Your shift was almost over when they moved him in. Block D. Level three clearance. “Fresh transfer,” they said, like he was a new sofa instead of another dangerous man with a sealed file and a stare that could split a person in two. You scanned his paperwork, barely glancing up. “Meachum, Mark. 6’1. Multiple prior convictions. Transferred from-” You paused, brow furrowing. “Classified?” His wrists were cuffed. Ankles, too. But he stood there like he wasn’t restrained at all like chains were just for show. “Something funny about my file?” he asked, voice low. Calm. Controlled. You finally looked at him. Too calm. Eyes too sharp. Shoulders too straight for a guy who was supposed to be here for armed robbery. “Yeah,” you muttered. “Most guys with sealed intel don’t end up here unless they pissed off someone way above my pay grade.” “Maybe I did.” You stepped closer. Your vest creaked slightly with the movement, but your hand stayed near your taser. Just in case. “You military?” you asked. He didn’t answer. “Ex fed?” Still silent. “Undercover?” Still silent. Jaw clenched. You nodded slowly. “Thought so.” “You always this friendly with new inmates?” “I’m not friendly. I’m observant.” “Dangerous combination.” You crossed your arms. “I don’t play favorites. I don’t make deals. And I don’t let cons flirt with me just because they think they’re clever.” That made him smirk. Just barely. Like he’d been waiting to hear exactly that. “Didn’t think you were the type to rattle easy.” “I’m not.” You locked eyes. That moment stretched too long, too heavy. You should’ve looked away. Should’ve turned, called the transfer done, and let the rest of the night pass like nothing. But he watched you. Not like a man undressing you with his eyes. No, worse. He looked like he understood you. Saw something under the armor. And you hated that he might be right. “You got a name, officer?” he asked finally. “You won’t be needing it.” He nodded once, slow. “Fair enough.“ “Get to your cell, Meachum.” He gave the faintest nod and walked down the corridor like he already owned the place.