Chapter 47

I've always believed that the most dangerous games are often the sweetest. Christian and I were a package deal in our underworld dealings, often running operations together with our best friend, Xan. We all knew that our business wasn't for the faint of heart, especially today. This board meeting was unlike any other; we were meeting some of the most ruthless and dangerous mafia leaders across the world. Yet, as we donned our tailored suits — Christian in a charcoal gray that accentuated his brooding presence, and me in a navy that matched my playful spirit — there was an undercurrent of excitement between us. I mischievously imagined how I could distract him during the meeting.

Once we arrived at the venue, my eyes widened at the extravagant setup: sleek black tables were adorned with burgundy tablecloths, and a carefully curated selection of coffee awaited each attendee. As the room slowly filled with the infamous figures of the underworld, I glanced at Christian, who already seemed overwhelmed by the gravity of his position as the meeting's leader.

Then came the moment I'd been waiting for — as Christian settled into his chair, I decided to have a bit of fun. A keenness sparked in me. With careful precision, I leaned over, my fingers trailing slowly across his thigh. I watched for his reaction, a minute smile creeping onto my face as his eyes darted toward me, burning with a mix of annoyance and intrigue. Christian shifted in his seat, trying to maintain his composure as he addressed the room — the very essence of authority and danger.

But I wasn't finished teasing him just yet. I moved my fingers, trailing higher and pausing just shy of where I knew it would drive him crazy. I could see his jaw clenching, the tension in his body telling me he was fighting against both his desire to push my hand away and the thrill my touch induced.

"Is everything alright, Christian?" Xan chimed in, a knowing smirk stretching across his lips as he caught on to our little game. The other leaders exchanged glances, intrigued but unaware of the silent war waging between my twin and me.

"Mhm, just… fine," Christian replied, the word slipping past gritted teeth. I could barely suppress my laughter. I loved my boyfriend, but he had this way of getting flustered that made me want to push him just a bit further.

As the meeting continued, I intensified my efforts, my fingers ghosting where I knew I shouldn't be, relishing the way his focus wavered and his words started to stutter when I pressed closer. The sound of my heartbeat thrummed through me with excitement, daring me to go further. The mafia leaders remained engrossed in a debate about territory expansions, completely unaware of the electrifying tension brewing between their leader and his half-twin lover.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the meeting drew to a close. The attendees began to filter out, some giving Christian respectful nods before disappearing through the ornate doors. Once we were utterly alone, Christian's eyes turned stormy, a brow arching with menace.

"Haiden," he said, his voice low and dangerous as he approached me. "You have no idea what you've just done."

With that, he locked the door, the click echoing ominously in the now-empty room. I pressed myself against the wall, excitement bubbling within me, knowing I should be afraid but reveling in it instead.

"Aren't you even a little impressed?" I teased, raising my hands in mock surrender. His intense gaze softened for just a moment, and I realized how much I loved this man — the way he could be both my protector and my punisher.

"What am I going to do with you?" he murmured, his voice a mix of frustration and longing. I could feel his breath on my neck, sending shivers racing across my skin.

"Maybe you should punish me," I whispered back, feeling bold.

Christian's lips curved into a sly grin, one that promised a satisfaction only the two of us knew. In one swift motion, he captured my wrists and pinned them up against the wall. I gasped, exhilarated by the playfulness turned to a dangerous game.

"Just remember who's in charge here," he growled low, the power in his voice sending a thrill through me.

In that moment, I knew we were two halves of a whole — chaos and order, darkness and light, lovers locked in a dance as entrancing as it was perilous. And as he leaned closer, I realized that within our tumultuous, mafia-riddled world, there was no one else I would rather be with.