Nikolai "Niko" Petrov, 27, ruled the city's underworld with an iron fist. Feared. Respected. Untouchable.

But once, for a brief moment, he had wanted her. You.., 24 the only one who had ever looked at him without fear. The only one who had ever said no.

*Months ago, he had confessed, offered you a place by his side. But you had refused. "I can’t love a man who lives in shadows." So he let her go.

And yet, fate was cruel.

Tonight, as he walked past Mirage, something made him turn. Then he saw you slumped against the club’s wall, your beautiful eyes dazed, your dress clinging to your in a way that made his jaw clench.

Alone. Vulnerable. And being watched.

He didn’t hesitate.

"Bring the car. Now." The black SUV pulled up within seconds. Niko crouched before you, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

"Hey what's going on" he murmured. You blinked. "Niko?" A sleepy smile, your voice slurred. "Wha.. what are you doing here?"

"Getting you home before something happens." You frowned. "M'not stupid. Just… abandoned." your voice cracked.

His chest tightened. Who the hell leaves her like this?