Page 30 of Run Little Fawn

With one last glance in the mirror, I square my shoulders, tuck some money into my brand-new wallet, triple-check that the safe is secure, and head for the door. The click of my new heels against the hardwood floor echoes like a warning shot, a declaration of my readiness.

Let the games begin.

The elevator dings, signaling my arrival at the top floor. The doors slide open, revealing the opulent restaurant that occupies the entire level.

I step out, my heels sinking into the plush carpet as I take in the breathtaking view of the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

I scan the room, my eyes darting from table to table, searching for any sign of him. The dim lighting casts a warm glow over the space, creating an intimate atmosphere that both soothes and unnerves me. Couples lean in close to each other, their hushed conversations punctuated by the occasional clink of glasses and the soft strains of live piano music.

But he's nowhere to be seen.

The host approaches me with a polite smile, his tailored suit a perfect match for the refined surroundings. "Good evening, madam. Table for one?"

"Two, actually," I murmur, allowing him to escort me to a table nestled in a secluded corner. The white tablecloth drapes elegantly, the silverware gleaming in the candlelight.

I settle into the plush chair, my fingers absently tracing the stem of the crystal wine glass.

"A bottle of your finest red, please," I request, my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

The host bows slightly before disappearing to fulfill my order. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. The anticipation is a tangible presence, a weight pressing down on my chest. I know he's here, somewhere, watching me from the shadows.

And then, I feel it.

A presence behind me, a shift in the air that sends a shiver down my spine. A hand reaches over my shoulder, long, elegant fingers grasping my empty glass. I watch, transfixed, as the liquid flows into my glass from the bottle in his hand, a steady stream that seems to stretch on for an eternity.

"Found you, little fawn."

Chapter Fifteen

THE FAWN

His words are a low whisper, a caress against my ear that sends a jolt of electricity through my body. I fight the urge to turn around, to face him head-on. That isn't the game I'm playing.

Instead, I take a sip of wine, my lips curving into a slight smile.

"Lucian."

His name rolls off my tongue like an incantation.

He moves into my field of vision, sliding into the chair across from me with a grace that borders on predatory. The candlelight dances across his chiseled features, casting shadows that only serve to enhance his allure.

He's dressed to the nines, a perfectly tailored suit that hugs his lean frame like a second skin. His crisp white shirt showcases the clean, chiseled lines of his body, the top button left undone in a subtle nod to his rebellious nature. His light hair is artfully tousled, a few strands falling across his forehead.

But it's his eyes that captivate me, those piercing gray orbs that seem to see straight into my soul. They hold a glint of amusement, a challenge that dares me to match his energy. And I will.

Oh, I will.

"I have to say, I'm impressed," he drawls, leaning back in his chair with a casual elegance that belies the tension crackling between us. "You certainly know how to make a man work for it."

I arch an eyebrow, taking another sip of wine before responding. "And you certainly know how to make an entrance."

He chuckles, a low, rich sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "What can I say? I have a flair for the dramatic."

"Is that what you call stalking these days?" I counter, my tone light despite the gravity of the situation.

His lips curve into a smirk, a flash of white teeth against his skin. "Stalking implies a lack of consent. You agreed to our little game. And something tells me you're not entirely opposed to this little game of ours."

I lean forward, my elbows resting on the table as I fix him with a steady gaze. "And what if I'm not?"

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