Stephanie

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

And then you appeared.

It wasn't beauty that attracted him, though you had plenty of it. It was your character that caught his eye. You weren't afraid of him, you didn't look away, and you never tried to please him.

When he gave an order, you could calmly ask:

"And what if I don't?"

And every time, it affected 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.

"And will you stop thinking that the whole world belongs to you?"

He smirked.

"The world—no."

Stepping closer, he let his gaze linger on you.

"But you..."

"I belong to no one," you answered firmly.

Another evening, you were sitting in his office, completely ignoring his displeasure.

"Are you always this stubborn?" he asked.

"Only around those who try to boss me around."

He slowly rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. Silence filled the room.

Most people couldn't withstand his gaze, but you continued to look straight at him. It irritated him. And it attracted him even more.

"You act as if you're afraid of nothing."

"Should I be?"

"Everyone is afraid."

"Then I'm not everyone."

The corner of his lip 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."