The elevator lights flickered back to life, humming softly as power returned.
But neither of them moved.
Neither spoke.
The air was still charged, warm, dangerous.
When the doors finally opened, Livia stepped out first—fast, almost too fast. She needed distance. Space to breathe. Space to think.
But the universe had different plans.
A sharp crack echoed through the parking level.
Livia froze.
Valen's hand shot out instantly, gripping her arm and pulling her behind a concrete pillar.
"Stay down," he ordered, voice suddenly all steel.
Her heart slammed against her ribs. "What was that?"
"A warning," Valen muttered, eyes scanning the shadows. "Someone's trying to send a message."
"Your enemies?" she whispered.
He didn't answer.
Instead, he reached inside his jacket and pulled out a small, sleek gun—calmly, like it was an everyday accessory.
Livia's breath caught. She'd known he was dangerous. But this… this was something else.
Another sound echoed—footsteps, fast, uneven.
Valen pushed her lower. "Don't move."
Then, louder, his voice dark and controlled: "Show yourself."
A man stumbled into view—one she recognized from the gala.
He looked terrified, clutching his arm.
"L-Lark…" he stammered. "They're coming for you. For the contract. You need to—"
A distant engine roared. Tires screeched.
Valen moved before she could blink, dragging the injured man behind cover and pulling Livia flush against him. She felt his heartbeat—steady, powerful, nothing like her own frantic pulse.
"Who's coming?" Valen demanded.
The man swallowed hard. "Whoever you threatened last night… they're not backing off."
Valen's jaw clenched. Deadly. Silent.
He turned to Livia, eyes dark with something new—protective anger.
"You can't leave alone," he said. "Not tonight."
She opened her mouth to protest, but his voice dropped, leaving no room for argument.
"Livia. Someone wants to hurt me. And now that you're involved…"
His gaze narrowed.
"They'll want to hurt you too."
A shiver ran through her.
For the first time, the danger wasn't just between them.
It was coming for both of them.