Page 27 of Zayrik

I WATCHED HER STIFFEN. A fraction of a second, barely enough for anyone else to notice.

But I noticed. BecauseI was trained to.

Nyla’s lips curved, her expression shifting into something playful, somethingdeflecting. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I didn’t move from the wall. Didn’t look away.

“The ship’s registry points to this being a smuggling ship.” My voice was calm. “And I think you know that.”

Her smirk flickered. Just for a second.

I pushed off the wall, stepping closer.Caging her in without touching her.

“I don’t believe in coincidences, thief.” I tipped my head. “Who exactly did I piss off by winning this ship?”

She exhaled through her nose, arms folding tight across her chest. “No one.”

I arched a brow.

She rolled her eyes. “Fine.Probablyno one.”

I hummed low, a sound meant to remind her exactlyhow unimpressed I was.

“The docking officer knew,” I continued,pushing. “The moment I won that data chip, everyone at that table suddenly got real interested in looking anywhere but at me.”

Nyla didn’t respond. Didn’t deny it.

Good.

Because we werepastplaying dumb.

I stepped even closer, forcing her back against the bulkhead.

The corridor left no room between us. I felt her heat, her breathing shift as I leaned in.

“Who were you running from?”

“I already told you.” She muttered, looking anywhere but at me.

I exhaled. “See, here’s the thing, Nyla—” I leaned in slightly, letting her feel my presence. “The second you passed out bleeding on my ship, you pulled me into something.”

She swallowed.Not fear. Frustration.

Like she hated that I was right. Like she hated that she couldn’t argue.

Nyla’s fingers twitched, but she didn’t push me away. Didn’t break eye contact now.

Instead, she inhaled slow, steadying herself.

Then, her voice was quieter.Not defiant. Not playful. Just... resigned.

“You shouldn’t have helped me.”

My jaw flexed.

Wrong answer. I grasped her arm firmly, avoiding causing pain but preventing her from escaping.

“Come with me,” I growled.

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