"I've been awaiting your arrival, officer" Richard said with a pokerface.
Emily's eyes locked onto Richard's, a hint of sarcasm dancing in her voice.
"Well, waiter, your boys don't know how to treat a guest, huh? And a police officer at that."
She flashed her ID, the badge glinting under the grand chandelier's light. Richard's brow rose slightly, his expression unreadable, giving nothing away.
"I think they need a lesson in hospitality," Emily continued smoothly, her tone dripping with mock politeness. "Or maybe they're just not used to dealing with people who don't take kindly to being kidnapped."
Richard's lips curled into a wry smirk.
"I think you'll find that my... associates are quite capable of handling themselves," he said, his voice low and dangerously smooth.
Emily's smile widened, deceptively sweet. Her eyes, however, glinted with amusement.
"Oh, I'm sure they are. Judging by how they gang up on a woman alone, they must be top-tier gentlemen. Your mother must be so proud."
A soft chuckle escaped from one of the suited men standing behind Richard, quickly stifled under Richard's sharp glance.
Richard, ignoring the jab, folded his arms across his chest. His presence was almost magnetic, like a storm quietly brewing behind a serene sky.
"But I'm still waiting for a proper introduction," Emily pressed, crossing her arms to mirror him. "You know, the kind where you tell me who you are, why I'm here, and whether this place serves decent coffee."
Richard's smile thinned, his patience visibly tested.
"I already did the intro, Officer. I'm Richard, and you're here because... well, let's just say, circumstances called for it."
Emily's laughter was husky, a low, amused sound that echoed slightly in the marble-floored hall.
"Oh, wow. That's a real introduction. I'm impressed. You must have gone to charm school or something. Graduated top of your class, I bet."
Richard's jaw ticked, but his control was admirable.
"I think we've established I'm not here to win any popularity contests, Officer. But I assure you, you'll be treated well here... if you cooperate."
Emily's gaze swept the lavish surroundings: the gold-trimmed doors, the crimson carpets, the oversized oil paintings on the walls.
"This isn't the police station, is it?" she said, deadpan.
Richard tilted his head, a trace of dry amusement flickering in his eyes.
"No. Police stations don't usually look like this. At least, not the ones I've seen."
Emily pressed a hand to her heart, her expression exaggeratedly shocked.
"Oh, what a shock. A police station that's not luxurious and decadent. How ever do they manage?"
There was a flicker of something dangerous in Richard's eyes, but he said nothing, letting the weight of the moment settle between them.
His gaze scanned her figure briefly — sharp but not lecherous — assessing, studying. Emily caught the look and arched a brow.
"Take a picture," she said sweetly. "It'll last longer."
Richard chuckled low in his throat, a sound that sent an involuntary shiver up her spine — one she ruthlessly quashed.
"Take her to her room," he ordered finally, his voice a command no one dared disobey. "Make sure she's comfortable."
Two of the men stepped forward. Emily gave a mock curtsy.
"I'm sure I'll be just fine," she quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Thanks for the hospitality, Richard. It's been a real blast so far."
Richard's enigmatic smile was the last thing she saw before she was escorted away.
---
They led her down a long corridor lined with tall windows. The sunlight filtering through the heavy curtains created golden pools on the marble floors. Despite the grandeur, Emily noticed the strategic placement of security cameras, the way the guards were positioned at intervals — this was no mansion; this was a fortress.
"Quite the upgrade from my old apartment," she said casually, glancing at the ornate wall carvings. "Though the armed guards are a bit much. Tell your boss his taste is showing."
The guards said nothing, their faces stony. Emily rolled her eyes and followed, her mind working overtime.
If Richard thought locking her up in luxury would make her compliant, he clearly didn't know who he was dealing with.
Finally, they stopped before a large oak door. One of the men unlocked it and gestured for her to step inside.
The room was stunning — high ceilings, velvet drapes, a king-sized bed that looked like it belonged in a five-star hotel. There was even a sitting area with a polished coffee table, a vase of fresh white lilies arranged perfectly in the center.
Emily whistled low under her breath.
"Gee, are you guys running a resort for kidnapped cops now?"
Still no answer. They merely closed the door behind her with a soft click, the sound of the lock sliding into place unmistakable.
Emily didn't waste time. She crossed the room in swift, silent steps, checking the windows — securely locked with reinforced glass. She examined the vents, the corners, anything that might serve as an escape route.
Nothing.
She leaned against the door with a sigh.
"So much for slipping out through the bathroom window," she muttered.
On the bedside table, a tray of food awaited — sandwiches, fruit, and a bottle of water. Emily stared at it suspiciously.
"Yeah, right," she said aloud. "Eat the food and wake up chained to a chair? No thanks."
Still, her stomach growled in betrayal. She hadn't eaten since that morning. After a few moments of internal debate, she grabbed a sandwich, sniffed it, and took a cautious bite.
If they wanted her alive for now, they wouldn't risk poisoning her.
She sat at the small table, chewing thoughtfully, her mind whirring.
Richard. Who the hell was he, really? His men had military-level discipline. His home was fortified. His presence was... unsettling.
He wasn't some common thug. He was something bigger. Smarter. And way more dangerous.
Emily's thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. She was instantly on alert.
"Officer," came a familiar smooth voice. "Care to join me for a chat?"
Emily snorted.
"Oh, what, now you want a conversation? Sorry, Richard, I left my interview shoes back at the station."
She heard a chuckle through the door.
"Come voluntarily, Officer, or my men can escort you. Your choice."
Emily rolled her eyes so hard it almost hurt.
"Coming!" she sang mockingly. "No need to send in the goon squad."
She yanked the door open and was met by two guards, flanking Richard himself.
He offered a smile — polished, predatory, and way too smug.
"This way, Officer."
Emily followed, mentally cataloging every turn, every hallway, every guard they passed. She wasn't just strolling to tea — she was gathering intel.
They entered a smaller sitting room. It was still opulent but had a cozier feel. A fireplace flickered warmly, and two armchairs faced each other with a coffee table between them. On it sat a carafe of steaming coffee and two cups.
Richard gestured to one of the chairs.
"Please."
Emily raised a brow.
"Not usually in the habit of sharing coffee with criminals," she said, but she sat anyway, stretching out comfortably.
Richard poured two cups, pushing one toward her.
"No poison," he said mildly. "I prefer my guests conscious."
"Guests?" Emily scoffed. "Is that what you call it? Most people would say kidnapping."
Richard's eyes twinkled with amusement.
"Semantics."
Emily leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. Her tone dropped slightly, the teasing edge replaced with razor-sharp focus.
"Cut the crap, Richard. What do you want from me?"
For the first time, Richard's easy confidence faltered — just for a fraction of a second.
"You'll find out soon enough," he said. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "But for now... relax. Enjoy the hospitality."
Emily laughed under her breath, a humorless sound.
"Oh, I'm so relaxed," she said, draining her coffee in one defiant gulp. "After all, nothing says 'vacation' like being kidnapped, manhandled, and locked in a fancy room."
Richard smiled, but there was something dangerous lurking beneath it.
"You're spirited," he said. "I like that."
Emily leaned back, crossing her legs.
"Yeah? Let's see how much you like it when I turn this whole place upside down."
Richard's grin only widened.
"I'm looking forward to it."
As she stared him down, Emily knew one thing for certain — the game between them had only just begun.
And she wasn't planning to lose.