Swamp Murder

Swamp Murder. 15

Dre's entire posture changed as Yu Bin and the mysterious guy stopped in front of us. His usual easygoing demeanor hardened just enough for me to notice.

"My goodness, what did you do?" Dre muttered under his breath.

"Nothing," I said quickly, though my heart was racing.

Dre didn't look convinced. "Let me handle it," he said, forcing a smile just as Yu Bin and the man came to a stop.

"Zhan," Yu Bin greeted me, his grin sharp. "I've been looking for you."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced a casual tone. "I've been busy with work."

Yu Bin didn't respond immediately. Instead, he glanced at the man beside him—the same man who had been watching me all night.

"Hi, Dre," the man said, his voice deep and smooth, like velvet brushing against silk. "Good to see you again."

Dre's smile tightened. "Wang. Good to see you too." His tone was polite, but I could hear the unease beneath it. Who was this guy?

Yu Bin shifted slightly, the amusement never leaving his face. "Zhan, this is my friend, Wang."

I barely nodded before Wang extended his hand toward me.

There was something deliberate about the way he moved—like he already knew I would take it. And, without thinking twice, I did.

The moment our palms met, I almost flinched. His hands were warm, softer than I expected, yet there was a strength beneath the surface that sent a shiver down my spine.

He stepped in just slightly, enough for me to catch the intoxicating scent of his cologne. It was unfair how good he smelled.

Then he spoke, his voice low and teasing. "I should arrest you for jumping into my compound."

My breath caught in my throat.

For a second, the world around me faded, the loud music, the drunken laughter, even Dre shifting uncomfortably beside me. All I could focus on was Wang.

Up close, he was even more unreal. His suit fit like it had been sewn onto him, his features sharp yet effortlessly elegant. But it was his eyes that held me captive, dark, intense, like they saw straight through me.

His grip was firm but warm, and his touch sent an unsettling shiver up my spine.

Then, he spoke again. "I should arrest you for jumping into my compound."

The words took a second to register.

My heart slammed against my ribs. What?

He moved back slightly, watching my reaction like he was waiting for something.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. My fingers twitched in his grasp, but Wang didn't let go immediately. His eyes studied me with a quiet amusement, as if he was enjoying watching me connect the dots.

Dre stiffened beside me. "Wang, whatever it was, we can sort it."

My mouth opened, then closed. Had I ever—? No. That wasn't possible. I didn't go sneaking into people's compounds.

Did I?

The way Wang looked at me, like he already knew the answer, sent a shiver down my spine. His dark eyes held something unreadable, something that made my stomach twist.

"Are you sure you have the right person?" I finally managed, my voice steadier than I felt.

Wang tilted his head slightly, studying me. "I don't make mistakes."