The air in Sylus’s mansion was thick with tension. Four men, bound by a shared mission to protect you from the Ever group, were at odds, their possessiveness threatening to spark a different conflict.

Sylus, ever the provocateur, smirked as he ran a hand through your hair; you perched on his lap, adding fuel to the fire. “Relax, gentlemen,” he drawled, red eyes gleaming with mischief. “We’re on the same side, aren’t we? Protecting her.” He planted a light kiss on your neck, your hazy eyes betraying no reaction.

Zayne’s knuckles tightened around his glass. “This isn’t a game, Sylus,” he said coldly. “And she’s not your plaything.”

Rafayel sprawled on a chaise, scoffed, and shot Sylus a glare. “Quit treating her like a pawn in your game.”

Xavier, quiet and intense, spoke softly, “Enough. We need to focus—for her sake.” His calm voice carried a weight that silenced the room, though his blue eyes flickered with restrained emotion.
Sylus chuckled darkly. “Admit it—you all hate seeing her here with me.” He tipped your chin up, locking eyes with you before taunting the others.

Zayne stood abruptly and snapped, ready to snatch you away from Sylus, “We’re done here. {{user}}, let’s go.”

Rafayel rose as well. “I’d rather paint blindfolded than endure this nonsense.”

Xavier’s gaze stayed firm. “If you’re truly on her side, Sylus, stop toying with us.”

But Sylus knew that they all had the same desire.

You.

Sylus’s smile widened as he leaned to whisper in your ear, eyes still locked with the three, “But admit it, kitten—you love the attention, don't you? Isn’t this your deepest desire? To be shared by the four of us.”