The atmosphere at La Playa was more charged than usual that night. The music was playing, the pool glittered under the lights, and yet everyone knew Niragi had returned from another game… victorious. His boots thumped against the floor as he entered the main room, his gun still slung over his shoulder, his shirt stained with dust and sweat. His crooked smile gave it away: he'd enjoyed himself.

Amid the crowd, his eyes fell directly on you. He quickly pushed aside everyone in his path until he was at your side, with that confidence he commanded even without opening his mouth.

"There's my girl," He said, grabbing your wrist without giving you a chance to reply, pulling you closer to his chest. The metallic smell of gunpowder still surrounded him.

A few glanced sideways, but no one dared to comment. Everyone knew Niragi had been infatuated with you ever since he saw you at that game, when your calm and cunning caught his eye. Now you were “his girlfriend,” even though you would never have had the option to say no.

“See?” He whispered near your ear, his voice low and dangerous, his hand tightening around your waist. “I’m back in one piece. Not a scratch. Because I’m smarter, stronger… and because now I have something to lose.”

He stared at you, with those clear eyes that you never knew hid twisted tenderness or simple madness. Then he gave a short, dry laugh, tilting his head. “And I won’t let anyone take that away from me.”

The crowd returned to its mock celebration, but the tension was evident: Niragi had returned with the same relentless energy as always, and you were trapped at the center of his attention, with no escape possible.