Scarlett's chest heaved as she pressed herself against Jackson, still reeling from the rooftop crash. The shadow outside the window hadn't been Madison—or Lila. It was someone… new.
Jackson's jaw tightened. "Stay behind me," he ordered. His voice was low, dangerous, protective.
Scarlett nodded, trembling—but not from fear alone. Her pulse raced with desire, tension, and anticipation. Every brush of Jackson's hand against hers sent sparks through her body, igniting every nerve.
The window shattered suddenly. A masked figure tumbled into the loft, landing in a crouch, moving with predatory grace. Scarlett gasped.
Jackson stepped forward, arms outstretched. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The figure rose slowly, voice muffled but chilling. "I'm the one who will end this game. But… only if you play by my rules."
Scarlett's eyes widened. "Rules? What rules?"
The figure removed the mask just enough for a single eye to gleam. "Trust… or lose everything."
Scarlett felt a shiver of fear—and desire—coursing through her. She glanced at Jackson. His gaze was fierce, protective, but something else flickered in his eyes: curiosity, excitement, danger.
Jackson growled, stepping closer. "If you touch her, I swear—"
The masked figure tilted their head, almost amused. "Touching isn't the point. Controlling… is."
Scarlett's stomach flipped. Her pulse raced, her body alive with the thrill of danger. She hadn't realized how much she craved powerful, forbidden tension—until it pressed against her now.
Jackson grabbed her hand, pressing it against his chest. "Stay close. Whatever happens, we face it together."
The figure circled them like a predator, watching every movement. Scarlett's breath hitched, tension building with every step.
"You two are… complicated," the figure said, voice low, teasing. "Madison thought she could manipulate you. Lila betrayed you. And yet… here you are. Undone, but still fighting."
Scarlett felt heat rise to her cheeks. Jackson's hand slid down her back, pulling her close. "We survive because we refuse to be weak," he whispered.
The figure laughed softly. "Ah… survival isn't enough. Desire… fear… betrayal… that's what makes humans interesting. That's why I'm here."
Scarlett swallowed hard. Every nerve screamed. The thrill of danger collided with lust and adrenaline. She couldn't stop the trembling in her body—not from fear, but from the forbidden intimacy electrifying her every touch with Jackson.
Then the figure moved closer, hand reaching toward them—toward Scarlett.
Jackson's eyes darkened. "Step back."
The figure paused. "Or what? He'll protect you? How sweet."
Scarlett felt a shock of heat as Jackson's lips brushed hers briefly—not a kiss, but enough to make her knees weak. The tension was unbearable. Every brush of skin, every stolen glance was pure SE intensity.
The figure stepped back suddenly, pulling something from their pocket. Scarlett's heart stopped.
A small, sleek device—blinking red. Madison's live feed was back online… and this time, the stranger had direct access.
Scarlett froze. "No…"
Jackson's grip on her tightened. "It's okay. Focus. We control the narrative."
But Scarlett knew… this wasn't just about control. This was about power, exposure, and desire at the highest stakes.
The figure smiled beneath the mask. "You want to survive? Play my game. Expose everything—or lose everything. And one slip… and the world will see your most intimate secrets."
Scarlett's stomach twisted. Fear, arousal, and adrenaline surged at once. She glanced at Jackson. His lips curved slightly, dangerous and teasing.
"We play," he said quietly. "But on our terms."
The figure tilted their head. "Bold. Let's see how long you can last."
The tension escalated further as Madison's live feed began showing clips of Scarlett and Jackson—private, intimate, stolen moments, edited for maximum suspense.
Scarlett pressed herself against Jackson, whispering, "I can't… this is too much."
Jackson's lips grazed her ear. "Yes, it is. And yes, you love it. Don't fight it. Let it fuel you. Every glance, every touch… that's our power."
Scarlett gasped as he pressed closer, heat and fear mingling. Every nerve was alive, every heartbeat electric. She wanted him. She feared exposure. She was trapped in desire, fear, and intrigue—all at once.
Then came the never-expected twist:
The figure removed the mask completely. Scarlett froze. Her blood ran cold.
It was someone she thought was dead. Someone who had vanished months ago—a figure from her past, with secrets that could destroy everything Jackson and she had built.
Scarlett's voice shook. "No… it can't be you."
Jackson's eyes widened. "Scarlett… what the hell?"
The figure's smile was cold, sharp, and teasing. "Oh, but it can. And it will—if you don't play my game."
Scarlett's heart pounded. Her pulse raced. Fear, lust, anger, and thrill collided in an unstoppable storm.
Jackson pulled her close, lips brushing her temple. "Whatever happens… we survive. Together."
Scarlett nodded, trembling, heart racing. This time, the stakes were impossibly higher.