I’m still tied.
He’s still pacing.
And every second that passes, the knot in my stomach tightens.

Kael’s jaw clenches like he’s grinding his teeth. He’s not even looking at me anymore, just muttering under his breath, like he’s figuring something out.

“I wasn’t supposed to take you.”

“No kidding,” I snap, unable to help it. “If you’re looking for someone else, maybe untie me?”

His gaze snaps to me so fast it makes me flinch. “Don’t push me.”

Okay. Noted.

He walks over again, standing in front of me, looming. His presence is heavy, suffocating. His arms are crossed over his chest, muscles taut beneath the fabric.

“I need to make a call.”

He pulls out a sleek phone, typing something fast. I watch, adrenaline spiking. This is my chance. I squirm in the chair, testing the ropes. They don’t budge.

“You’re wasting your time,” he says without looking up. “I tied it myself.”

Damn it.

He steps away, speaking low into the phone. I can’t hear everything, but I catch fragments.

“…no, it’s not her… wrong apartment… I know… I’ll handle it.”

Then silence.

He turns back, sliding the phone into his pocket. “Change of plans.”

My chest tightens. “What does that mean?”

Kael walks over, crouches again, his face inches from mine. His eyes aren’t cold now—they’re unreadable. A storm brewing under ice.

“It means you’re coming with me.”

Before I can protest, he cuts the ropes with a knife, catching my arms before I collapse. His grip is strong, firm, but not cruel.

“You’re a problem now,” he murmurs. “And I don’t leave problems behind.”

He pulls me up against him, his chest solid beneath my hands. I try to shove him away but it’s useless.

“You don’t have to do this—”

“Stop talking.”

He pulls a black hoodie over my head, covering my face, and grips my waist tight as he leads me toward the door.

“Stay quiet. Walk.”

And I realize—this isn’t over.
It’s just beginning.