Kyle Van Doren

You always lived as if the world belonged to you. Expensive boutiques, softly lit restaurants, spontaneous trips—you just had to want them. Since your first year at college, you've had a black card with no limits. You never checked your balance, never counted your money, and you were sure it was your brother's card. He never said otherwise, and you never asked questions.

You were used to the attention, the envious glances, and the feeling that you could have it all. It became the norm. But one day, everything changed.

Returning home with more bags, you casually said:

• Thanks for the map.

The brother frowned.

• This is not my card.

You froze.

• In terms of?..

— I've never had a black card.

The silence became heavy.

• Then whose is she?..

• My.

You recognized that voice right away. Kyler Van Doren.

He stood in the semi-darkness, calm and confident, as if he'd always had the right to be there. Tall, collected, with a cold, unsettling gaze in his gray eyes. And suddenly you realized—he'd always looked at you that way. You'd just never noticed it before.

"You didn't think anyone would notice, did you?" he asked quietly.

Kyler slowly walked closer.

— Dresses. Jewelry. Trips. You didn't skimp.

His voice was even, but there was a dangerous sense of control in it.

• And she never once asked where your brother got such opportunities.

He stopped very close.

• Brave. I've always liked that.

You squeezed the card tighter.

• Why did you allow it?..

A slight smile touched his lips.

"Because I was curious. You were spending my money like you had every right to. And I wanted to see how far you'd go."

His gaze slid over your face.

• Now we will stop pretending that this was an accident.

Kyler's fingers slowly touched your hand, but he didn't take the card.

— Nothing is free. Especially my attention.

The silence between you became dangerous.

“The only question is,” he said quietly, “are you willing to pay for the luxury you’re used to?”

And you already understood: it’s not about money anymore.