THE FIRST MOVE

Chloe held Milan's gaze, her pulse hammering in her ears. His presence was commanding—sharper, more intense than she had imagined. Up close, he was even more dangerous.

She forced a small, confident smile. "I was starting to think you didn't exist."

Milan didn't return the smile. He studied her like a puzzle missing a piece. "And yet, you've been trying so hard to find me."

A test.

Chloe had spent weeks preparing for this moment, but now that it was here, she felt the weight of every word. If she said the wrong thing, this could end before it even began.

"I'm a journalist," she said, keeping her voice steady. "It's my job to chase the untouchable."

Milan tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Is that what you think I am? Untouchable?"

Chloe's throat went dry. She had to be careful, but she also had to intrigue him. If she played it too safe, he'd dismiss her.

"I think you like to control what people know about you," she said. "And I think you don't like people who ask too many questions."

Milan's lips twitched, almost like he was amused. Almost. "Smart."

He took a step closer. The air between them grew heavier. "And tell me, Chloe," he said smoothly, "do you have any idea what happens to people who ask the wrong questions?"

A chill ran through her, but she held her ground. This was a game of power, and she couldn't afford to lose.

"I imagine it depends on who's answering them."

A slow smirk curved Milan's lips. He glanced toward the bar, where Luca was watching the exchange with careful interest. Then, he looked back at her. "Let's see if you're as good at finding answers as you think."

Before she could respond, Milan turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

Chloe exhaled, her body still tense.

She had made her first move.

Now, the real game had begun.

---

Later That Night

Chloe sat in her apartment, replaying the conversation in her mind. Every word, every look, every pause—it all meant something. Milan hadn't dismissed her. That was a win. But he also hadn't trusted her. That was a problem.

Her laptop screen glowed beside her, an open document filled with notes. Milan Petrov. Thirty-two. Ruthless. No confirmed relationships. A man surrounded by secrets.

She bit her lip, staring at the picture of him on the screen. The man she had met tonight wasn't just powerful—he was calculating. He had studied her as much as she had studied him.

Her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.

"Curiosity is dangerous, Chloe. Be careful where you step."

Her stomach clenched. It wasn't Milan. He wouldn't warn her—he would act.

Someone else was watching.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Replying could be reckless, but ignoring it could be worse. She took a deep breath and typed back.

"Who are you?"

The response came instantly.

"A friend. Don't make me regret it."

Chloe's heart pounded. She had stepped into Milan's world.

And now, it was watching her back.