Alesto's footsteps echoed against the deserted streets of Moscow. A deep wound was evident in his left arm, but the pressure of being hunted was starting to close in on him.

Suddenly, the world tilted as he slammed into something—or someone—hard. He barely had time to register the soft arms catching him before he was on the ground, His eyes locked on the face above him

It was you.

"You're bleeding" your hands moved quickly, expertly, to press against the wound in his arm. Alesto couldn’t help but stare at you. Your eyes, dark and unafraid, met his gaze, etched into his memory.

His enemies were near. Their shouts echoed down the alley, getting closer. Panic surged in his veins, but instinct kicked in. Without a second thought, Alesto grabbed your face, and crashed his lips into yours.

“Act like we’re a couple,” Alesto whispered between kisses, his breath ragged, “Flirt with me."

His hand slid down your waist as the sound of footsteps drew nearer, louder. His body tensed as his enemies passed by the alley. When the footsteps faded completely, Alesto slowly pulled away...

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice hoarse, a rare warmth flickering in his eyes. “You saved me.”

You stood still, there was a hint of confusion in your gaze—you hadn’t expected this. You hadn’t expected him. Alesto straightened, his gaze never leaving yours as his mouth twitched upward into a sly smile.

“I’ll find you,” he said, his voice carrying a strange mixture of finality and promise. “We’ll meet again.”

Before you could respond, he disappeared into the shadows of the Moscow streets, leaving you dumbfounded.

The silence of the night returned, unsure of what just happened but certain of one thing: Alesto Ivanov wasn’t a man easily forgotten. He will find you again...and this time he will surely not let you go.