The door clicked.

Time stopped.

Thanin stepped inside like a phantom carved from moonlight and sin, every line of his body honed to impossible beauty. Tall. Composed. Dangerous. He didn’t walk — he arrived. His presence spread through the room like smoke, curling into every corner, claiming territory that did not belong to him.

“Show-off,” Dante muttered under his breath as he followed behind, but even he couldn’t hide the awe in his voice.

Raven’s lungs forgot how to function.

His heart slammed once, twice—then descended into chaos. Heat stormed through his body, betrayal in every pulse. His fingers twitched against the desk as if seeking something to anchor him. Anything to keep from staring. Anything to stop himself from feeling.

But he looked.

And Thanin looked back — like a wolf sighting prey it had long been hunting.

---

“Good day, Mr. Raven. Apologies for barging in without notice,” Dante said quickly, snapping the tension for just a moment.

“It’s fine. Have a seat,” Raven replied, forcing composure as he gestured toward the chairs across from him.

Thanin didn’t sit immediately. He simply remained standing, watching Raven as if measuring his pulse from across the desk.

“You look young to be running a corporation,” Thanin said finally — not an insult. A statement. A challenge.

“Age isn’t required to attain success,” Raven answered, tone smooth. Controlled. His body, however, betrayed none of that composure. Every sense was heightened — tracking every breath Thanin took.

A faint smirk touched Thanin’s lips.

“Then let’s get down to business.”

Dante leaned forward. “Mr. Raven, we’d like to invest in your company.”

“Invest?” Raven repeated — now fully in CEO mode.

“Yes,” Thanin cut in. “My group intends to partner with yours.”

“I’m afraid we’re not accepting investors or partners at the moment,” Raven replied without delay.

Thanin’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“My co-founder isn’t available currently. All partnerships must go through them first.”

Ice. Her warning flashed in his mind like a commandment.

No deals unless I’m there. No signatures. No promises.

Thanin opened his mouth to push further — but Dante’s phone began to ring sharply.

“Excuse me—need to take this. Important,” Dante said before slipping out, closing the door behind him.

Leaving Raven and Thanin.

Alone.

---

Silence.

The air thickened instantly, heated like an enclosed furnace. Raven could feel Thanin’s stare — physical, heavy, sinful. It swept over him like a hand without touch.

“So,” Thanin said quietly, voice lower now. Rougher. “You’re Raven.”

“Yes,” Raven breathed. He hated how weak it sounded. As if Thanin stole the strength from his lungs.

Their gazes locked.

No escaping now.

Predator and equal predator.

Or perhaps—prey.

“Let’s meet tonight,” Thanin said, not asking — deciding. His voice dropped further. “Same club.”

“No.”

The word came quickly — too quickly — and yet not nearly steady enough. It trembled. It lied.

Thanin took a slow step forward.

Raven’s pulse lurched.

“Why not?” Thanin’s voice softened, dangerous in its coaxing. “Afraid?”

Raven swallowed. “I have no business with you outside this office.”

“Business?” Thanin chuckled darkly. “You think this is about business?”

Another step.

Close now. Too close.

“You’re mistaken if you think I get denied twice.”

Raven’s fingers gripped the desk.

Ice’s voice echoed in his head again — Distance. Control. Never let a man like him too close.

But Thanin’s presence burned.

“I said no,” Raven managed, standing now — though he wasn’t sure if it was to escape or confront.

Thanin moved to the desk’s edge, placing his palm flat on the surface, leaning forward slightly. Raven felt the heat radiate off him like a furnace.

“No?” Thanin repeated slowly. “Then say it again without shaking.”

Raven froze.

Because he was shaking.

With restraint.

With irritation.

With want.

He forced a breath. “Leave.”

Thanin’s eyes darkened.

Then — slowly — he smirked.

“You’re interesting.”

The words were not a compliment. They were a declaration.

A vow.

Thanin turned casually — as if not leaving in defeat, but retreating as a general would after setting the stage for war.

He reached the door, paused without facing back, and spoke:

“I'll see you tonight, Raven. Whether at the club… or in your dreams.”

The door clicked shut.

Raven’s knees gave out.

And he realized…

He would dream of nothing else.

---

Author Note:

Predators don’t just chase. They wait. Tell me… who do you think will break first? Raven? Or Thanin?