The Game Begins

The night was heavy with silence, yet Alina's heart pounded like a war drum.

She stood frozen in her apartment, eyes locked on the black rose lying on her bed. The petals were soft, dark, and dangerously inviting. But it was the note beside it that made her blood run cold.

"You think he can protect you? Sweetheart, I’ve been watching you long before he even knew you existed. You're mine. And I’ll prove it soon."

Her hands trembled as she clutched the note.

This wasn’t just stalking anymore. It was a warning. A challenge.

Her stomach twisted in fear. How had someone broken into her home without her knowing? How close had they been?

A sharp knock at the door sent her heart into her throat. She jumped, nearly dropping the note.

Taking a shaky breath, she forced herself to step forward and peek through the peephole.

A pair of piercing blue eyes stared back at her.

Aiden Knight.

---

"Open the door, Alina." His deep, commanding voice left no room for refusal.

She hesitated, her pulse hammering against her ribs. What was he doing here? How did he even know where she lived?

Another knock. Sharper this time. "Now."

With trembling fingers, she unlocked the door.

Aiden stepped inside, his towering frame nearly swallowing the space. His gaze scanned the room like a hawk, sharp and calculating. When his eyes landed on the black rose and note, his expression turned deadly.

"Did he come inside?" His voice was dangerously low.

Alina swallowed. "I… I don’t know."

Aiden’s jaw clenched. He picked up the note, reading the words carefully. Then, he turned to her, his gaze burning with something unreadable.

"You should’ve told me sooner," he said, voice clipped.

Alina crossed her arms, frustration mixing with fear. "Why would I? It’s not like you care—"

He stepped closer, forcing her to tilt her head up. "Don’t assume what I do and don’t care about."

For a brief moment, silence stretched between them. His eyes, usually cold and emotionless, held something possessive. Protective.

"Pack your things," he finally said.

Her eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"You’re coming with me."

Alina took a step back, shaking her head. "No, I can’t—"

Aiden’s voice dropped to a whisper. "Do you really think he’ll stop, Alina?"

A chill ran down her spine.

"I don’t need your protection," she tried again.

He smirked, but there was no humor in his eyes. "That’s cute." Then his expression darkened. "But you don’t have a choice."

And just like that, her life was no longer her own.

---

Across the street, a black car sat parked beneath the dim glow of a streetlight. Inside, Kai Reynolds leaned back in the driver’s seat, watching the scene unfold.

His grip tightened on the steering wheel as he saw Aiden Knight inside her apartment.

That bastard.

Aiden thought he could protect her? That he could take her away?

Kai let out a low chuckle. How naïve.

Alina was his.

And Aiden was making the biggest mistake of his life by interfering.

Reaching for his phone, Kai dialed a number. The call was answered immediately.

"Do it," Kai ordered. "I want her to understand that no one—not even Aiden Knight—can keep her from me."

Then, as he watched Aiden lead Alina out of the apartment, a dark smirk curved his lips.

The game had begun.

---

Ava Mitchell – The Best Friend Who Knows Too Much

The next morning, Alina sat across from Ava Mitchell in a quiet café, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee.

"You did what?" Ava nearly choked on her drink.

Alina sighed. "I moved into Aiden’s penthouse."

Ava blinked. "Girl, I was worried about the stalker, but now I’m more worried about you living under the same roof as Aiden freaking Knight!"

Alina groaned, rubbing her temples. "It’s not like I had a choice."

Ava smirked. "Sure, sure. And you totally hate the fact that he’s stupidly hot, rich, and obsessed with protecting you."

"Ava!"

Her best friend laughed. "Look, just be careful. Kai is dangerous, but Aiden? He’s a whole different kind of danger."

Alina frowned. "What do you mean?"

Ava leaned in. "Aiden Knight doesn’t get involved with women. Ever. If he’s protecting you, it’s not just business." She paused, lowering her voice. "It’s personal."

Alina’s heart skipped a beat.

Was Ava right?

---

The moment Alina stepped into Aiden’s penthouse, she realized something.

This was not just a temporary arrangement.

The space was vast and luxurious, yet everything about it screamed cold. Empty. Untouched.

"Your room is down the hall," Aiden’s deep voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She turned to face him, suddenly feeling too aware of how close he stood.

"You don’t have to do this," she whispered.

Aiden’s jaw ticked. "Go rest, Alina."

She hesitated. "Thank you."

His gaze softened—just for a second—before he turned away.