Eva

21

_____

The weight of Dominic’s message from Reyes hangs over us like a storm cloud, ready to break. He paces the penthouse like a caged predator, his phone clutched tightly in his hand, tension radiating from him in waves. His usual sharp focus is dulled by something rawer—fear. Seeing him like this tightens something in my chest. Dominic Kane, master of control, brought to the edge of chaos.

“We need to lure them out,” I say suddenly, breaking the silence stretched too thin between us.

Dominic stops mid-stride, his sharp blue eyes snapping to mine. “What are you talking about?”

“They’re dictating the game,” I say, standing to face him. “We’re reacting, playing defense. We need to take control.”

A flicker of understanding flashes in his gaze—brief, fleeting—but it’s gone in an instant, replaced by a steely glare. “And what, exactly, do you suggest?”

“Use me,” I say simply. “Let me be the bait.”

Dominic’s expression darkens immediately. “No. Absolutely not.”

I expected this. Hell, I’d be shocked if he agreed without a fight. But I don’t back down. “Think about it. Reyes and Conrad are already fixated on me. If we make it look like I’m acting alone—if I’m out there, visible—they’ll have no choice but to make a move.”

“And when they do, you’ll be right in their crosshairs,” Dominic snaps, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Do you hear yourself?”

“They’ve already made me their target!” My voice rises despite myself. “They’re not going to stop until I’m neutralized. We can use that. Turn their obsession against them.”

Dominic’s jaw tightens, his hands curling into fists at his sides. I see the battle raging behind his eyes—his protective instincts warring with his need to end this nightmare. “You’re asking me to risk your life, . Do you get that?”

“I do,” I say softly, stepping closer. “But I trust you. I trust you to protect me.”

The silence stretches, heavy and charged. Finally, Dominic turns away, his shoulders tense as he stares out the window at the glittering skyline. “I don’t like it,” he says at last, his voice low. “But you’re right. We’re out of options.”

Relief floods me, but I keep my expression neutral. I step closer, resting a hand on his arm. “We’ll do this together. I’m not going in blind.”

Dominic turns back, his gaze burning with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “If we’re doing this, it’s on my terms. You’ll be monitored at all times, and if anything—anything—feels off, you’re out. Do you understand me?”

I nod. “Deal.”

The Café Scene: The Trap Is Set

The café is warm and unassuming, its cozy atmosphere a sharp contrast to the tension simmering under my skin. I sit by the window, pretending to work on my laptop while nursing a coffee I have no intention of drinking. Around me, life goes on—students tapping away at keyboards, couples sharing quiet conversations, a barista humming as she refills the pastry case.

But I know better. Somewhere in this room, someone is watching me.

My phone buzzes, and I nearly jump. Forcing myself to stay calm, I glance down at the screen.

Unknown Number : “Nice to see you working hard, Ms. Hayes.”

A chill runs down my spine. My eyes flicker around the café, scanning faces, but no one meets my gaze. Everyone looks normal—ordinary.

Dominic’s voice crackles through the earpiece hidden beneath my hair. “Stay calm, . We’ve got eyes on you.”

I take a deep breath, steadying my hands before typing back.

Me : “Care to join me? I’d love to chat in person.”

The response is almost immediate.

Unknown Number : “Not yet. But I have a proposition for you.”

Dominic’s voice is sharp in my ear. “Keep him talking.”

Me : “I’m listening.”

As the exchange continues, my pulse races. The man in the dark suit near the window glances at his phone, his movements subtle but deliberate. I know, without a doubt, he’s part of this.

The room feels smaller, tighter, as I hold the phone in my hand. Reyes’s confidence, even through text, is unnerving—a reminder that he’s been orchestrating this chaos from the shadows.

Dominic’s voice steadies me, though tension simmers beneath his calm. “, you’re doing great. Keep him engaged. We’re closing in on the trace.”

The man near the window shifts, his phone screen glowing in the dim light. I keep my expression neutral, pretending to sip from my mug while typing another response.

Me : “I’ll meet, but only if you guarantee I walk away unscathed. No tricks.”

The reply comes faster than I expect.

Unknown Number : “That’s up to you. Show me loyalty, and you’ll have nothing to fear.”

Dominic’s voice cuts in, sharp and precise. “He’s setting the stage. The signal is bouncing between multiple locations, but we’ve got a lead. Stay focused.”

I glance out the window, catching a reflection in the glass—a man in a baseball cap, his face shadowed. My instincts scream he’s part of this too. I force myself to remain still, my hands steady as I reply.

Me : “Where and when?”

The reply is immediate.

Unknown Number : “Tomorrow, noon. Hotel Cirrus, rooftop bar. Come alone.”

My blood runs cold, but I type back, my fingers trembling slightly.

Me : “If this is a setup, you won’t live to regret it.”

Dominic’s tone is low but urgent in my ear. “Don’t provoke him, . We’re watching every move, but we can’t afford to tip him off.”

I let the phone rest on the table, exhaling slowly as I glance around the café. The man in the dark suit has disappeared, and the one in the baseball cap is heading for the exit.

“Someone’s leaving,” I murmur. “South side, cap and jacket.”

“Got him,” Dominic responds. “Stay seated. We’ll tail him.”

Relief washes over me, but it’s short-lived. A new text pings on my phone, the message making my heart stutter.

Unknown Number : “You’re braver than I thought. Let’s see if you’re smart enough to survive.”

The Debrief

Back at the penthouse, the air feels heavy with unspoken tension. Dominic sits at the dining table, his laptop open as Adrian’s voice filters through the speakerphone.

“The number was a burner,” Adrian says. “It pinged off three towers before leading us to a dead end in Queens. Whoever Reyes has working for him, they’re good.”

“Not good enough,” Dominic mutters, his jaw tight. “We’re getting closer.”

I sit across from him, my hands wrapped around a mug of tea long gone cold. The adrenaline has faded, leaving behind a gnawing anxiety I can’t shake.

“He wants me alone,” I say, breaking the silence. “That has to mean something. If he just wanted me out of the way, there are easier ways to do it.”

“He’s testing you,” Dominic replies, his tone clipped. “Trying to see how far you’ll go. And he knows I’ll never let you walk into that hotel without backup.”

“Which means he’ll be watching for you,” I counter. “If he thinks for a second I’m not alone, he’ll vanish.”

Dominic’s hands tighten into fists, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he fights to control his frustration. “We’ll outmaneuver him. Adrian, I want every angle covered—cameras, undercover operatives, the works.”

“Already on it,” Adrian replies. “But we need more time to map out the hotel. Reyes wouldn’t pick a public location without a fallback plan.”

Dominic ends the call, his gaze locking on mine. “This is the last time I let you talk me into something like this.”

I smile faintly despite the knot of nerves twisting in my stomach. “You didn’t exactly have a choice.”

His expression softens. “, you’re brave. Too brave for your own good.”

“I’m just trying to keep up with you,” I reply quietly.

For a moment, his walls falter, and I see the man beneath the armor. Vulnerable. Determined.

“We’ll get through this,” he says, his voice steady. “Together.”

The day drags on in a blur of preparation, strategy, and anticipation. Dominic and I go over the plan one last time. He’s every bit the businessman—sharp, decisive, and focused on every detail. I, on the other hand, feel the weight of it all settling heavily on my chest. This isn’t just a game of power anymore; it’s survival.

The hotel is just around the corner now, and every second spent in the car makes the tension stretch tighter. Dominic’s grip on his phone never falters, his eyes constantly scanning the road and his surroundings, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring. I sit beside him, my fingers nervously drumming against the armrest, my mind spinning.

“You’ll be fine,” he murmurs, his voice low but steady. His words are meant to reassure me, but I can hear the unease beneath the surface. He’s worried. And I’m not sure if it’s for me, or for himself.

“I know,” I say, even though my own uncertainty lingers in the pit of my stomach. We both know how dangerous this is, how much is at stake. “Just make sure you’re there when I need you.”

“I’ll be watching you,” he promises. “The moment anything feels off, we pull you out.”

I nod, but there’s a part of me that can’t shake the feeling that we’re playing into their hands, that no matter how much we prepare, Reyes and Conrad are always one step ahead. It’s what they do best.

The sleek black SUV pulls up to the hotel entrance, the modern glass facade towering over us. The building hums with activity, a place where secrets are made and deals are broken, and I know deep down that once I step foot inside, there’s no going back.

“Are you ready?” Dominic asks, his eyes scanning the entrance as if looking for any signs of trouble.

I exhale slowly, trying to quell the anxiety building in my chest. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Dominic’s fingers brush mine, his touch brief but grounding. He doesn’t say anything, just watches as I step out of the car and head toward the hotel’s entrance. The weight of his gaze is on me, his presence a constant reminder that he’s here, even if I can’t see him.

Inside the Hotel

The lobby is a quiet symphony of luxury—polished marble floors, golden accents, and a subtle, intoxicating fragrance that fills the air. It’s as beautiful as it is intimidating. I walk toward the elevator, my steps steady despite the storm raging in my head.

As the elevator ascends, I find myself staring at my reflection in the polished steel walls. My heart is pounding in my chest, but I force myself to breathe deeply. This is it. The moment I’ve been preparing for, the moment that could change everything.

When the elevator dings and the doors slide open, I step out onto the rooftop level of Hotel Cirrus. The view is breathtaking, the city skyline stretching out before me. But I don’t have time to admire the view. I’ve come here for a reason, and it’s not to enjoy the scenery.

The rooftop bar is quiet, empty except for a few scattered chairs and tables. My eyes scan the space, looking for any sign of Reyes or his men, but there’s nothing. Not yet, anyway.

I take a seat at one of the tables by the edge, my eyes scanning the area as I casually pull out my phone and check the messages. Nothing new from Dominic. I know he’s watching, but the uncertainty gnaws at me. I glance at the time on my phone. It’s almost noon. Reyes is late.

And then, I hear it—a soft click of shoes against the tiles.

I turn slowly, my heart skipping a beat when I see him—Reyes. He stands at the far end of the rooftop, his polished demeanor undisturbed by the cold wind that sweeps across the space. His eyes lock onto mine as he approaches, a smile playing on his lips, cold and calculating.

“Ms. Hayes,” he says smoothly, his voice like velvet. “Thank you for meeting me.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice, did I?” I reply, my voice steady but laced with sarcasm.

Reyes chuckles, low and menacing. “Oh, there’s always a choice. It’s the consequences that make them difficult.”

I resist the urge to glance toward the suite where Dominic is watching. Instead, I focus on Reyes, trying to read the subtle shifts in his expression. His confidence is unnerving, and I know this isn’t just another threat—it’s a game. A power play. And I’m the pawn.

“What do you want?” I ask, cutting to the chase.

Reyes steps closer, his hands clasped behind his back, as if he’s already claimed victory. “I want you to understand something, Ms. Hayes. This isn’t personal. It’s business. And in business, only the strongest survive.”

“Save the lecture,” I snap, frustration bubbling up. “If you have something to say, say it.”

Reyes’s smile widens, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “You have fire. I admire that. But fire can be dangerous, especially when it’s out of control.”

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance down, my breath catching when I see the message.

“Look up.”

My heart pounds as I raise my eyes to meet Reyes’s cold gaze. His expression doesn’t falter, but I know. He’s aware. He knows Dominic’s watching me, and this is all part of his twisted game.

I take a steadying breath, trying to maintain control. Reyes stands a few steps away, his presence a looming threat, but there’s a deeper game unfolding now—one that I’m barely keeping up with.

The Cliffhanger

Before I can react, a shadow moves behind Reyes, and my stomach drops. Conrad steps into view, his expression cold and calculating, a mask of menace.

“Well, Ms. Hayes,” Reyes says, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “Let’s see if you’re as clever as you think.”

I freeze, my blood running cold. The weight of the moment crashes down on me. Between Reyes and Conrad, I’m trapped—caught between the two men who’ve masterminded this chaos, who’ve pulled the strings from the shadows.

Reyes’s presence dominates the rooftop, his polished demeanor hiding the predator beneath. I can feel his gaze assessing me, analyzing every move. But I refuse to let him see my fear.

“You brought me here for a reason,” I say, keeping my tone firm. “What is it?”

Reyes chuckles, a low, grating sound that sends a chill down my spine. “Straight to the point. I respect that. But you see, Ms. Hayes, it’s not about what I want. It’s about what you’re willing to do to protect what matters to you.”

His words are vague, deliberately so, baiting me. I know better than to bite. Instead, I cross my arms, meeting his gaze head-on. “If this is another thinly veiled threat, save your breath. You’re wasting my time.”

Reyes tilts his head, eyes narrowing. “Time is a curious thing, isn’t it? It’s both infinite and fleeting. The question is, how much do you have left before everything you’re clinging to slips through your fingers?”

I suppress the shiver that runs through me, standing my ground. Dominic’s voice hums faintly in my earpiece. “Stay calm, . We’re right here.”

I straighten my spine. “Cut the cryptic nonsense. You have something to say? Say it.”

Reyes’s lips curl into a cold smile. “Very well. I have an offer for you, Ms. Hayes. One that could save you a great deal of trouble. Walk away from Kane Enterprises. Leave Dominic Kane to clean up his own mess. In return, I’ll ensure you land on your feet—better than ever, in fact.”

I don’t flinch. “You think you can buy me off?”

“Not buy,” he replies smoothly. “Liberate. You’ve been playing a dangerous game, aligning yourself with Kane. If you’re smart, you’ll recognize an opportunity when it’s presented.”

I glance at him, my mind racing. Every instinct tells me this is a test—a move to gauge my loyalty. I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “I’m not for sale.”

Reyes sighs, as though disappointed, but his eyes gleam with amusement. “Loyalty is such a rare quality these days. Admirable, but often misplaced.”

Before I can respond, the sound of footsteps echoes from the far end of the rooftop. My chest tightens as Conrad steps into view, his presence darker and more volatile than Reyes’s calm demeanor. He’s dressed sharply, but his expression is anything but polished—anger and malice are barely contained beneath the surface.

“ Hayes,” Conrad sneers, his voice dripping with disdain. “The journalist who thinks she can outsmart everyone.”

I hold his gaze. “And the man who betrayed the company he claimed to care about. Must be exhausting carrying all that hypocrisy.”

His jaw tightens, but Reyes steps in, raising a hand in mock pacification. “Now, now,” Reyes says lightly. “Let’s not get too heated. This is a conversation, not a confrontation.”

I glance toward the exit, calculating my options. Dominic’s team is out there, watching, waiting for the signal. But with Conrad here, the stakes have never been higher. He knows Kane Enterprises inside and out, and he won’t hesitate to use that knowledge against us.

“You should listen to Reyes,” Conrad warns, his tone sharp. “Walk away while you still can. Kane isn’t worth what’s coming.”

I narrow my eyes. “What’s coming, Conrad? Another betrayal? Or are you running out of knives to stab people in the back?”

His expression darkens, but Reyes intervenes again. “Ms. Hayes, I must say, your resilience is remarkable. But resilience only gets you so far. Eventually, even the strongest foundations crack.”

“And what about yours?” I counter. “You think you’re untouchable, but you’re not. Men like you always overreach.”

His smile fades, replaced by a cold, calculating stare. “Careful, Ms. Hayes. You wouldn’t want to make an enemy of me.”

“You’ve already made yourself my enemy,” I shoot back. “The only question is how long you can keep pretending you’re in control.”

The tension is suffocating. My phone buzzes, and I know Dominic is still there, tracking every second. It’s the only thing keeping me grounded.

Reyes steps closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “Think carefully about your next move, Ms. Hayes. This is your last chance to walk away.”

I meet his gaze, every ounce of fear pushed aside. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The world feels suspended as Reyes straightens, brushing dust from his lapel with the lightest touch.

“Very well,” he says, his tone deceptively light. “If that’s the path you choose, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He nods to Conrad, and they turn, walking toward the exit. My chest tightens as I watch them go, every step echoing with unspoken threats. But I hold my ground, refusing to let them see the tremor in my hands.

As soon as they disappear, Dominic’s voice floods my earpiece. “, get out of there. Now.”

I don’t hesitate, turning and heading for the elevator. My heart pounds as I descend. Dominic is waiting when the doors open, his expression a mix of relief and fury.

“What the hell were you thinking?” he demands, his voice low but fierce.

“I did what we agreed,” I say, frustration bubbling up. “I kept them talking.”

“You put yourself in their sights,” he snaps. “Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?”

“I knew you were watching,” I counter, meeting his gaze. “I trusted you to have my back.”

His expression softens slightly, but the tension doesn’t leave his shoulders. “You’re reckless, . But you’re also brave as hell.”

“Thanks, I think,” I mutter.

Dominic steps closer, his hand brushing against mine in a fleeting gesture. “Let’s get out of here. We need to regroup.”

As we leave the hotel, the weight of what just happened settles over me. Reyes and Conrad are playing a dangerous game, and I’m in the middle of it. But I refuse to let them win.

Not now. Not ever.

Cliffhanger

The moment I thought I was safe, my phone buzzes again, the screen lighting up with a new message from an unknown number:

“You’re too late, . The game has already changed.”