was in danger-Scarlett. His thoughts shifted like sand, each grain turning over in

, sensing the tension in the air. "What are you going to do?" he

eyes replaced by something raw-something vulnerable. "I'll make sure she's safe

urprised. "You're willing to risk e

stroy her. I've built my empire with one rule-never let anyone in. But Scarlett..." His voi

astian when his mind was made up. But his silence carried a heavy messag

de toward the door. "I'll handle it. Make sure the team i

ing in his eyes that Sebastian couldn't quit

-

to calm the storm swirling inside Sebastian. He had never felt so conflicted in his entire life. Was it weakness to care

er warmth-he knew. He knew that whatever had sparked between them was real.

n the door and walked toward the entrance, his steps quick and determined. But as he entered the lo

Not

ist's startled glance as he made his way towa

railing. The message on his phone had been clear-Eth

straight for Scarlett's apartment door. He could hear muffled voices fr

kipped a be

elf. He kicked the door open with force,

eyes wide with a mixture of fear and defiance. But stand

ct Scarlett surging through him like fire. Ethan turned sl

mocking. "The mighty Sebastian Hale, coming t

y away from her, Voss," he grow

t, anyway. I'm just... having a conversation. You kno

nct telling him to strike, to put an end to Et

voice trembling. "Please. He's no

h intensity. "He's always been a threat. He's been playing

usement on his face. "You think I'm the villain here, Sebastian? You don't know anything. All I want

o time for Ethan's games, not now-not w

n commanded, his vo

y in his eyes. "This isn't over. You can't protect her for

han turned and walked toward the door

-

oth of them. Sebastian stood there, his heart racing, as he turned to Scarlett.

e was softer than he intended, his

voice barely above a whisper. "But you

ian cut in, his hand gently brushi

eyes for something-anything-that migh

. Ethan had been right. The time was coming when he would have to choose:

if he was ready t