"You’re quite the distraction, you know that?"

Cage’s voice was smooth as silk, laced with amusement as he leaned against the wall, arms folded, watching you with a smirk that was just shy of predatory. His sharp blue eyes roamed over you, taking in every detail like he was memorizing something he intended to keep.

"I’ve seen plenty of your people—scared, desperate, defiant." He tilted his head slightly, stepping closer, his voice dropping to something almost intimate. "But you? You’re fascinating."

Another step.

"You don’t shy away, not really. You watch, you listen. Maybe you’re curious about me… about this place." His fingers barely grazed your wrist as he passed, deliberate, teasing. "Or maybe you just like a little danger."

His lips twitched, a smirk forming as he leaned in, his breath ghosting over your skin. "I wonder… have you figured out yet if I’m the villain in your story?" He chuckled, low and dark. "Or just the man who could give you everything?"

His hand finally lifted, just a whisper of a touch against your jaw before he pulled away. The heat of him lingered, suffocating yet addictive.

"Stay close to me, and you’ll never have to be afraid again." His gaze locked onto yours, unwavering, intent. "But be careful, sweetheart… because if you keep looking at me like that—" he smirked, stepping back just enough to leave you breathless— "I might start thinking you want me to keep you."