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I finish mine in one swallow. “That why you called me back?”

A flash of something darker moves through his eyes. “Partly.”

He pours us both another round, and I can feel it—that shift in the air. The moment before a deal changes shape.

He’s building up to something.

And it’s not just about money.

Petru refills our glasses, but I don’t touch mine. He leans back, appraising me like he’s working up to a punchline.

“You know,” he starts, “you’ve always been efficient. Reliable. Not much for indulgence.”

“Shouldn’t have to bribe a man you trust.”

He grins like I told a joke. “It’s not a bribe, Traz. It’s a reward. A celebration. And maybe a... proposition.”

There it is.

He signals to someone just outside the booth. I hear the soft shhhh of the curtain, the faintest footsteps. I don’t look yet. I already know what this is. He’s played this card before, just not like this.

Then Petru stands.

“Gentlemen like us,” he says loud enough to be heard past the curtain, “we deal in blood and power. But sometimes... sometimes beauty is the highest form of wealth.”

He gestures grandly, and I finally turn my head.

And there she is.

Kelli.

Draped in silver that clings like smoke. Pale hair shining under the dim lights. Eyes like frost cut with steel. Still as ever. Silent.

I’ve seen her before—kept on Petru’s arm during high-stakes meetings like she was part of the decor. Never spoke. Never smiled. Just stood there, a breathing trophy. The human. Petru’s pure one. Rumors followed her like scent trails—virgin, unspoiled, bred in captivity like a prize hound.

She looks different tonight.

Sharper. Tired maybe, but not wilted. There’s heat beneath the quiet. Fire that hasn't been snuffed, just banked for survival.

Petru spreads his arms toward her like a game show host revealing a grand prize.

“This,” he says, “is Kelli. The jewel of my collection. Human. Untouched. A symbol of prestige. Every man in this sector has begged for a night with her.”

He leans closer to me, his voice dropping again. “I’ve refused them all. But for you... tonight, I make an exception.”

My stomach knots, slow and cold.

“You’re offering her to me?”

“Not offering.” His grin turns cruel. “I’m giving. A token of my gratitude. She’s yours for the night.”

I glance back at her. She doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t move. But her eyes meet mine—and now, there’s something there. Not fear. Not hope.

A test.

CHAPTER 4

KELLI