Chapter 13

I woke up slowly, feeling warmth all around me—solid, steady warmth that smelled faintly of expensive cologne and something uniquely her.

Lingling.

My face was pressed against her chest, rising and falling in a calm rhythm beneath me. One of her arms was wrapped securely around my waist, holding me close, while the other rested lightly on my back.

For a moment, I didn't move.

I just breathed.

The steady beat of her heart, the soft scent of her skin, the way she held me even in her sleep—it was almost too much.

I tilted my head slightly, and that's when I saw her face.

Lingling, the ruthless, sharp-eyed mafia leader, looked so peaceful like this. Her long lashes rested against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted as she slept. Her usual mask of control was gone, leaving behind something softer, something real.

And that beauty mark on her cheek...

My fingers twitched, tempted to reach out, to trace it gently, to feel if it was as soft as it looked.

But I didn't.

Instead, I just watched her.

She was breathtaking like this—no tailored suits, no carefully crafted smirks, no calculating eyes. Just her.

And somehow, that was even more dangerous.

Because it made me want things I shouldn't.

Things I couldn't.

Lingling shifted slightly, tightening her hold on me, as if even in sleep she was afraid I would disappear.

My chest ached.

Carefully, I lifted my hand and brushed a strand of dark hair away from her face, my fingertips barely grazing her skin.

She stirred, her lips parting slightly before her lashes fluttered open.

Chocolate brown eyes, still heavy with sleep, met mine.

And then, slowly, a small, lazy smile curved her lips.

"Morning, doctor," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.

I swallowed hard.

Lingling's voice, rough with sleep, sent a shiver down my spine.

She tightened her grip on my waist, pulling me even closer until my body was flush against hers. Her warmth was intoxicating, her scent clouding my thoughts.

"Morning," I finally whispered, my voice softer than I intended.

Lingling hummed, eyes still half-lidded as she studied my face. Her fingers brushed lazily over my back, tracing idle patterns. It was so gentle, so unlike the controlled, dangerous woman everyone else knew.

But this? This wasn't for everyone else.

This was just for me.

I bit my lip, suddenly hyper-aware of how intimate our position was—my head on her chest, our legs tangled under the expensive silk sheets, her arm around me like she had no intention of letting go.

"Did you sleep well?" Lingling asked, her voice dipping into something dangerously smooth.

I should move. I should. But instead, I let myself relax just a little longer, sinking into the warmth of her embrace.

I nodded. "Yeah... better than I have in a long time."

Lingling smirked, the corner of her lips quirking up in that infuriatingly attractive way. "Good. I'd hate for my bed to be uncomfortable."

I rolled my eyes, nudging her side lightly. "That's what you're worried about?"

She chuckled, low and deep, her chest vibrating under my cheek. "What else would I be worried about?"

I hesitated.

There was something in her voice, something unreadable.

Last night had been real. The way she held me, the fear in her eyes when she saw me bleeding, the way she kissed me like she was afraid I'd slip away—it was real.

I wanted to ask her if she still felt that way in the daylight. If last night was just a moment of weakness, or if she really... cared.

But I was too much of a coward to say it out loud.

Instead, I pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her properly. Lingling's dark brown eyes flickered, scanning my face like she was memorizing every detail.

The air between us was heavy, charged with something unspoken.

Lingling's hand was still on my waist, her fingers tracing slow, deliberate circles against my skin through the thin fabric of my shirt. Her eyes flickered to my lips—just for a second—but it was enough to make my breath hitch.

I wanted to kiss her.

And I knew she wanted to kiss me too.

But for some reason, we were both hesitating.

It was ridiculous. Just last night, we had devoured each other like we couldn't get enough. I could still feel the ghost of her lips on my neck, the heat of her touch burning through my skin. But now, in the soft light of morning, everything felt different.

Lingering. Tender. Almost fragile.

Lingling swallowed, her throat bobbing. "Orm..." Her voice was low, uncertain.

I knew if I leaned in even an inch, she wouldn't stop me.

But that was the terrifying part, wasn't it?

Last night had been a blur of emotions—fear, desperation, relief. But now, we were looking at each other with clear minds, and the weight of what we had done, of what we were becoming, was settling in.

"Should we...?" Lingling started but didn't finish.

I exhaled shakily, feeling my heartbeat thunder in my ears. "I don't know."

Lingling's fingers curled slightly against my waist, like she was holding herself back. Her face was so close—too close. I could clearly see the beauty mark on her cheek, the softness of her lips, the vulnerability hidden beneath her carefully guarded expression.

Just do it, a voice in my head whispered.

I shifted slightly, just enough to close the distance—

But then, Lingling's phone buzzed on the nightstand, slicing through the moment like a knife.

Fuck.

She tensed.

I immediately pulled back, clearing my throat as if that would erase the tension in the room.

Lingling sighed, running a hand through her messy hair. "Duty calls," she muttered, reaching for her phone.

And just like that, the moment was gone.

I turned onto my back, staring at the ceiling, trying to ignore the way my chest ached with something I wasn't ready to name.

Lingling's entire demeanor shifted the moment Jiang's voice came through the phone.

I could hear the low, muffled words, but I didn't need to hear much to understand what was happening.

"We found him," Jiang said. "The man who dared to touch your doctor."

My breath caught in my throat.

Lingling's fingers tightened around the phone, her jaw clenching. Just moments ago, she had been soft, hesitant—now, her entire aura was different. Cold. Calculated.

"Bring him to the warehouse," she ordered, her voice sharp as a blade. "I'll be there soon."

Jiang didn't question her, just gave a firm "Understood" before the call ended.

Lingling exhaled through her nose, tilting her head back slightly as if trying to rein in her fury.

I swallowed. "Lingling—"

"Don't," she cut me off, voice clipped. She finally looked at me, and for the first time since last night, I saw the mafia leader in her, not the woman who had kissed me like I was her world.

She stood up, grabbing her jacket from the chair. The warmth we had shared just moments ago was gone.

"Stay here," she said, slipping on her shoes. "I'll take care of this."

My stomach twisted. I knew exactly what taking care of this meant.

"Lingling, wait." I sat up, pushing the blanket off. "You don't have to—"

"He cut your face, Orm." Her voice was quieter now, but no less intense. "Do you really think I'll let that slide?"

I held her gaze, searching for something—anything—that could make her stop. But I should've known better.

This wasn't something I could change.

Lingling leaned down, just enough for our faces to be close again. For a second, I thought she might kiss me. But instead, she just brushed her fingers over my cheek, right below the bandaged fresh wound.

"You're mine to protect," she murmured. "I won't let anyone touch you again."

Then she straightened, turned, and walked out the door, leaving me alone with a sinking feeling in my chest.

The penthouse was eerily quiet without Lingling's presence.

I stood in the center of her massive bedroom for a moment, staring at the door she had just walked out of. A part of me wanted to chase after her, to stop whatever she was about to do. But deep down, I knew there was no stopping Lingling when she made up her mind.

With a quiet sigh, I pushed the covers off and swung my legs over the side of the bed. The sweatpants and shirt Lingling had given me felt warm against my skin, carrying her scent. It was a small comfort.

I stepped out of the bedroom, moving through the expansive penthouse. Even in the daylight, the place felt like a mix of luxury and secrecy—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, sleek modern furniture, yet not a single personal photo in sight.

I found the kitchen and opened the fridge. It was well-stocked—imported fruits, neatly packed containers of high-end meals, and rows of bottled water. But I wasn't in the mood for anything fancy.

I grabbed eggs and bread, deciding to make something simple. Cooking gave me something to focus on, something to do with my hands while my thoughts ran in circles. The sizzle of eggs hitting the pan filled the silence, but my mind was stuck on Lingling.

Where was she right now? What was she doing to that man?

I didn't want to imagine it.

I plated the food and sat down at the counter, pushing my fork through the eggs absentmindedly. My appetite wasn't really there.

I was falling for her.

That much was obvious now.

But the more I fell, the more I realized—I was stepping into a world I didn't belong in. A world of blood, revenge, and consequences.

I let out a deep breath, staring down at my untouched breakfast.

What the hell was I getting myself into?

From Lingling's perspective 🖤🐅

The moment I stepped out of the penthouse, my bodyguards fell into position behind me. Silent. Efficient. Just the way I trained them to be.

I slid into the backseat of my sleek black Maybach, the leather cool against my skin. The driver shut the door behind me, and within seconds, we were on the road, cutting through the city like a blade through silk.

I leaned back against the seat, exhaling slowly. My fingers tapped against my knee—a habit I had when my mind was racing. And right now, it was running wild.

That man.

I already knew who sent him.

And I already knew why.

This wasn't just a warning. It was a message. A challenge.

They dared to touch what was mine.

I clenched my jaw, feeling the slow, simmering rage boil beneath my skin. I was used to betrayal. I had been stabbed, shot, and left for dead before. But this? This was different.

They went after Orm.

They put their filthy hands on her, left a scar on her beautiful face.

I was going to make sure they regretted that mistake.

The streetlights cast long shadows as we sped toward the warehouse, my mind cycling through different ways to break the man waiting for me. Pain wasn't enough—I wanted him to beg. To confess. To send a message right back to the ones who thought they could toy with me.

I pressed a button on my phone, calling Jiang.

"Get everything ready," I said, my voice even. Cold.

"Yes, Boss," Jiang replied without hesitation.

I hung up, staring out the tinted window as the city blurred past me.

They thought I got soft.

They thought love had made me weak.

They were about to learn just how wrong they were.

The car rolled to a smooth stop in the cracked pavement of the abandoned warehouse lot. One of my bodyguards opened the door, and I stepped out, my heels clicking against the cold concrete. The air smelled of rust, gasoline, and something else—fear.

Inside, the warehouse was dimly lit, the single flickering bulb casting long shadows on the walls. The only sound was the slight creak of the ropes binding the man to the chair. He sat there, shoulders stiff, sweat dripping down his temple.

Jiang stood beside him, arms crossed, his usual sharp expression unreadable. A few other bodyguards lingered in the background, their presence heavy with silent authority.

The man looked up as I approached, his breathing uneven. He was younger than I expected, maybe in his early thirties, with a scar running down his cheek. Someone who had seen violence but never expected to be on the receiving end of it.

I stopped right in front of him, tilting my head slightly as I studied his face.

"I don't believe we've met," I said coolly, slipping off my suit jacket and handing it to Jiang. "And yet, you seemed to know exactly who to hurt."

The man swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. He didn't speak, but his fingers twitched slightly against the ropes.

"I'll make this simple for you," I continued, circling him slowly. "You tell me who ordered you to go after Orm, and maybe—maybe—I'll consider making this quick."

His jaw clenched, a spark of defiance flashing in his eyes. Wrong move.

Jiang took a step forward, but I lifted a hand to stop him.

I crouched down, leveling my gaze with the man's. "You're loyal, aren't you?" I murmured. "That's admirable. But let me ask you something—do you think Sen Yui will come save you? Do you think he even cares that you're here?"

Silence.

I reached out and grabbed his jaw, forcing him to look at me.

"Let me tell you what's going to happen," I whispered, my voice soft but sharp as a blade. "You will talk. And if you don't..." I let the words hang in the air before giving Jiang a slight nod.

The first punch landed hard against the man's ribs, a sickening crack echoing in the empty warehouse.

He gasped in pain, his body jerking against the restraints.

I straightened, adjusting my cuffs as I turned away.

"Let me know when he's ready to tell me everything," I said, my voice calm, collected.

The man coughed, spitting blood onto the cold concrete floor, his body trembling from the impact of Jiang's strike. I stood a few steps away, rolling up the sleeves of my silk shirt, watching him with quiet amusement.

Jiang cracked his knuckles, his expression void of sympathy. "You heard the boss. Talk."

The man gasped, his chest heaving, but he still clenched his jaw. Still holding on?

I admired his endurance, but it was also foolish. No one left this warehouse without giving me what I wanted.

I took a slow step toward him, placing a manicured hand on his shoulder. My touch was deceptively gentle. "You know what the funny thing is?" I mused, tilting my head. "The people you're protecting—Sen Yui, his men—they wouldn't hesitate to sell you out if the situation were reversed."

His breath was ragged. He knew I was right.

"Tell me," I whispered, lowering my voice just for him. "Was it Sen Yui himself who sent you? Or did he send a messenger like the coward he is?"

The man's fingers twitched against the ropes. He was breaking.

Jiang exhaled impatiently, raising his fist again, but I lifted a hand. "Wait."

The man swallowed, his lips parting as if he was about to speak.

But instead, he spat blood onto the floor again and grinned, his teeth stained red. "You think you're untouchable," he rasped. "But he's already won."

I stilled.

Jiang grabbed the man by the collar. "What the hell are you talking about?"

The man laughed—a weak, broken sound. "You should be more worried about the doctor." His swollen eyes flickered up to mine. "You can't protect her forever."

My fingers twitched. A cold, sharp fury settled in my chest.

I slowly exhaled through my nose. "Jiang."

He didn't hesitate. He threw a devastating punch straight into the man's face, knocking him unconscious instantly.

The warehouse fell into silence.

I turned away, running a hand through my hair. They think they can threaten Orm?

Jiang straightened, his breathing controlled. "Boss?"

I flexed my fingers, keeping my voice steady. "Get rid of him."

Jiang nodded, motioning for the others to take care of the unconscious man.

I turned on my heel, grabbing my jacket and slipping it back on.

"Where to, Boss?" Jiang asked as he followed me out.

I didn't hesitate.

"To Orm."

The morning air was crisp as I stepped out of the warehouse, the scent of gasoline and steel lingering in the air. One of my bodyguards instinctively moved toward the Maybach's driver-side door, but I lifted a hand, stopping him in his tracks.

"Jiang's driving."

There was no hesitation in my voice, no room for argument. Jiang glanced at me, raising an eyebrow, but he didn't question it. He simply nodded and stepped ahead, getting into the driver's seat. I slid into the passenger side, exhaling slowly as the door shut behind me, enclosing us in silence.

Jiang started the engine, pulling the car smoothly out of the lot. We drove in silence for a few minutes, the city lights reflecting against the sleek black dashboard.

Then he spoke. "You're quieter than usual."

I smirked, shaking my head. "That obvious?"

"You only call me for these drives when something's messing with your head." Jiang's eyes stayed on the road, but I could feel his attention on me. "So, what is it? Business?"

I hesitated for a second.

Then I sighed, leaning back against the seat. "No."

Jiang glanced at me. "Then what?"

I stared out the window, watching the city blur past. Orm.

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling through my nose. "Yesterday..." My voice trailed off, but I knew Jiang wouldn't rush me. I didn't talk about my feelings often—almost never, actually—but with him, it was different.

Jiang didn't push. He just waited.

I chuckled, shaking my head at myself. "I kissed her."

Jiang nearly slammed the brakes.

I shot him a look, and he scoffed, returning his focus to the road. "You what?"

I smirked. "You heard me."

Jiang was silent for a moment, processing. Then, in a rare moment of unfiltered honesty, he muttered, "Damn."

I laughed softly. "Yeah. Damn."

Jiang exhaled, gripping the wheel. "So... what now?"

I leaned my head back against the seat, staring at the roof of the car. "I told her everything. How I feel. How scared I am of hurting her." I let out a small breath. "And she still looked at me like I was worth something."

Jiang hummed. "That's because you are."

I scoffed. "To you, maybe."

"To her, obviously," Jiang corrected. "If she didn't care, she wouldn't be in your life like this. She wouldn't have come to you bleeding."

That thought settled deep in my chest. Orm had come to me, not anyone else. Even after I tried to push her away, she still showed up at my door.

Jiang kept driving, but his voice was more serious when he spoke again. "And what about Sen Yui? What about the threat on her?"

My jaw clenched. I had already been thinking about that.

"They think they can touch her," I murmured, my voice low. "They think they can use her to get to me." I turned my head to look at Jiang. "I won't let them."

Jiang nodded once, understanding. "Then what's the plan?"

I looked back out the window. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and blue.

"First," I said, voice steady, "I'm going back to her."

Jiang smirked as he turned the wheel, guiding the Maybach through the streets with practiced ease. "So, she's still at your place?"

I nodded, gazing out the window. "Yeah."

Jiang chuckled. "And let me guess—you were cuddling?"

I shot him a look, but he only grinned wider.

"You? The Boss? Clingy?" He let out a low whistle. "Didn't think I'd live to see the day."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up."

Jiang laughed but didn't push further. He knew me well enough to recognize when to stop teasing. But he also knew me well enough to know when something had changed—and something had changed.

I had never been like this with anyone. Not even close.

The fact that I let Orm stay in my bed, that I held her like I needed her there... it was a different kind of vulnerability. One I wasn't sure I was ready for, but at the same time, I couldn't push her away. Not anymore.

Jiang pulled up to Éclipse, my nightclub, and parked in the reserved spot out front. The place wasn't open to the public yet, but the business side of things never stopped. Meetings, deals, negotiations—it all had to be handled, and this morning was no different.

I exhaled and rolled my shoulders before stepping out of the car. "I have meetings all morning. You handle security while I'm inside."

Jiang gave a mock salute. "Aye aye, Boss."

I ignored him and walked toward the entrance, my heels clicking against the pavement.

As I stepped into Éclipse, my presence commanded instant attention. The air was thick with the scent of whiskey, faint traces of cigar smoke, and the quiet hum of business being conducted in the private lounges above. My people straightened up the moment they saw me, conversations lowering to hushed tones.

I wasn't just Lingling Kwong here.

I was Boss.

And I had business to take care of.

I wasn't in the mood for distractions.

Jiang walked a step behind me, staying close but giving me space to own the room. I headed straight to my office—a lavish space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the main dance floor. The nightclub was closed at this hour, but even empty, it pulsed with a quiet kind of power. My power.

Inside, I found Kai and Vivian already waiting for me. Kai, my logistics head, was leaned back in a chair, scrolling through something on his tablet. Vivian, my right hand in business dealings, sat at my desk, twirling a pen between her fingers.

"You're late," Vivian quipped, though her smirk said she wasn't actually annoyed.

I ignored her and slid into my chair. "What do we have?"

Kai wasted no time, swiping on his screen before placing the tablet on my desk. "Shipment from Taiwan arrived last night. No problems. The new supplier for our imports checked out—clean records, reliable reputation." He looked up. "If you give the green light, we can move forward with them."

I nodded. "Do it."

Vivian spoke next. "There's an issue with one of our shell businesses. The restaurant on 8th. Someone's sniffing around, asking too many questions."

My fingers tapped lightly on the desk. "Who?"

"Some journalist. Name's Ethan Lau. Works for The Daily Chronicle. Seems to think he's onto something big."

I scoffed. "Amateurs. Deal with it. Offer him a distraction—get him to chase something else."

Vivian smirked. "Already working on it."

Business continued for another hour—discussing shipments, financial reports, security concerns. Everything ran smoothly, as expected. But no matter how deep I threw myself into work, my mind kept drifting back to Orm.

I hated leaving her alone after what happened last night. She was safe in my penthouse, but safe wasn't always enough. Not when Sen Yui still had people lurking. Not when I had enemies in every corner of this city.

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly.

Jiang, who had been silent up until now, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "You wanna go back to her."

It wasn't a question.

I didn't respond, but he smirked anyway.

"She's got you wrapped around her finger, huh?"

I shot him a glare. "Shut up, Jiang."

His laugh followed me as I stood up.

"Vivian, take over for the rest of the meetings. I have somewhere to be."

Vivian raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Sure thing, Boss."

I turned on my heel and walked out of the office.

I needed to see Orm.

As I stepped out of Éclipse, the midday sun cast a harsh glare over the city. My sleek Maybach was already waiting, one of my guards holding the door open. But I ignored him and instead tossed the keys to Jiang.

"Drive," I ordered.

Jiang caught them effortlessly, shaking his head with a knowing smirk as he slid into the driver's seat. I got in, and the moment the door shut, the sound of the city faded away.

"Straight to the penthouse?" Jiang asked, starting the car.

I nodded. "Yeah."

He pulled out onto the street, weaving through traffic with practiced ease. Silence settled between us for a while, but I could feel Jiang itching to say something.

"You've never left a meeting early before," he finally spoke, amusement laced in his tone. "Not for anyone."

I leaned my head back against the seat, sighing. "Jiang, I swear—"

"I'm just saying," he chuckled. "It's funny seeing you like this. The almighty Lingling, running back to someone."

I closed my eyes for a moment, remembering the way Orm had looked at me last night. The way she kissed me. The way her fingers brushed against my scars like they weren't ugly, like they weren't proof of everything I had done.

"She's different," I admitted, almost to myself.

Jiang hummed in agreement. "No shit."

The rest of the drive was quiet, but my mind was far from calm.

I wasn't used to this. I wasn't used to caring like this.

By the time we reached my building, my chest felt tight with anticipation.

I stepped out of the car, Jiang following close behind. My guards at the entrance straightened at my presence, but I barely acknowledged them as I made my way inside.

When I reached my penthouse door, I paused for just a second before pushing it open.

The sight before me nearly knocked the breath from my lungs.

Orm was in the kitchen, still wearing my clothes—my sweatpants hanging a little tight on her hips, my shirt slightly oversized on her frame. Her hair was still messy from sleep, and she was standing by the stove, flipping something in a pan.

I took a step inside, and she must have heard me because she turned around.

Her amber eyes met mine, and for a moment, the world felt quieter.

"You're back," she said softly, her voice unreadable.

I swallowed. "Yeah."

Orm turned the heat off and faced me fully. "Have you eaten?"

I shook my head. "Not yet."

She sighed and grabbed a plate, moving to serve whatever she had been cooking.

"You didn't have to—" I started, but she cut me off.

"Sit."

It wasn't a request.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I obeyed, watching as she placed a plate of food in front of me.

She sat across from me, resting her chin in her palm as I took a bite.

It was good. Really good.

I looked up, raising an eyebrow. "You cook?"

Orm shrugged. "When I have time."

I chuckled. "I like this side of you, Doctor."

She rolled her eyes but didn't hide the small smile on her lips.

For the first time in a long time, I felt something unfamiliar in my chest.

Something dangerously close to peace.

Orm pushed her plate slightly away and wiped her lips with a napkin. "I should get going," she said, her voice calm but firm. "My patients are waiting."

I set my fork down, watching her closely. The thought of her walking out alone made my stomach twist uncomfortably.

"You're going with bodyguards," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Orm furrowed her brows, leaning back slightly. "No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

She sighed. "Lingling, I can take care of myself—"

"Can you?" I snapped, a little too harshly. "Because last night, someone nearly killed you."

Orm flinched at my words, but I didn't back down. The memory of what that bastard said in the warehouse—how they knew about her, how they used her to get to me—was still burning in my mind.

She crossed her arms, staring me down. "And how do you think my patients will feel when they see men in suits lurking around the clinic?"

"They won't go inside," I countered. "But they will be there. 24/7."

Orm shook her head. "Lingling—"

"I'm not negotiating this, Orm." I leaned forward, my hands resting on the table. "This is happening."

Orm exhaled sharply, frustration clear in her face. But underneath that, I could see something else. Concern. Fear, even.

For me.

I softened my voice. "I can't lose you."

She looked down, pressing her lips together. "I don't want to live my life being followed like some prisoner."

I reached out, my fingers brushing against her hand. "Then don't see them as guards. See them as shadows. They won't interfere with your life. They're just... there. Keeping you safe."

Orm sighed, rubbing her temple. "This is insane."

I smirked. "Welcome to my world."

She finally looked at me, her amber eyes searching mine. A long pause stretched between us before she finally exhaled.

"Fine," she muttered. "But if they bother me even once, they're gone."

I chuckled. "Fair."

Orm rolled her eyes but stood up, grabbing her bag. "I'll see you later."

I stood as well, walking her to the door. Before she left, I grabbed her wrist gently, making her turn back to me.

"Be careful," I murmured.

Orm's expression softened, and for a moment, it looked like she wanted to say something. Instead, she just nodded before slipping out the door.

I watched her go, my jaw tightening.

She had no idea how much danger she was in.

But I did.

And I'd make sure no one ever touched her again.

As soon as the door shut behind Orm, I pulled out my phone and dialed Jiang. He picked up almost immediately.

"She's leaving now," I said, my voice low. "Make sure the men stay close, but discreet."

Jiang exhaled. "Understood. I already have a team in place. They'll shadow her."

"Good." I hesitated before adding, "Double them."

Jiang was silent for a moment. "Boss..."

"I don't care if it's overkill," I cut in. "After what happened last night, I don't trust anything. Someone was watching her, Jiang. They knew where she'd be. They knew how to get to her." My grip on the phone tightened. "I should've seen this coming."

"It's not your fault," he said.

I scoffed. "Tell that to the cut on her cheek."

Jiang sighed but didn't argue. "Fine. I'll increase security. You're heading back to Éclipse now?"

"Yes." I grabbed my blazer from the chair, slipping it over my shoulders. "There's work to be done."

"Try not to kill anyone before noon," Jiang muttered dryly.

"No promises."

I hung up and checked my reflection in the mirror by the door. My expression was unreadable, cold. The version of me I needed to be.

But when I closed my eyes, all I could see was Orm's face—the way she had looked at me before she left. The way her fingers had felt when they brushed against mine.

I shook the thought away and stepped out into the hallway, my bodyguards immediately falling into formation behind me.

I had enemies to deal with.

And a war to win.