Chapter 2
Did she know him?
No.
But as the two thugs lunged for her, Lexi tightened her grip on Sebastian’s leg.
Eyes shut, cheek pressed against his trousers.
“No!
Don’t p>
“Stop p>
His voice cut clean through the noise—cold, absolute.
Sebastian’s gaze swept over the men.
Tall, broad-shouldered, radiating quiet menace, he didn’t raise his voice again.
He didn’t need to.
“Hand her over,” one thug snapped.
“Don’t interfere p>
“You didn’t stop them earlier,” Lexi rushed out, clinging harder.
“That means you agreed. You can’t let me die p>
Sebastian glanced down at her.
“And why would I care p>
She hesitated.
“Because… you’re kind p>
A faint smirk touched his lips.
Kind?
“Are you giving her up or not?” the thug barked.
“I’ll gut you p>
Sebastian’s expression turned glacial.
“Say one more word p>
Before the thug could respond, Victor Owen rushed in and slapped him hard.
“Capo—my apologies. I didn’t know you were here. They meant no offense. Please forgive us p>
Victor dropped to his knees.
The room fell silent.
Sebastian Blackwood.
The name alone changed the air.
“I’d like to see how you handle me,” Sebastian said calmly.
The two thugs collapsed to their knees, panic replacing arrogance.
“We didn’t know it was you!
Please, have mercy p>
“Leave p>
They fled without another word.
Silence lingered.
Lexi looked up—and realized she was still holding his leg.
She scrambled up.
“Th-thank you p>
She turned to run.
“Is that your idea of gratitude?” His voice stopped her cold.
She stiffened.
“I don’t have money. Or influence. What do you want—me to offer myself? I’m sure you don’t lack women p>
His amusement deepened.
She exhaled nervously.
“Fine. I’ll just go p>
At the entrance, she spotted Victor’s men lingering.
Waiting.
Her stomach dropped.
She rushed back and grabbed Sebastian’s arm.
He shrugged her off.
“Well… maybe you could indulge me once?” she muttered, flushed.
“Could you show mercy and save me one more time p>
He looked at her slowly.
“You want to repay me like that p>
“I…” Her face burned.
He tilted his head.
“Changed your mind p>
The men were still outside.
If she left alone, she wouldn’t get far.
“I just need to leave safely,” she admitted.
“They’re waiting p>
“Inside, they won’t touch you,” he said evenly.
“Outside isn’t my concern p>
“I can’t stay here forever,” she whispered.
“That’s your problem p>
He turned and walked into the VIP suite.
After a beat, she followed.
He sat in a leather chair, crossing one leg over the other, watching her as if she were a puzzle.
“Come here p>
She froze.
“I’m fine here p>
“Then leave p>
He gestured slightly.
His bodyguards moved.
“No! I’m coming p>
She hurried over.
“Why were they after you?” he asked.
She hesitated.
How could she explain that a business meeting had turned into a trap?
“You weren’t here for… entertainment?” he tested.
“No. I manage projects.” She lifted the folder she’d been clutching.
His gaze landed on the label: Blackwood Enterprises.
“Negotiating with Blackwood Enterprises?” he asked lightly, swirling wine in his glass.
She blinked.
How did he—
He nodded toward the folder.
Understanding dawned.
“You’re not an entertainer,” he said.
“No p>
He stood abruptly.
“Let’s go p>
She hesitated in the suite alone for a second.
He looked back.
“Staying? Or do you prefer being caught p>
She hurried after him.
“I’m coming p>
If he was willing to get her out safely, she wasn’t about to argue.