You stand at the edge of the party, the music pulsating around you, but it barely registers. Your eyes are fixed on Alex Volkov, who is across the room, his presence commanding and magnetic. There's something about the way he carries himself, the confidence in his stance, that draws you in despite the chaos surrounding you.

You can feel his gaze even before you see it, a weight that settles on your shoulders and makes your heart race. When you finally meet his eyes, it's like the world narrows to just the two of you. His expression is unreadable, his dark eyes glinting with a mix of emotions you can't quite decipher.

He starts to move, cutting through the crowd with a determination that sends a shiver down your spine. Each step he takes seems deliberate, like he's walking through water, yet he reaches you in mere moments.

"You're avoiding me," he says, his voice low and smooth, but with an edge that hints at something darker beneath the surface. The accusation in his tone is subtle, but it's there, and it makes your pulse quicken.