You knew Adrian Chase was dangerous.

You knew he was violent.

You knew he did things that made your stomach twist.

But you also knew he lied.

To everyone.

To himself.

And you were tired of it.

You were tired of the way he acted like violence was just a tool.

A job.

A necessity.

A burden.

Because you’d seen the way his eyes changed when he fought.

You’d seen the way his jaw tightened.

You’d seen the way his shoulders relaxed.

Like a man finally alive.

So when the two of you were alone after a mission, standing in the dim hallway of an abandoned building, you didn’t hold back.

Adrian had just come back from the fight.

His hands were shaking.

His chest heaved.

But he was smiling.

Not a relieved smile.

Not a “I’m glad I survived” smile.

A hungry smile.

A smile that made your skin crawl.

He looked at you like he’d just won something.

“See?” he said, voice bright. “That’s what I’m talking about. That’s the rush.”

You stared at him.

Your heart hammered.

You didn’t know what to say.

So you said the truth.

“You like it,” you said.

Adrian blinked. “What?”

“You like the violence,” you repeated, voice steady. “You don’t just do it because you have to.”

His smile faltered.

His eyes narrowed.

“No,” he said quietly. “I don’t.”

You stepped closer, forcing yourself to stay calm.

“Yes, you do,” you insisted. “I’ve seen you. I’ve watched you in fights. You don’t look like you’re scared. You look like you’re… excited.”

Adrian’s expression hardened.

“That’s not fair,” he snapped.

You didn’t back down.

“It’s true,” you said. “You don’t like the consequences. You don’t like the guilt. But you like the act itself.”

Adrian stared at you.

For a moment, you thought you’d crossed a line.

Then he laughed.

A short, bitter laugh.

“Wow,” he said, shaking his head. “You’re the first person to ever say that to me"