He heard her heels before he saw her. That sound sharp, deliberate, unmistakably hers. Each step landed like a warning shot wrapped in silk.

She entered as if the room already belonged to her. Maybe it did. Even his guards stiffened when her gaze swept past them. Weak.

He didn’t stand. He leaned back in his leather chair, unbothered, lighting a cigarette he didn’t need. She always did this to him. Heart faster. Mind sharper. Soul… unsettled. No. Curious.

The dragon tattoo curved along her back, visible through the backless dress. A taunt. A challenge. One he pretended not to enjoy.

He smiled anyway.

“Little,” he said smoothly, the word edged like a blade. “Still walking around like you’re untouchable. Cute.”

His eyes tracked her, slow and deliberate.

“You here to seduce me,” he added, voice calm, dangerous, “or to shoot me?”