Chloe's heart still raced as Lucas led her through the crowded lounge. She tried to keep her breathing steady, but every step she took felt like a step into a world she didn't understand.
The city of Paris had always felt romantic in movies.
But in real life, it felt dangerous.
Lucas walked with confidence, like he belonged in every room he entered. His grip on Chloe's hand was firm, not tight, but enough to make her feel protected.
She glanced at him. "Where are you taking me?"
Lucas didn't answer.
Instead, he turned a corner and opened a door that led to a private hallway. The music from the lounge faded away, replaced by silence.
The hallway was dimly lit, with dark walls and soft lighting that made everything look expensive. Chloe felt like she was walking into a secret.
Lucas stopped in front of a door and opened it.
Inside was a small room with a large window that looked out onto the city. The room was decorated with modern furniture, all in shades of black and gray. A glass table sat in the center, and a single chair was positioned in front of it.
Chloe stepped inside slowly.
Lucas closed the door behind them.
She turned to face him. "What is this?"
Lucas walked toward her and stopped just a few feet away. His eyes never left hers.
"This is where we talk," he said.
Chloe swallowed. "Talk about what?"
Lucas's expression became serious.
"About your life," he said. "And about the danger that's been following you."
Chloe's stomach twisted.
"How do you know that?" she asked.
Lucas's gaze didn't waver.
"Because I've been watching you," he said.
Chloe's voice shook. "Why?"
Lucas paused.
Then he said, "Because I promised someone I would keep you safe."
Chloe's eyes widened. "You promised who?"
Lucas's jaw tightened.
He didn't answer.
Chloe's heart pounded harder.
"Lucas," she said softly. "Who are you?"
Lucas took a slow step closer.
"You don't want to know," he said.
Chloe stared at him. "I already know too much."
Lucas's eyes softened for a moment.
Then he stepped closer, until he was only inches away from her.
"You're scared," he said.
Chloe nodded.
"I'm scared too," he continued. "But I don't show it."
Chloe swallowed. "Why are you protecting me?"
Lucas's expression became dark.
"Because someone wants you dead," he said.
Chloe's breath caught.
She felt her body go cold.
"What?" she whispered.
Lucas's eyes narrowed.
"Yes," he said. "Someone wants you dead."
Chloe shook her head. "That's impossible. I'm just a normal person."
Lucas's voice dropped. "Normal people don't get watched."
Chloe's hands trembled. "Who is watching me?"
Lucas didn't answer immediately.
He looked at her as if he was trying to decide how much to tell her.
Finally, he spoke.
"Elise," he said.
Chloe blinked. "Who is Elise?"
Lucas's expression hardened. "A woman from my past."
Chloe felt her stomach drop.
"What does she want with me?" she asked.
Lucas's eyes flashed.
"She wants you because you are the key to something she lost," he said.
Chloe's heart hammered.
"I don't understand," she said.
Lucas's voice became softer. "You will."
Chloe stared at him. "Why are you telling me this now?"
Lucas's gaze stayed on her.
"Because she's already started," he said. "She's been watching you for weeks."
Chloe's breath hitched.
"How do you know?" she whispered.
Lucas walked toward the glass table and picked up a folder that was lying on it. He opened it and slid it toward Chloe.
Chloe's hands shook as she reached for it.
Inside were photos.
Photos of her.
Taken without her knowing.
Some were from the street, some from her apartment, and some from the lounge earlier tonight.
Chloe stared at the pictures, unable to move.
"Who took these?" she whispered.
Lucas's voice was low. "Elise."
Chloe's eyes filled with tears.
"How do you know?" she asked.
Lucas's jaw tightened. "Because she's the only one who knows how to get close enough to you without being seen."
Chloe's voice broke. "Why would she do this?"
Lucas's eyes darkened.
"Because you remind her of something she lost," he said. "Something she thinks belongs to her."
Chloe shook her head. "I don't belong to anyone."
Lucas's gaze was intense.
"Not yet," he said.
Chloe's heart pounded.
"What does she want from me?" she asked again.
Lucas took a deep breath.
"She wants you to come to her," he said. "She wants you to be her prize."
Chloe's skin went cold.
"Why would I go to her?" she whispered.
Lucas's eyes met hers. "Because she will make you believe you have no choice."
Chloe's voice shook. "How do I stop her?"
Lucas stepped closer, his voice low.
"You don't," he said. "Not alone."
Chloe's eyes widened. "Then what do I do?"
Lucas's gaze softened.
"You stay with me," he said. "I will protect you."
Chloe's heart pounded.
She didn't know if she could trust him.
But she didn't know if she had a choice.
Lucas walked toward her and gently took her hand.
"Chloe," he said softly, "I can't let her hurt you."
Chloe stared at him.
His touch sent a shock through her body.
She felt warmth spread through her fingers.
She felt something she hadn't felt in a long time.
Safety.
But she also felt fear.
Because Lucas's protection came with a price.
She didn't know what the price was yet.
But she could feel it.
Lucas leaned in closer.
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"I need you to promise me something," he said.
Chloe swallowed. "What?"
Lucas's eyes locked onto hers.
"Promise me you will not leave me," he said. "Not tonight. Not ever."
Chloe's heart raced.
She didn't know what to say.
She didn't know if she wanted to say yes.
But she also didn't know if she could say no.
Because Lucas's eyes were filled with something she couldn't ignore.
A need.
A hunger.
A desperation.
Chloe took a slow breath.
She looked into his eyes.
And she said the words that changed everything.
"I promise."
Lucas's expression softened.
He nodded once.
Then he turned and walked to the door.
Chloe's heart pounded.
"What now?" she asked.
Lucas opened the door and looked back at her.
"Now," he said, "we go home."
Chloe stared at him.
"Home?" she asked.
Lucas's gaze was steady.
"Yes," he said. "My home."
Chloe felt a cold chill.
She didn't know what kind of home Lucas Vale had.
But she knew one thing:
She was already inside it.