Damian stood in the dimly lit study, his fingers tapping against the black chess piece. His mind was already five steps ahead, calculating every possible outcome.
Eve sat across from him, watching him with wary eyes. "So? What's the plan?"
He glanced up, a slow smirk tugging at his lips. "We make them think they've won."
Eve frowned. "How?"
Damian leaned forward, his voice dangerously smooth. "Nathan and Vanessa want to control us. They expect us to run or fight on their terms. We're going to do neither."
Eve's heartbeat quickened. "You're going to lure them out."
He nodded. "I'll give them exactly what they want a vulnerable opening. A chance to strike. And when they do…" His smirk darkened. "They'll realize too late that they were the ones being played."
Eve exhaled slowly. "That's risky."
"It's necessary." Damian reached for her hand, his grip firm. "I need you to trust me."
She searched his eyes. They were filled with fire determination, anger, and something deeper. Something that scared her.
"I do trust you," she whispered. "But I won't lose you."
His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "You won't."
But deep down, Eve knew this game was just beginning.
And the stakes had never been higher.
The Perfect Trap Or So They Thought
Nathan couldn't resist.
Damian had made sure of it.
A leaked tip. A whisper in the right circles. A carefully placed rumor that Damian was desperate, vulnerable, and willing to negotiate.
And just like that, Nathan took the bait.
Damian stood in the shadows of the abandoned rooftop, his muscles coiled with anticipation. The city stretched below, lights flickering like stars. Eve had begged him not to go alone. But this was his move to make.
A black SUV pulled up.
Nathan stepped out, his usual arrogance draped over him like an expensive coat.
"You've finally come to your senses," Nathan smirked. "Smart choice."
Damian didn't move. Didn't blink. "Let's cut the act. You want control. You want Eve." His voice was low, dangerous. "But I don't play games I don't win."
Nathan chuckled. "Is that right?"
Damian smirked. "You're standing in my trap, aren't you?"
The confidence in Nathan's eyes flickered. He took a step back. "What did you"
Then the rooftop lights flooded on.
Men in suits Damian's men emerged from the darkness, surrounding Nathan.
Nathan's face hardened. "You think this scares me?"
Damian stepped closer. "I don't need to scare you, Nathan. I just need you to realize this is over."
Nathan's jaw clenched. "You think you've won?"
A slow, amused smirk spread across Damian's lips. "Haven't I?"
Then,
A gunshot.
Sharp. Sudden.
Damian froze. Not because he was hit.
Because the shot came from behind him.
A chill ran down his spine as he turned
And saw Vanessa standing in the doorway, a gun in her hand.
Smirking.
Damian's trap had worked.
But he wasn't the only one who had set one.
Betrayal in the Shadows
Damian's eyes locked onto Vanessa's smirking face. The gun in her hand gleamed under the rooftop lights.
She tilted her head. "You didn't think I'd let you have the last move, did you?"
Damian's pulse pounded, but he kept his expression calm. "You were always desperate to be the smartest in the room, Vanessa. Too bad you're predictable."
Her smirk twitched. "Predictable enough to have you at gunpoint?"
Nathan scoffed beside them. "Oh, please. Don't flatter yourself."
Vanessa flicked her gaze toward him, frowning. "Excuse me?"
Nathan took a slow step away from her. "You really think I'd let you run this game? My game?"
Damian watched carefully, his mind racing. Nathan's tone had shifted calculated, dangerous.
Vanessa narrowed her eyes. "Nathan, we agreed"
"You agreed." Nathan sneered. "I let you play along because it was convenient. But now?" He gestured to the men surrounding them. "Now, you're just dead weight."
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Vanessa's face. "You wouldn't dare."
Nathan's smirk widened. "Watch me."
Then,
He moved.
Faster than Damian expected, Nathan lunged for Vanessa's wrist, twisting it sharply. She gasped, the gun slipping from her fingers. Before she could react, he yanked her arm behind her back, locking her in place.
Damian's men stepped forward, guns drawn.
Nathan chuckled, tightening his grip on Vanessa. "Looks like you're the one trapped now, darling."
Vanessa struggled, her expression twisting in rage. "You traitor"
Nathan leaned closer, whispering, "It's just business."
Damian stepped forward, his voice like ice. "You're both finished."
Vanessa let out a sharp laugh, still breathing heavily. "Oh, Damian. You think this is over?"
Nathan stiffened. "What do you mean?"
Vanessa turned her head, smirking despite her position. "You should've killed me when you had the chance."
Damian's stomach twisted.
Because he knew Vanessa always had a backup plan.
And whatever it was…
It was coming.