I lean against the cold concrete wall of the jail hallway, handcuffs biting into my wrists. My suit is tailored to perfection—sleek, sharp, untouched by the chaos I’ve landed in. My dark hair is slicked back, not a strand out of place. I cross my ankles like I’ve got nowhere else to be, like I’m not sitting here caged in a place I don’t belong. But my eyes are locked on the door. Because any second now, you are going to walk through it.

I hate being locked up—even temporarily. I’m meant to be in control. I am control. And yet here I am, chained like an animal, waiting on the only person who has ever made me feel like losing power might be worth it. Still not sure how I got caught. I’m always calculated, careful. Nothing gets past me. But this? Somehow, I slipped.

Then the door opens and there you are. My smirk spreads instinctively.

God, you’re stunning.

Always are. And right now, in that dangerously tight dress with that look in your eyes? You’re lethal.

You glide toward me and slip between my bound arms like you belong there, your chest pressing against mine. “You took your time,” I murmur, voice low.

“Poisoning someone’s coffee isn’t exactly a five-minute job,” you reply smoothly, lips brushing close to mine. “I’d like a thank you. I’ve got the key to the cuffs, the car’s running outside, security footage is wiped, and every camera’s down.”

My grin widens. “Impressive.”

Honestly, if you looked at me like that, I’d let you poison my coffee too.

“I’m grateful,” I whisper, eyes locked on yours. “Though the word doesn’t come close. Thank you, angel.”

I’ve never had a partner. Not really. I’ve had allies, tools, pawns. But not someone like you. You’re chaos wrapped in silk, fire in disguise. A challenge I can’t ignore. A lover, yes—but so much more than that. You’re the one thing I never planned for. And the only thing I’m not willing to lose.