The lead guard’s heavy fist cut through the night air, aimed straight for Viktor’s jaw.Viktor didn't blink.With fast, fluid motion, his hand shot up and caught the guard’s thick wrist mid-air, stopping the punch cold. Before the man could react, Viktor stepped in, rotated his hips, and drove a short, sharp right straight into the center of the man's face.The impact sounded like a sledgehammer striking solid meat.The guard’s nose flattened sideways as his head snapped back. Blood sprayed into the air, accompanied by half a dozen teeth flying across the dark asphalt. The massive man didn't even groan. His eyes rolled back, and his limp body crashed against the hood of the lead SUV before sliding onto the pavement.Inside the quiet backseat of the sedan, Raina pulled back the window curtain, her eyes wide with shock. She pressed a hand to her mouth, her heart hammering against her ribs as she watched the slender assistant stand alone against more than a dozen armed men."Is... i

Slayde looked down at Harlyn with complete indifference, his dark eyes cold and unbothered by her frantic threats. He adjusted the cuff of his coat, a faint smirk playing at the edge of his lips."Stalking you?" Slayde asked, his deep voice smooth and cutting through the quiet night air. "Why would I do such a useless thing? You overestimate your importance, Harlyn. I am simply driving home. I own a residence on this very street."Harlyn let out a harsh laugh, her face twisting in disbelief. "Lie all you want, Slayde! This entire lane belongs to old money and private estates! You think I'm stupid enough to believe you just happen to live on my street?! Prove it!"Slayde didn't bother arguing. He gave her a single look that made her words catch in her throat, then turned around and stepped smoothly back into the rear seat of the sedan, closing the door behind him.Viktor slid back into the driver's seat, started the engine, and put the car in gear without giving Harlyn another glanc

"Mrs. Vokal," Viktor said, turning his cold gaze to her. "Chairman Burgess has a global enterprise to manage. He does not base his real estate investments on your address. You are overestimating your place in his life."The three officers exchanged quiet glances. The first cop flipped through his notepad, looking between Viktor’s calm demeanor and Harlyn’s frantic state. The idea of a dangerous stalker was quickly dissolving into a messy spat between wealthy exes."Miss Vokal," the lead officer sighed, adjusting his belt as he turned to face her. "Has Mr. Burgess actually trespassed onto your property tonight? Has he laid hands on you, made threats, or broken any laws?""Well... no! Not tonight!" Harlyn stuttered desperately. "But he pulled his car right up to my gate! He stepped out and looked at me! He—""Standing on a public road is not a crime, ma'am," the officer interrupted, raising a hand. "If he hasn't harmed you, entered your lot, or broken a restraining order, there is not

The heavy doors of Nash’s custom SUV opened. The moment Slayde stepped onto the asphalt, a wall of deafening, bass-heavy music slammed into him. The ground beneath his leather shoes vibrated with the thumps of electronic music. Neon lights pulsed against the night sky, casting streaks of pink and electric blue across the crowded alleyway.Slayde stood frozen beside the car, his brow furrowing into a tight line. He looked around at the swarming crowd of young partygoers in leather jackets and ripped denim, then turned his head slowly toward Nash."What the fuck is this?" Slayde asked, his deep voice slicing through the noise like a razor blade. "Why did you bring me to this circus?"Nash stepped out from the other side, smoothing down his dark designer jacket with a broad grin. He chuckled softly as he watched Slayde's face."Calm down, Boss," Nash said, raising his hands as he walked around the vehicle. "You said you wanted to relax, didn't you? If I took you to a high-end lounge

Slayde let out a low breath through his nose, pulling his coat aside as he settled into the seat.On the board sat an intricate layout of carved stone tiles, pewter figures, and two heavy brass dice, the strategy game known as Domination.The remaining player, a scruffy man with a cocky grin, leaned over the table, eager to establish dominance."The rules are simple, big man," the player said, his tone dripping with mock helpfulness. "You get four strongholds, eight war units, and a deck of cards. You roll, you advance, you trade, or you declare war. Every territory you lose costs cash, and if your commander unit gets captured, you lose the whole pot. It's a tough game. Not for the faint of heart."Slayde rested his elbows against the table, his long fingers lacing together as his eyes swept across the board."I have heard of this game," Slayde said softly, his voice deep and smooth. "Though I have never played it myself. This will be my first time."The player opposite him froze for