Chapter 15:The Fire Between Us

The Tension Grows

The room was dimly lit, the air thick with something unspoken. Mri sat at the edge of the couch, his mind still lingering on Jasmine's past. She stood by the window, arms crossed, the city lights casting long shadows across her figure.

She turned to him suddenly. "You haven't said anything."

Mri smirked. "What do you want me to say? That I feel sorry for you?"

Jasmine scoffed, stepping closer. "You're not like other guys, are you?"

"And you're not like other girls." His eyes flickered, tracing her form. She was stunning—not just beautiful, but powerful. There was a wildness in her, a fire that couldn't be tamed.

She took another step. "You know, Mri… you fascinate me."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why's that?"

Jasmine leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Because you don't chase me."

Her breath was warm against his skin. He could feel the heat between them—the push and pull, the silent challenge.

Breaking the Distance

She moved even closer, her fingertips grazing his chest, testing the waters. Mri didn't flinch. Didn't step back.

Instead, he met her gaze head-on.

His hands instinctively went to her waist, his grip firm but not forceful. Jasmine smirked, her lips inches from his.

"Tell me, Mri…" she whispered, her fingers trailing down his arm. "Do you want me?"

Mri chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "You're playing a dangerous game, Jasmine."

Her fingers slid up to his jawline, tracing it lightly. "And you're not?"

The Moment Heats Up

She suddenly pulled back slightly, a teasing smile on her lips. Slowly, she reached for the buttons of her shirt, undoing them one by one.

Mri's gaze darkened, but he stayed still, waiting.

The fabric slipped from her shoulders, revealing smooth skin, toned curves. Beneath, she wore a tight black crop top, showing just enough to leave him wanting more.

She crossed her arms, watching his reaction. "Still not chasing?"

Mri leaned forward, his voice low. "I don't chase. But that doesn't mean I don't want."

Jasmine exhaled sharply, her pulse quickening.

Then, she smirked. "Good."

A Knock at the Door—Interrupted

Before anything else could happen—BANG, BANG, BANG.

Someone was at the door.

Jasmine clicked her tongue in annoyance, grabbing her shirt and throwing it back on. Mri sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Tch. Perfect timing," Jasmine muttered.

Mri stood up, rolling his shoulders. "Who the hell is it?"

She opened the door.

A man in a black cloak stood there—one of Dipangkar's messengers.

"Invitation from The Dragons," he said coldly. "Tomorrow. The Arena. Be there."

Mri exchanged a glance with Jasmine.

The heat between them was gone, replaced by something else.

A challenge. A battle. The next step in his journey.

Mri smirked. "Guess playtime's over."