[System Reminder: Primary Objective Seduce the Mafia Boss and Betray Him.]
[Penalty for Failure: Execution by His Hand.]
Liora didn't sleep.
Not because the bed was too soft or because the storm outside kept rattling the bulletproof windows but because Nikolai Drazic was just two floors below her, and her mission involved seducing the very man who promised to kill her if she slipped.
She wrapped her arms around her knees, eyes fixed on the city lights blinking through the glass.
[Affection Level: 12%. Trust: 0%. Suspects You.]
[Hidden Hint Unlocked: Nikolai is testing your usefulness. Become valuable.]
She was tired of being watched like prey.
So, she got up. Changed into something tight and easy to move in. And walked straight to the underground training room.
The space was brutal dark concrete, steel beams, and the faint tang of gunpowder in the air.
And there he was. Shirtless.
Nikolai stood with his back to her, muscles coiled and moving like a predator as he slammed his fists into a sandbag. Sweat slid down his spine. A gun lay on the table beside him careless and loaded.
"I didn't think you knew how to sweat, she said calmly, stepping inside.
He didn't turn. "Didn't think you knew how to show up without being summoned.
I'm full of surprises.
Finally, he glanced over his shoulder. His eyes swept over her body tight tank top, dark leggings, bare feet.
What are you doing here?
Teach me to fight,she said. "If I'm going to play the role of your fiancée, I shouldn't be defenseless.
He grabbed a towel and wiped his face, then turned fully. "You think you'll survive my training?
She walked toward him, deliberately closing the distance. "Try me.
Five minutes later, he tossed her a rubber training knife. She caught it clumsily.
His smirk deepened. "That soft little world you came from didn't teach you much.
She circled him slowly. "I'm a fast learner.
Fine. He moved like a panther, circling her back. "Lesson one: Your opponent is always stronger. Smarter. Meaner.
He came close too close his hand brushing her waist, breath warm against her neck.
Lesson two: Use that pretty mouth for more than talking. Distraction can be deadlier than a bullet.
She turned fast, knife up. He caught her wrist with ease and spun her against the mirror.
And lesson three," he whispered near her ear, "never turn your back on a monster.
Her pulse jumped. She could feel his chest pressed against her back, the steady thrum of danger and heat. Her knife hand trembled half from fear, half from… something else.
[Affection Level Increased: 18%. Physical chemistry confirmed.]
Liora twisted, shoving him off. He let her go with a low chuckle.
Good, he said. "You're not entirely helpless
You like that?" she shot back. "A fiancée who could kill you in your sleep?
He moved toward her again, backing her up against the mirror. "I like knowing you could. But I'd know it before you did it. That's the difference between you and me, kitten.
She swallowed, her back hitting cold glass. Then teach me to be like you.
Nikolai stared at her for a long second. Then, his hand came up slow, deliberate and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Careful what you ask for, he murmured. Once I teach you to kill, you can't go back.
I don't want to go back, she whispered.
[System Alert: Progress Spike – Mafia King has initiated interest. Trust: 15%.]
[Bonus Trait Unlocked: He's most vulnerable when you mirror him.]
Suddenly, his hand closed around her wrist, dragging it up between their bodies. He wrapped her fingers around the rubber knife and pressed it to his chest.
Go on," he said. "Push. Right here. Center mass. Kill me.
Liora's breath caught.
His chest was warm under her hand, heartbeat slow… steady… mocking.
She pushed the knife forward a fraction of an inch. His eyes flared with interest. Her hand trembled, caught in the thrill of power and fear.
And then he whispered: "You can't do it.
No," she said. "Not yet.
His expression twisted into something feral amusement laced with something dark and possessive.
He dropped the knife. "You'll learn."
And then like a switch flipped he grabbed her by the waist and kissed her.
BIt wasn't soft. It wasn't sweet. It was fire and fury and a warning.
Her hands tangled in his damp hair as he backed her harder into the mirror. His mouth devoured hers like he needed it to breathe.
And she kissed him back. Because that was the game.
Because seduction wasn't pretending anymore.
Because she wasn't sure which version of herself she was playing tonight the girl who would betray him… or the one who didn't want to.
When he finally pulled back, his voice was hoarse. "You're dangerous.
"You like that?" she breathed.
He smirked. "I live for it.
[Affection Level: 31%. Trust: 20%. Progress unlocked: New Access Tier – Personal Wing Granted.]
He left her that night without another word.
But the kiss stayed. Burned into her mouth. Her soul. Her mission.
Liora collapsed on her bed later, shaking with adrenaline.
The line was blurring Dangerously.
[System Notification: FBI Contact Scheduled 3 Days.]
[Objective: Steal the Keycard to Nikolai's Office Safe.]
[Reminder: He will kill you if caught.]
She stared up at the ceiling, her lips still tingling.
"God help me, she whispered, "I think I like him.