𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒|[𝐁𝐓𝐒]

Giselle's back pressed against the cold wall of the dimly lit corridor, her breath hitching as the stranger closed the distance between them. His dark eyes, hidden partially by the shadow of his hat, bore into hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. The faint scent of cedar and smoke clung to him, mingling with the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"You shouldn't be here," he murmured, his voice low and gravelly, each word laced with a warning.

"And yet, here I am," Giselle shot back, her lips curling into a defiant smirk.

The man's lips twitched in amusement before his hand came up, resting just beside her head, caging her in. His fingers brushed a stray strand of her crimson hair, tucking it behind her ear with a surprising gentleness.

"You're playing a dangerous game," he said, his gaze dropping momentarily to her lips before snapping back to her eyes.

"Only if I lose," she whispered, her voice steady despite the hammering of her heart.

His chuckle was dark, a sound that wrapped around her like a vice. "Careful, sweetheart. You might find out I don't play fair."