Chapter 2 - Cold Whispers
Elena kept her back turned for a single, measured breath, forcing her heart rate down. She slowly rose to her feet, turning around to face him. Her expression was calm, betraying none of the adrenaline surging through her veins. In her hand, she held only his nightly syringe and an alcohol pad.
""I was retrieving your neuropathic blocker,"" she said smoothly, meeting his piercing dark eyes. ""It rolled under the lip of the dresser.""
Gabriel tilted his head, his gaze sweeping down to the floor where the metallic parts lay half-hidden in the shadow, then back up to her eyes. The ambient city lights cast severe, dramatic shadows across his high cheekbones. ""You didn't see anything else?""
""I am trained to see vitals, medication schedules, and signs of muscle atrophy, Mr. Vance,"" she replied, holding out the syringe. ""Your private affairs don't interest me. What interests me is ensuring you don't go into nocturnal spasms. Arm, please.""
A slow, humorless smirk curved his lips, but his posture didn't relax. ""You lie exceptionally well. Most people's pupils dilate when they're terrified. Yours just get sharper.""
""Then let's pretend I'm very dull,"" Elena said, stepping closer. He didn't offer his arm; instead, he caught her wrist with blinding speed. His grip was an iron vise, callous and unyielding. Elena didn't pull away or gasp. She simply looked down at his fingers, then back at his eyes.
""Who sent you here?"" Gabriel demanded, the quiet amusement entirely gone, replaced by a ruthless predator's edge. ""My brother? Or the investors who want my seat on the board permanently vacant?""
""The agency sent me,"" Elena answered without hesitation. ""And if you break my wrist, you’ll have to find someone else to clean your bedsores tomorrow. Let go.""
For three agonizing seconds, neither moved. The air between them crackled like static. Then, slowly, Gabriel’s fingers loosened. He withdrew his hand, leaning back against the leather cushion of his chair, extending his forearm in silent acquiescence.
Elena wiped his skin with the cool alcohol pad, her hands as steady as surgical instruments, and administered the dose. When she finished, she disposed of the needle and turned to leave.
""The guest room locks from the outside,"" Gabriel stated flatly as she reached the threshold.
Elena stopped, her hand on the polished wooden door. ""Is that a warning or a challenge?""
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""Neither,"" Gabriel said, staring out the vast glass wall into the black horizon. ""It's a fact. Tonight, no one leaves this floor alive if the alarms trip.""
As if on cue, the penthouse lights died instantly, plunging the entire floor into pitch-black darkness.
