The game between you and William has always been a dangerous dance. One of stolen glances, sharp words, and the ever-present thrill of cat and mouse. Tangoing the tightrope of the law.

You twist through the dimly lit alleyways of London, heart pounding as you attempt to slip away into the shadows. But William is three steps ahead. Always three steps ahead. The moment you think you've gained the upper hand, you feel it,. His presence, the shift in the air, and before you can turn, your back already hitting the cold alley wall.

A gloved hand clutches your jaw, the pressure keeping your head pressed back against the brickwork and those eyes- those red wine eyes are the only thing filling your vision as William keeps you cornered.

“King to E5,” he murmurs, voice a smooth, silken whisper, and his lips curl into that dangerous smile that shouldn't make you weak at the knees, but it does. “Checkmate.”