Lucian

I watched from the window as Marcus's car disappeared into the night, carrying Lexi away from me. Something was wrong with her, and it was eating at me that she wouldn't let me help.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts.

“Cross," I answered.

"Boss, we have a problem," Detective Rodriguez's voice came through the line. “Kane's death wasn't as clean as we thought.”

I moved away from the window, my senses on high alert. “What do you mean?”

“Someone was in his penthouse tonight. The security footage shows a figure in dark clothing leaving about twenty minutes before Kane was found."

“Any idea who?”

“That's the problem. The footage is too grainy, and they knew exactly where the cameras were. This wasn't random.”

I ran a hand through my hair. “So someone wanted Kane dead.”

"Or wanted to make sure he was dead. The medical examiner says it was definitely a heart attack, but there are some... inconsistencies.”

"What kind of inconsistencies?"

“Kane had been taking heart medication for months. But his system was clean. Like he'd been off his meds for days.”

I felt a chill run down my spine. “Someone switched his medication.”

“That's what we're thinking. Replaced his heart pills with placebos, then waited for nature to take its course.”

“How long before this hits the media?” I pinched my brows.

"I can keep it quiet for maybe twenty-four hours. After that, someone's going to leak."

"Do it. I need time to think."

I hung up and walked to my office, pouring myself a generous glass of whiskey. Kane's death had seemed like a gift, but now it felt like a trap. Someone had wanted him dead, and they'd been clever about it.

The question was who?

My phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number: “Enjoyed the show tonight. - A friend."

I stared at the message, my mind racing. Someone was playing games, and they wanted me to know it.

I was about to call Rodriguez back when my phone rang again. This time it was Marcus.

"Boss, we have a problem."

“What now?” I hissed.

"It's about Lexi. I just dropped her off, and there was a guy waiting outside her building. Big guy, looked like muscle."

My blood ran cold. "Did you see what happened?"

"She talked to him for a few minutes. Looked scared. Then she went inside, and he left."

"Get back there. Now. And don't let her see you."

"Already on my way."

I hung up and grabbed my keys.

The drive to Lexi's apartment took fifteen minutes, but it felt like hours. When I pulled up, Marcus was parked across the street, watching the building.

I got out and walked over to his car. "Any movement?"

"Nothing. But boss, I think you should see this."

He handed me a piece of paper. "The guy dropped it when he left."

I unfolded it and read: “Your payment is due. Don't make me come back.”

I looked up at Lexi's apartment window. The lights were on, and I could see her silhouette moving around inside.

“How much do you think she owes him?” I asked, my heart tightened with concern.

Lexi was the only person who challenged me and I saw her as a friend.

“I don't know, but it will be enough to make her so worked up.” Marcus replied, his arms crossed. “Don't you think you’re getting too involved with the girl?”

I ignored him, gazing at Lexi through her window.

My phone buzzed again. Another text from the unknown number: “Kane is just the beginning. Wait until you see what's next. - A friend.”

I showed the message to Marcus. “Someone's orchestrating this.”

“Who could it be?”

That was the million-dollar question. Kane was dead, someone was playing games with me, and Lexi was in trouble. The pieces were there, but I couldn't see the pattern yet.

"Boss," Marcus said, pointing toward the building. "Look."

Lexi's apartment window had gone dark. A few seconds later, I saw her come out of the building, moving quickly toward the street.

"Where's she going at this hour?" I wondered aloud.

We watched as she hailed a cab and got in. Marcus started the engine.

"Follow her?"

"Yeah, but stay back. I don't want her to know we're here."

The cab led us through the city to a 24-hour diner in Queens. Lexi got out and went inside, taking a booth near the back.

"Can you see who she's meeting?" I asked Marcus.

"Not from here. Want me to go in?"

"No, she'll recognize you. I'll go."

I got out of the car and walked toward the diner, pulling up the collar of my coat. Through the window, I could see Lexi sitting across from a man in an expensive suit.

They were having an intense conversation, with the man gesturing aggressively while Lexi shook her head. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could see the desperation on Lexi's face.

Finally, the man stood up and threw some money on the table. He said something to Lexi that made her flinch, then walked out of the diner.

I ducked behind a parked car as he passed, then watched as he got into a black sedan and drove away.

Lexi remained in the booth, her head in her hands. She looked defeated, and broken.

My phone buzzed with another text. “Enjoying the show? She's going to betray you. They always do. - A friend."

I stared at the message, then at Lexi through the diner window. Someone was playing a very elaborate game, and we were all just pieces on their board.

But I was done being played.

I walked into the diner and slid into the booth across from Lexi. She looked up, startled.

"Lucian? What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

She looked around nervously. "How did you…”

"I had you followed. For your own protection."

"You had me followed?" Her voice rose. "You arrogant, controlling…”

"Save it," I cut her off. "Someone's playing games with both of us, and I think it's time we figured out who."

I showed her the texts on my phone. Her face went pale as she read them.

"Someone's been texting you too?" she whispered.

"You've been getting messages?"

She nodded, pulling out her phone. "Look at this."

The message was from the same unknown number: "Victor Kane sends his regards. See you soon. - V.K."

We stared at each other across the table, the weight of the situation settling over us.

"Kane's dead," I said quietly.

"Then who's been texting me?"

Before I could answer, both our phones buzzed simultaneously. The same message appeared on both screens:

"Game time. Tomorrow night, Pier 47. Come alone, or Lexi dies. - A friend.”