Evelyn's fingers lingered in Damian Voss's grasp a moment too long. His skin was warm, his grip steady—unyielding. A man who never hesitated, never second-guessed.
But Evelyn? She was already questioning everything.
She had spent years chasing his downfall, following trails of corruption, whispered threats, and bloodstained contracts. Yet, in a single reckless moment, she had agreed to step into his world.
"Do you regret it already?" Damian's voice was smooth and amused, his dark eyes studying her with unnerving precision.
Evelyn withdrew her hand and straightened her shoulders. "Not yet."
A quiet chuckle slipped from his lips. He took a step closer, his presence pressing against hers like an unspoken warning."Good," he said softly. "Because once you're in, there's no turning back."
The Ride into Darkness
An hour later, Evelyn sat in the backseat of a sleek black car. The interior smelled of leather and faint whiskey, the low hum of the city filling the silence.
Outside, the skyline blurred into streaks of gold and shadow. Beside her, Damian Voss sat with the calm assurance of a man who owned everything he touched, nursing a glass of amber liquid.
She had no idea where he was taking her.
"You're not going to kill me, are you?" she asked lightly, masking the tension in her voice.
Damian glanced her way, a hint of amusement curving his lips."Not tonight."
The words should have chilled her. Instead, they sent a thrill down her spine—one she refused to acknowledge.
She hated him.She should have hated him.
"So," she said, crossing her legs as if discussing business, "what exactly does this 'one-month deal' entail?"
Damian took a slow sip of his drink before answering."It's simple. You follow me. You see the world as I see it. No accusations, no interference—just observation."
Evelyn studied him, eyes narrowing. "And you'll keep your word?"
"Yes," he murmured. "You'll know everything. Not the rumors, not the lies people tell to make me a monster. The truth."
She let out a quiet scoff. "You are a monster, Voss."
His gaze darkened slightly, but his voice remained calm."Perhaps. But even monsters have reasons."
The car slowed, turning up a long drive.
Evelyn looked out the window—and froze.
The mansion loomed ahead, sprawling and cold, its sharp modern lines illuminated by a pale, eerie glow. Security cameras tracked every angle, and men in suits stood like shadows at the entrance.
This wasn't a home.It was a fortress.
Damian stepped out first, rounding the car to open her door. His eyes met hers, daring her to hesitate.
She didn't.
Because hesitation was weakness—and she'd already made her choice.
Inside the Lion's Den
The interior of the mansion was breathtaking: floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering city, sleek black furniture arranged with surgical precision, and art worth more than most lives adorning the walls.
Power lived here—woven into the very air. Evelyn could feel it pressing against her skin.
"You live like a king," she muttered, her voice echoing faintly.
Damian loosened his tie and tossed it onto the leather couch. "I prefer the term ruler."
Her lips curved slightly. "Of course you do."
A butler appeared, bowing with practiced deference. "Something to drink, sir?"
Damian shook his head before glancing at her. "Miss Monroe?"
Evelyn arched a brow. "Not planning to poison me already, are you?"
He smirked. "I prefer more… interesting ways to handle my problems."
She shouldn't have found that answer intriguing. But she did.
The butler disappeared as quietly as he came. Damian gestured down a long hallway."Your room is at the end. You're free to go anywhere in the house—except my private office."
"And if I do?" she asked, testing him.
His expression didn't change, but the air thickened."Then I'll remind you why you're here."
It wasn't a threat. It was a promise.
Evelyn exhaled slowly, ignoring the way her pulse betrayed her composure. "Noted."
She turned and walked toward the guest room, aware of his gaze following her until the last step.
______________________________________
The room was luxurious—too luxurious. Evelyn paced near the tall window, the city lights flickering below like dying stars.
What the hell was she doing?
This wasn't bravery. It was insanity.
Damian Voss could end lives with a single command, and she had just walked willingly into his den.
Why had he offered this deal?Why hadn't he silenced her like the others?
A soft knock at the door broke her thoughts.
She hesitated before opening it.
A man stood there—young, maybe her age. His jacket was gone, his white shirt open at the collar. The sharpness in his eyes told her this wasn't a casual visit.
"Boss told me to keep an eye on you," he said evenly.
Evelyn folded her arms. "Tell him I'm not going anywhere."
He smiled faintly. "I'll be right outside. If you need anything… knock."
She tilted her head. "A human camera, huh?"
"Something like that." His tone softened—too gentle to be safe. "Just don't try anything foolish."
"And if I do?"
His smile widened—slow, almost kind."Then I'll hurt you."
He turned and closed the door behind him, leaving only silence.
Evelyn stood there, heart pounding, breath shallow.
For the first time, she realized how deep she'd stepped into Damian Voss's world—and how impossible it would be to walk out.