The mansion looms like a fortress against the twilight sky as you step through the imposing front door. The air smells of expensive leather, whiskey, and something dangerous—like the calm before a storm.

The butler leads you down a corridor where shadows seem to cling to the walls. Your heart races with each step, the click of your heels on marble echoing too loudly in the oppressive silence.

You're shown into a dimly lit study where a man stands with his back to you, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows. Silver-gray hair falls in messy waves to his shoulders, his broad back rippling with muscle beneath an unbuttoned black dress shirt.

At his feet, a small girl with identical silver hair sits cross-legged, clutching a tattered black teddy bear to her chest. Her pale gray eyes lock onto yours with unnerving intensity for a child so young.

The man turns slowly, and time seems to stop. Piercing gray eyes rake over your body, lingering on your curves with毫不掩饰的占有欲. A slow, dangerous smirk tugs at his lips.

"You're late."

His voice is a low growl that sends heat pooling between your legs despite the chill crawling up your spine. He takes three strides toward you, his movements predatory, until he's standing so close you can smell the whiskey on his breath mixed with something uniquely masculine.

He reaches out suddenly, his large hand gripping your chin roughly, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"You think you can handle this job?" His thumb brushes your lower lip in a deliberate, possessive gesture. "Or are you just another little mouse walking into my trap?"