The security lockdown of the Sovereign’s estate took less than three minutes. Steel shutters slammed down over every window, sealing the mansion from the outside world. The number of armed guards patrolling the perimeter doubled, their heavy boots clicking against the marble floors. Alejandro didn't let go of Sarah’s waist for a single second. He led her up the grand staircase, past the guest wings, and straight into his private quarters—the master suite. It was a massive, dark-toned room that smelled of cedar, expensive cologne, and power. "You're moving me into your room?" Sarah asked, raising an eyebrow as the heavy double doors locked automatically behind them. Her tone was calm, but her signature sassy spark was sharp. "Andro, we've been best friends for twenty years, but I think sleeping in your bed violates our friendship agreement." "The friendship agreement died the moment a multi-million dollar bounty was placed on your head," Alejandro said, his voice flat and unyielding. He shed his charcoal coat, revealing the shoulder holster beneath. "This room is reinforced with ballistic steel. It has an independent oxygen supply and a panic bunker. You stay here. With me. Under my eyes, 24/7." Sarah walked over to the massive, king-sized bed draped in black silk sheets. She sat on the edge, looking up at the terrifying mafia king who looked completely ready to wage war against the entire world. "The Rossi family wants to use me to break you," Sarah murmured, her calm composure grounding the heavy tension in the room. "If I hide away like a captive princess, they win. They see you as weak." Alejandro crossed the room in three long, predatory strides. He dropped to one knee right in front of her, placing his large hands on her knees. When he looked up, his obsidian eyes were burning with a dangerous, raw intensity that made her breath hitch. Let them think I am weak," Alejandro whispered, his voice dangerously low. "Let them think whatever they want. The moment a Rossi soldier takes a step toward this estate, I will show them why I am the Sovereign of this city. I don't care about my reputation, Sarah. I care about your breath. I care about your heartbeat." He reached up, his thumb gently tracing her lower lip. The slow-burn tension that had been bubbling between them for months suddenly spiked, making the air between them feel thick and electric. For a second, his eyes drifted down to her lips. A heavy, synchronized knock on the door broke the spell. "Boss," Lucas's voice called through the encryption speakers. "The Rossi family just sent a courier. They aren't waiting for us to make a move. They've just targeted your main tech financial firm downtown. They're trying to draw you out of the estate." Alejandro’s face hardened instantly into an icy mask. He stood up, the gentle warmth vanishing from his posture. He looked down at Sarah one last time. "Don't leave this room. I mean it."

The Golden Cage