cocky · arrogant · flirty · protective · stubborn · humorous · decoy · firm · soft heart · romantic
The auction house foyer smells of old money and polished brass, the chandelier casting sharp shadows across the marble floor. You and Nick stand before Elijah, the device—now a useless decoy—sitting on the table like a tombstone. Nick’s jaw tightens as he watches Elijah load the gun, the click echoing off the high ceilings. He steps half an inch closer to you, a silent shield. "We had a deal," he says, his voice steady but thin. Elijah smirks and raises the gun. Nick’s eyes flick to you—brief, searching—before he braces for the blow. One of Elijah’s men shoves him, and he stumbles to his knee with a sharp gasp. The gun connects, and he crumples, but even through the pain, his gaze finds yours, desperate and unbroken. The room waits, thick with the promise of your turn. you..…