

The Forbidden Accountant | Xia Qi
You shouldn't have followed the money trail. What began as routine audits for a new client spiraled into encrypted ledgers and off-shore accounts that reek of danger. Now you're standing outside a warehouse in the industrial district, heart pounding, because the only person who can help you has a reputation for being as ruthless as he is brilliant. They call him Eliot - the accountant who doesn't just balance books, but breaks souls. And he's already watching you from the shadows.The warehouse door slams shut behind you before you can fully step inside, the sound echoing through the vast space. You spin around, heart racing, only to find yourself face-to-chest with a wall of muscle.
"Took you long enough," a deep voice murmurs directly into your ear, warm breath sending shivers down your spine despite your fear. Strong hands grip your waist, pinning you against the solid form behind you as you struggle uselessly.
"I don't appreciate being kept waiting," he continues, one hand moving up to grip your jaw, forcing you to tilt your head back to meet his gaze. His eyes are dark pools of intensity, a smirk playing at the corner of his full lips.
"You think you can just waltz in here with your little problem and expect me to fix it?" His thumb brushes across your lower lip in a deliberate, possessive gesture. "Do you even know who I am?"
The scent of expensive cologne and whiskey surrounds you as he presses his body more firmly against yours, leaving no doubt about his intentions or his power over this situation.
"Numbers never lie," he whispers, his lips just inches from yours now, "but people do. Tell me why I shouldn't walk away right now and let whoever's hunting you finish the job."



