4. AN ASASSIN

DMITRI ROMANOV'S POV

I step out of the crowded hall, the bright lights and pulsating music fading behind me. The cool evening air envelops me, a welcome respite from the chaos inside. I glance around, my eyes scanning the dimly lit corridor, as I pull out my phone to answer the incoming call.

"Sir, it's Alexei," my assistant's voice crackles through the line. "We've received intel suggesting a potential threat to your safety."

My grip on the phone tightens. "What kind of threat?"

"We're not sure yet, sir. But we advise you to be cautious. Your security detail is on high alert."

"I don't care what it takes... find out."

I quicken my pace, my eyes scanning the corridor for any signs of trouble. The fashion show had been a success, but this news puts a damper on my celebratory mood.

"Where's the threat coming from?"  I demand.

"We're still investigating, sir. But we suspect it might be related to your business dealings."

My mind races. Who could be behind this? A rival? A disgruntled employee? 

"Alexei, get the team on it. I want to know who's behind this."  I said while gritting my teeth.

"Yes, sir. We're working on it. In the meantime, please be vigilant. Avoid crowded areas and—"

"I know the drill, Alexei," I interrupt. "Keep me updated."

"Will do, sir. Be safe."

"Yes, I'll handle it."

I end the call, my senses on high alert. I glance around, my eyes locking onto my car. Time to get out of here.

I hasten my pace, my heart beating slightly faster. Who's targeting me? And why me? Maybe the more they know about ROAR, the better they should know.

"Let's get out of here," I say, already moving towards my waiting bike.

Tonight Annika's success has just taken a backseat to survival.

I turn a corner, my mind still reeling from Alexei's warning, and accidentally duck into a narrow alley beside the hall. The dim lighting envelops me, casting long shadows on the walls.

Suddenly, a cold metal barrel presses against my temple.

"Don't move," a low, gravelly voice growls.

My heart racing, I freeze. A masked figure stands before me, their eyes gleaming in the darkness.

"Who are you?"  "I demand," I say, trying to keep my voice calm.

The figure remains silent, its grip on the gun unwavering.

My mind races. This must be the threat Alexei warned me about.

With calculated calm, I assess my surroundings. The alley is deserted, with no escape routes in sight.

"Take my wallet, phone, whatever you want," I offer, stalling for time.

The figure doesn't flinch.

"You're more valuable alive, Dmitri," the voice sneers.

My mind started wandering. They know my name.

I weigh my options: kill him, reason, or wait for rescue.

The figure's mask glints in the faint light, revealing nothing.

"What do you want from me?" I press.

The gun digs deeper into my skin.

"Shut up and walk," the figure growls, pulling me backward.

My heart sinks. I'm at their mercy.

I take a slow step back, taking my next move very carefully.

I take a deep breath, adrenaline coursing through my veins. With a swift motion, I grab the masked figure's wrist and twist it, attempting to break free.

The figure resists, but I leverage my strength, spinning them around. Now, I'm the one pinning them against the alley wall.

"Who's behind this?"  "I demand," my voice low and menacing.

The figure struggles, but I tighten my grip.

"Tell me!"  I shout.

The mask slips, revealing a young, terrified face.

"I-I don't know," the figure stammers.

I glare, searching for any hint of deception.

"Who hired you?" I press.

The figure shakes its head.

"I swear, I don't know! I was just paid to—"

A sudden flash of realization crosses their face.

"No, please! Don't—"

My grip tightens, but the figure's words are cut short. A silenced gunshot echoes through the alley, and the figure slumps, lifeless.

I take my steps back, while half of my body is covered in blood.

I stand there, still reeling from the sudden violence. That's when I notice a petite figure lingering in the shadows, partially hidden by the darkness.

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I approach the figure, my blood-stained clothes a stark contrast to their elegant attire. A skirt, I notice. A short skirt, apparently.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing here?"  I ask, my voice low and rough.

The figure steps forward, and I'm met with a surprise.

"I am a man," a deep, smooth voice corrects.

My eyes adjust to the dim light, and I gasp.

You're... him. The guy I saw while driving…

The same chiseled features, piercing sad eyes, and striking jawline.

I stand there, frozen, as the mysterious man disappears into the darkness. My mind struggles to process the encounter.

His eyes still linger in my thoughts—piercing, intense, and unsettling.

I feel a shiver run down my spine as I recall the spark of connection.

Suddenly, I'm jolted back to reality by the sound of police sirens in the distance.

I glance around, taking in the crime scene.

I need to leave.

Now.

I shake off the stupor and make my way back to my bike, parked nearby.

As I drive away, my thoughts drift back to the enigmatic stranger.

Who is he?

And why do I feel an inexplicable pull towards him?

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog.

Focus, Dmitri.

You've got an assassin to identify.

And a mysterious ally to uncover.

I dial Alexei's number, my mind still reeling from the encounter.

"Alexei," he answers on the first ring.

"I need information on someone," I say, my voice firm.

"Who?"

"The guy I saw tonight. Tall, rugged, piercing eyes. Wearing a skirt..."

Alexei pauses.

"Sir?"

"I'm serious, Alexei. Find out who he is."

"On it, sir. Any leads?"

"I met him near the crime scene. And he must be related to the fashion show that Annika walked tonight."

Alexei's tone turns urgent.

"Sir, be cautious. We don't know—"

"I know, Alexei. Just get me the information."

"Yes, sir. I'll dig deep."

"And, Alexei?"

"Sir?"

"Keep this quiet. For now."

"Understood, sir."

I hang up, my eyes scanning the rearview mirror.

Who is this mysterious stranger?

My phone buzzes.

Alexei.

"Sir, I have something."

"Go ahead."

"Name: SPENCER HAYES. Fashion Designer Rumored to be... Gay."

So, he was under my nose all this time, while I was busy searching the whole city for him.

Interesting…

"Get more."

"Yes, sir."

The line goes silent.

I glance at the clock.

Midnight approaches.

SPENCER HAYES, I'm coming.

You have put a dilemma on yourself by getting my eyes on you.

Now who will save you from me?