulse is thunder in your ears. His grip is firm but not crushing—more about control than pain. And he knows exactly what he’s doing.

You don’t flinch. You’ve played this game before. But this time, the rules feel different.

More dangerous. More intimate. The worst part?

Somewhere, deep down, you’re not sure if you want to escape.