A DANGEROUS GAME

---

Chapter 39 – A Dangerous Game

Vincent's hands were still shaking.

Not visibly.

Not in a way anyone else would notice.

But Zane noticed.

And that?

That made him smirk.

"You can keep pretending if it makes you feel better," Zane said, stepping closer again. "But that kiss? That wasn't a mistake."

Vincent didn't respond.

Didn't react.

Didn't deny it.

Zane chuckled, his voice dropping lower. "No smart comeback, Graves?"

Vincent exhaled slowly, forcing himself to look at him. Control. He needed control.

But Zane?

Zane thrived in chaos.

And he was enjoying this far too much.

"You should go," Vincent finally said, his voice strained.

Zane tilted his head. "Why?"

Vincent's eyes darkened. "Because if you stay, I might not stop next time."

Zane's smirk faltered.

Just for a second.

Just long enough for Vincent to notice.

And that was dangerous.

Because Zane wasn't just playing anymore.

This was real.

He swallowed, letting out a slow breath. "Maybe I don't want you to stop."

Vincent's grip on the countertop tightened.

Silence stretched between them, heavy and loaded.

Then—Vincent moved.

Fast.

Before Zane could react, Vincent grabbed his tie, yanking him closer.

Zane sucked in a sharp breath, eyes widening.

"Don't push me, Zane," Vincent warned, his voice a dangerous growl.

Zane's pulse spiked.

He wasn't scared.

He was thrilled.

And maybe—just maybe—he wanted to see how far Vincent would go.

So, with a smirk, he leaned in.

"I like pushing you," he murmured, his lips just barely grazing Vincent's. "What are you gonna do about it?"

Vincent's grip tightened.

His restraint was slipping.

Zane could feel it.

But then—Vincent let go.

Stepping back.

Breaking the moment.

Like it took everything in him.

Zane blinked, caught off guard. What?

Vincent's expression was unreadable now, his voice eerily calm. "I'm not playing this game with you."

Zane laughed—because it was either that or admit that Vincent pulling away stung.

"Oh, Graves." He straightened his tie, smirking. "You already are."

Vincent didn't respond.

Didn't rise to the bait.

He just turned away, pouring himself a drink like none of this had just happened.

And for the first time, Zane wasn't sure who had won this round.

But one thing was clear—

This wasn't over.

Not by a long shot.

---

End of Chapter 39