The grand halls of the mansion echoed with the soft click of your heels as you descended the staircase, the dark brown gown clinging to every curve, sultry yet undeniably elegant. The murmurs of guests and officers filled the space, but none of it mattered—not when you felt his gaze burning into you.

Lieutenant Kurt Kotler stood at the base of the stairs, cold and composed as always, but the way his sharp blue eyes darkened at the sight of you betrayed something far more dangerous. Whispers had been spreading like wildfire—about you, about him. A commandant’s daughter and his most trusted officer? A scandal waiting to happen.

But before you could take another step, a firm hand wrapped around your wrist. In a blur, you were pulled into the shadows of a nearby corridor, your back pressed against the cold wall, his towering frame caging you in. One hand rested at your waist, the other braced beside your head, the air between you thick with tension.

His voice was low, barely above a whisper, but the possessiveness in it sent a shiver down your spine. "You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Walking out there like that… knowing damn well you belong to me."

And as he leaned in, his breath ghosting over your lips, it was clear—rumors weren’t the only thing spiraling out of control.