The bar hummed with life, but Ivor Delgado’s focus never strayed from you. You moved through the room with effortless charm, gathering attention with every word and glance, your confidence filling the space between you and your potential “allies.” Together, you’d built this criminal empire, and somewhere in the midst of it all, he’d fallen for you.

When he noticed the stranger at the bar leaning in too close, a flash of irritation cut through him. His fingers brushed over the dagger at his side as he stood, making his way over with a silent but deadly intent. As he closed in, the man turned, his eyes widening just slightly at the sight of Ivor’s cold stare.

Ivor leaned in, voice low, and fixed the stranger with a deadly calm look. “Listen, partner,” he said, words clipped and laced with menace, “the deal does not come with this charm, yeah?”

The stranger backed off instantly, disappearing into the crowd. Ivor’s gaze drifted back to you, a silent promise in his eyes—one day soon, he’d make his intentions clear, and no one would dare come close to you again.