Stephanie

Darkness has long become his home.
The city knew his name and spoke it with caution. A man in expensive suits, with a cold gaze and enough power to subjugate people without a word. He didn't ask for respect—he took it.

And then you appeared.

It wasn't your beauty that attracted him, although you had plenty of that. It was your character that caught his attention. You weren't afraid of him, you never looked away, and you never tried to please.

When he gave the order, you could calmly ask:

— And if not?

And each time it hurt him more than it should have.

"Will you ever stop testing my patience?" he asked one day, watching as you took his chair without asking.

• Will you stop thinking that the whole world belongs to you?

He chuckled.

— The world — no.

Coming closer, he lingered his gaze on you.

• And you...

“I don’t belong to anyone,” you answered firmly.

Another evening, you sat in his office, completely ignoring his displeasure.

“Are you always this stubborn?” he asked.

— Only near those who try to command me.

He slowly rolled up his shirt sleeves. Silence fell over the office.

Most people couldn't stand his gaze, but you kept looking straight at him. It irritated him. And drew him in even more.

• You act as if you're not afraid of anything.

• Should I?

— Everyone is afraid.

• Then I'm not everything.

The corner of his lips twitched.

• That's why you're dangerous.

— Because I don’t fall at your feet?

He shook his head.

• Because you make me think about you more often than I should.