Chapter 1

Chapter 1: A Dangerous Encounter

The wind was biting as Emily Bennett pulled her jacket tighter around herself. The streets of New York were always bustling, but tonight there was a strange stillness in the air as she walked the last few blocks to the small café where she worked part-time. She was used to the late-night shifts—it was quiet, allowing her time to catch up on reading, occasionally helping the regulars who stopped by for a midnight cup of coffee. Life was simple, routine, and predictable, just the way she liked it.

As she unlocked the door to the shop, Emily noticed an unfamiliar black car parked across the street. She thought nothing of it—New York was full of expensive cars, especially in this upscale part of town. After setting up the espresso machine and turning on the lights, she settled into the familiar rhythm of work. Only a few hours left in her shift, and she could go home and focus on her upcoming exams.

It was nearly midnight when the door swung open, a gust of cold air following the man who entered. Instinctively, Emily looked up, her polite greeting catching in her throat. The man before her was nothing like the typical late-night customers. He was tall, with dark hair slicked back, and eyes so intense they seemed to command attention. He wore a tailored suit, its sharp lines fitting his muscular frame perfectly. A few men followed him in, all of them silent and equally intimidating.

For a moment, Emily felt her heart race, a surge of adrenaline she couldn’t quite place. The man—whoever he was—seemed too polished, too powerful to be stepping into a quiet café at this hour. He walked up to the counter, his gaze not leaving hers, and for reasons she couldn’t explain, her hands trembled slightly as she prepared to take his order.

“An espresso,” he said, his voice low, almost a growl. It was commanding, but not unfriendly.

Emily nodded, fumbling with the machine. As she worked, she could feel his eyes on her, and when their hands briefly brushed as she handed him the cup, a spark of electricity shot through her. The man’s lips curled into a small smile, as though he’d felt it too.

“What’s your name?” he asked suddenly, his eyes still locked on her.

“Emily,” she replied, her voice softer than she intended. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. “Emily Bennett.”

He paused, repeating her name under his breath as if testing how it sounded on his lips. “Emily,” he said finally. “Nice to meet you.”

He paid in cash, leaving a tip that was far too generous. Before she could even thank him, he had already turned and left, his men trailing behind him like shadows. The door swung shut, leaving Emily standing behind the counter, heart pounding in her chest.

As she stared after him, she felt a strange pull. There was something dangerous about him, something she couldn’t quite place. She’d never felt anything like it before, and she wasn’t sure if that excited her or terrified her.

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