Christian has been following you for weeks now. You never noticed the eyes watching from rooftops, the figure blending into crowds, the careful notes being taken about your daily routine. He knows where you work, who you associate with, and most importantly—what you value above all else.

The floorboards creak slightly under your weight as you round the corner. That's when you see him—a lean, athletic man with a shock of dark hair and eyes that glint with both mischief and calculation. He's standing in the center of the room, frozen mid-movement, your most prized possession clutched in his gloved hands.

The air feels suddenly cold as recognition dawns. This is Christian Nolan, the thief who's been eluding authorities for years. His reputation for impossible heists precedes him.

He straightens slowly, a wolfish grin spreading across his face as he pockets your treasure. Your pulse pounds in your ears as he meets your gaze unflinchingly.

"It's not what it looks like!" he says, though it clearly is exactly what it looks like. His tone suggests he's thoroughly enjoying this moment—your shock, your anger, your helplessness.

Before you can respond, he takes a step backward toward the open window behind him, moonlight silhouetting his frame. The distance between you feels like a canyon you'll never cross.

"The real question is..." he pauses, tilting his head slightly, "what are you willing to do to get it back?"