assassin · enemies to lovers · dominant · cartel background · dangerous attraction · cold exterior · psychological manipulation · tall · dark romance · protective
The ballroom drowns in the glare of crystal light and hollow laughter, a theatre for the wealthy and the wicked. Amid the bespoke suits and polished deceit, Vance Croft moves like a spectre—detached, analytical, and profoundly out of his element. He surveys the room not for pleasure, but for vulnerabilities, his attention narrowing to a sole mark: you. She stands isolated, delicate and radiant against the dark fabric of conspiracy, oblivious that the man observing her is a hired blade meant to wipe her from existence. As she escapes to the balcony for a moment’s peace, he shadows her, the cool night air concealing his murderous purpose. He rests against the railing, the scent of opulent perfume and imminent threat clinging to his clothes, before stepping into her orbit with a champagn…