THE TEMPTRESS

||Catastrophe||

•KADEN•

I glanced at my phone for the hundredth time, but no calls or texts from her. Waiting was messing with my head, and I hated waiting.

Patience wasn't my strong suit; it wasn't something I learned or embraced.

I usually get what I want, but Stephanie Gray was testing my fucking patience right now by ignoring my calls and texts.

It's been three fucking days!

Was she still mad about me checking her burner phone? How long was she planning to keep me in suspense?

"Boss." AJ's serious gaze met mine as I looked up.

He gave a quick nod, and I stashed my phone away, focusing on the casket before me.

The final one. The last of my loyal men were laid to rest today. We suffered losses three days ago infiltrating Red's secret hideout.

We didn't know her real name, so for now, she's Red—a threat, danger, an enemy.

She blindsided us, taking down most of my men. We scoured the place, found only her dog, and planned to surprise her upon her return. Instead, she turned the tables on us.

The fact that she killed men I considered brothers fueled my anger. I almost had her, but she slipped away.

After the funeral, we headed back to our cars. I instructed my driver to take me home.

I needed to act before she struck back. Underestimating her was a mistake after she effortlessly took down my men.

She was a menace.

I now knew I couldn't go after her impulsively. Next time, we had to prepare meticulously.

The car rolled up outside my place, and I hopped out, making a beeline for the door. Strolling into the foyer, I headed straight upstairs, undoing my tie as I went.

The weight of the situation was almost suffocating. It felt like I was drowning in the pressure and uncertainty of it all.

Fuck, I needed an escape, a way to let off some steam. Problem was, the only person who could help me was AWOL, not picking up the damn phone.

However, when I pushed open the door to my study, surprise hit me like a ton of bricks. There stood Stephanie, her back turned, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling window.

Relief washed over me. At least she was alive and right here when I needed her.

Is this that unspoken connection between two people in love? The kind where they sense their partner needs them and drop everything to come to the rescue?

I never really knew what love was growing up, but I've always wondered about the feeling. If this is it, I'm more than ready to embrace it.

The door clicking shut behind me made her turn. I shot her a warm smile, tossed my suit jacket over an armchair, and paused, hands on my hips, studying her. She approached with narrowed eyes, and suddenly, the air crackled between us.

Running a hand through my hair, I folded my arms.

"Where have you been?"

Silence.

"What happened? Why didn't you call me back or reply to my texts?"

The silence lingered, and I couldn't hide my irritation any longer.

"Seriously, Stephanie! What the fuck is-"

I barely finished my sentence when something hard smacked into my chest. The object fell and rolled on the floor, and when I looked down, it was a pen holder.