𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 , ᶻᵃʸⁿ ᵐᵃˡⁱᵏ

key to power

It was a hard watch. The footage played over and over in my mind like a loop I couldn't escape. The image of Serena, so carefree and unguarded, made my stomach twist. I had crossed a line, one I didn't even know I was standing on until I was already teetering.

I clenched my jaw, replaying every moment. I should have never agreed to plant that camera. I thought I was doing it to protect her, but now? Now it felt like I was the one putting her in danger.

I knew the meeting was coming, and with it, more demands. The last thing I wanted was for them to use the footage against her. They'd see it as a tool, a way to gain leverage over me.

I could almost hear their voices echoing in my head, the slickness in their tones as they discussed their plans. They wanted to use Serena.

The men I'd been forced to work with leaned back in their chairs, their eyes calculating, hungry for power and control.

"Liam," one of them said, leaning forward with a predatory smile. "We've seen some interesting footage come across our desk."

My heart sank as he continued, "You've done well to plant the camera. The footage is... revealing. Very revealing."

I fought to keep my expression neutral, but inside, a storm raged. They had no idea the extent to which I'd gone to protect Serena, nor would I let them turn her into a pawn in their games.

"Where's the original?" I asked, my voice steady.

"Relax," he replied, waving a dismissive hand. "It's safe. But we need to discuss how to leverage this to our advantage. You know how these things go. There are some high-profile names involved, and we want a cut."

I clenched my fists under the table, fighting against the instinct to lash out. "What do you mean? I didn't sign up for that."

He laughed, a low, mocking sound. "Oh, Liam. You should have realized by now that once you're in, there's no way out without playing our game. Serena will be more than just a pretty face in this scenario."

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "What do you want from her?"

"Just a little chat, a chance to get some of those high-profile names to line their pockets. You get us in, and we get her in front of the right people. It's simple."

"You need to be realistic, Liam. The camera is already recording more than you realize. You're not just her bodyguard; you're tied to her now. You want to protect her? Then you'll do what we say."

Before I could respond, the man gestured to one of his associates, who slid a laptop across the table. My stomach twisted as they opened the file. The screen flickered to life, and I was met with a replay of the footage I'd never wanted to see again.

"Watch closely," he said, his tone condescending. "You wouldn't want to miss any of the highlights."

The image blurred for a moment before settling on a scene that made my blood run cold. There was Serena, vulnerable and unaware, completely unguarded. This wasn't just a breach of privacy; it was a weapon aimed directly at her.

"You lot are absolute creeps."

He leaned back, arms crossed, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "This is just the beginning. With footage like this, we can control the narrative. It's the perfect leverage."

The screen flickered again, a different angle this time, capturing more than I ever wanted to see. I turned away, unable to stomach it. "I'm done," I said, my voice cold.

"Tonight is your chance to show us what you're made of. Plant the chip, and we'll see how this unfolds."

"Another chip? Isn't this enough footage."