PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 25 – Playing with Fire

Zane didn't know what was more entertaining—the idea of meeting Arthur Lancaster or the fact that Vincent was practically shoving him into the line of fire.

Did Vincent really think Zane was just going to behave?

Not a chance.

Zane thrived in chaos.

And tonight?

Tonight, he planned to have a little fun.

---

Nightfall – Lancaster's Private Lounge

Arthur Lancaster wasn't a man who did things in halves. His private lounge—hidden inside an exclusive, members-only club—was proof of that.

Dim lighting. Expensive liquor. The kind of atmosphere that promised indulgence… and danger.

Zane strolled in like he owned the place. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, exuding effortless charm as he made his way to the private seating area where Lancaster was waiting.

Arthur looked up from his drink, his sharp gaze raking over Zane with cool calculation.

"Mr. Harrington," he greeted smoothly. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."

Zane smirked, sliding into the seat across from him. "And miss the opportunity to meet the man who's got Vincent Graves all worked up? Please."

Arthur chuckled, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Ah, so that's how he framed it?"

Zane leaned back, completely at ease. "Something like that."

Arthur studied him for a moment before setting his glass down. "You're an interesting one, Zane. I can't quite decide if you're reckless or strategic."

Zane grinned. "Why not both?"

Arthur's lips twitched. "I like that answer."

Zane drummed his fingers against the table, watching Lancaster carefully. The man was older, refined, and radiated the kind of power that came with years of calculated moves.

A predator.

Not so different from Vincent, really.

Only where Vincent was all sharp edges and control, Lancaster was smooth, deliberate—like a snake waiting to strike.

"So," Zane drawled, crossing his legs. "Let's skip the formalities. You wanted this meeting. What's your offer?"

Arthur exhaled, leaning forward. "Simple. I think you're wasted working with Graves."

Zane raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Arthur smiled. "You have influence. Charisma. The ability to bend situations to your advantage. But Graves? He'll never let you win. You're a pawn to him."

Zane chuckled, shaking his head. "You think I don't know that?"

Arthur tilted his head. "Then why stay? A man like you—" he paused, eyes gleaming, "—deserves more."

Zane took a slow sip of his drink, pretending to consider. "And I suppose you're the one offering me 'more'?"

Arthur smirked. "I am."

Zane leaned forward, lowering his voice just slightly. "And what exactly would I have to do?"

Arthur held his gaze. "Turn on Graves."

The words weren't a surprise.

But the directness of them?

That was bold.

Zane let the silence linger, watching Arthur with something between amusement and curiosity.

Then, with a slow, lazy grin, he said, "Tempting."

Arthur's smirk widened. "I thought you'd say that."

But before he could speak again, Zane leaned in just a little further, his tone teasing but laced with something sharper.

"You know," he mused, "you're not the first person to underestimate Vincent Graves."

Arthur's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes.

Zane smiled. "And you won't be the last."

Arthur chuckled, sitting back. "Clever."

Zane lifted his glass in a mock toast. "I try."

The tension between them was a game now—a dangerous one.

And Zane?

Zane loved games.

But more than that…

He loved winning.

---

Meanwhile – Vincent's Penthouse

Vincent wasn't the type to wait anxiously.

But tonight?

Tonight, he was restless.

He stood near the window, staring out at the city, his grip tight around his whiskey glass.

Zane had been gone for hours.

Too long.

Vincent hated relying on other people. Hated letting someone else take the lead on something this important.

But this was Zane.

Unpredictable. Sharp. Infuriating.

And for some damn reason—

Vincent trusted him.

That was the problem, wasn't it?

That trust.

That… pull.

Vincent exhaled sharply, finishing his drink in one smooth motion.

He had bigger things to worry about.

Whatever was happening between him and Zane—whatever this was—

It could wait.

But deep down, Vincent knew—

This wasn't something he could ignore forever.

And that?

That was the real danger.

---

End of Chapter 25.