XIV. A Dangerous Deal

I cut him off before he could get into his car, stepping in front of him with a determined glare.

"I will accept the deal."

Canim froze, his hand hovering over the car door handle. His golden eyes flickered with an unreadable expression as he slowly turned to face me.

"But you—"

"Under one condition."

Intrigue flashed across his features. He straightened up, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves before slipping one hand into his pants pocket. His stance remained composed, but I could tell he was waiting for me to continue.

"I need money," I said, my voice unwavering.

He arched an eyebrow. "Name the price."

"Ten million."

The frown that formed on his face was instant. "Why do you need that much money?"

"What?" I scoffed. "Can you give it or not? I am risking my life for this. I will be fighting against Nadia, her family, and your family. Maybe ten million is enough for me to ask in exchange for that kind of danger."

He studied me for a long moment before giving a slow nod. Without another word, he gestured toward his car, silently instructing me to get in.

I hesitated for only a second before following his lead.

"Where are we going?" I asked, settling into the passenger seat.

Canim said nothing, his focus on the road as he drove. But the moment we arrived at the familiar training facility—the very place where he had been drilling me in self-defense and combat—I already knew the answer.

A sigh escaped me as I stepped out of the car. So this is how it is going to be.

Canim walked ahead, his movements fluid and controlled. "Starting today, this will be our daily routine," he stated, his tone brooking no argument. "You cannot die without my permission. Got it?"

I rolled my eyes. "Tsk. What a control freak."

But my heart… my heart was betraying me.

Every time I saw him, it raced. My pulse quickened. A stupid smile threatened to form.

And yet, the consequences remained the same—distraction led to mistakes. Mistakes led to pain.

A hit. A bruise. A scolding.

Each time I let my mind wander because of him, I paid for it.

But the worst part?

I knew I was losing focus because of Canim, and yet… I could not stop myself.

I could not afford to be distracted. Not now. Not when everything was at stake.

So after enduring another grueling session, I finally gave up.

"I cannot concentrate," I admitted. "Can I go home?"

Surprisingly, he agreed.

And so, he took me home.

As soon as we arrived, I noticed a familiar figure waiting outside.

Antonio.

He was sitting on his motorcycle, looking completely dumbfounded. His eyes were locked onto Canim's car, his expression unreadable.

I immediately got out, intent on speaking with him. But before I could take another step, I felt a firm grip on my arm.

Canim.

My eyes widened in shock as his hand tightened around my waist instead.

What the hell is he doing?!

Antonio finally turned in our direction, his usual easy-going smile faltering the moment he saw Canim's hold on me.

His frown deepened as he swung his leg off his motorcycle and strode toward us.

"What are you doing here?" Antonio asked, his voice sharp.

Canim smirked. "Should I not be the one asking you that?"

Before I could react, Canim's arm around my waist tightened slightly, pulling me even closer.

I stiffened.

Antonio's jaw clenched. His eyes darkened.

"I need you, Kaesu," Antonio suddenly said, his gaze never wavering.

Something in his voice made my breath hitch.

But before I could respond, Canim stepped forward.

"Bro, know your limits."

Antonio did not flinch, but his expression hardened.

And then—

BAM.

A strong punch landed on Canim's cheek.

My breath caught in my throat. Before I could even process what happened, they were throwing punches at each other.

"Stop it!" I screamed. "Both of you, stop!"

They did not listen.

Fists flew. Blood spilled. The tension in the air was suffocating.

My chest suddenly tightened.

My vision blurred.

Breathing became difficult.

No… no, no, no… not now…

And then—darkness.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was Alex and Lara's worried faces hovering over me.

They were too close.

"Can you guys not lean so much?" I groaned, turning my head away.

But then I noticed them.

Canim and Antonio.

They stood on opposite sides of the room, both watching me with unreadable expressions.

I sighed. "What happened?"

"You passed out!" Lara exclaimed. "What did you two do?!"

She and Alex turned to Canim and Antonio, expecting them to explain.

But, of course, neither of them said a word.

Frustrated, Alex and Lara looked at me instead, but I was in no mood to deal with this.

Dragging myself off the couch, I ignored my friends' worried glances and stormed toward the two men.

"Antonio," I said coldly. "Come with me."

I grabbed his arm, my grip firm. He opened his mouth to protest, but one look at my face made him think twice.

As we passed by Canim, he reached out as if to stop us.

But I shot him a cold glare.

He hesitated.

And then he let me go.

Honestly, I had no idea where I was taking Antonio.

I just needed to talk to him. Somewhere private. Somewhere away from all of this.

"Where are we even going, huh?" Antonio grumbled. "Aren't you tired?"

I ignored him.

Then, suddenly—

I tripped.

And ate the ground.

Face-first.

For a moment, I just lay there, contemplating my life choices.

Did I really just fall flat on my face in front of Antonio?

I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Are you going to just stay there?" he asked, amused.

I refused to respond. Instead, I covered my face, willing the earth to swallow me whole.

A few seconds later, I felt strong hands lift me off the ground.

I peeked through my fingers.

Antonio.

He was carrying me.

I let out a sigh, deciding to just accept my fate. "There is a park nearby," he said. "I will take you there."

Once we reached the park, he gently put me down and immediately crouched to inspect my knee.

"Good thing it is just a scratch," he muttered with a frown.

I should have been grateful. I should have just let him be.

But instead, my gaze wandered.

To his lips.

They were pink. How was that even possible?

Did this guy get surgery or something?

I could not stop staring.

Why was he so stupidly attractive?

"Why are you always so stupid when walking?" he suddenly said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I scowled.

Annoying.

Even when he was worried, he was annoying.