Natalie and Lucky turned to leave. The silly grin on Lucky's face vanished, replaced by a proud strut at Natalie's side. Inside Magnus's villa, Amber stepped through the door and was met with a cool blast of air conditioning. She let out a long sigh of relief. But then her eyes caught on Magnus, sprawled on the couch with his arm around a half-dressed woman, snacking and watching a movie. The heavy scent in the room made it clear what had just happened. Amber's chest tightened with irritation. She had been humiliated and pushed aside by Kash and Bonnie, yet here Magnus was, enjoying himself with a new fling? Magnus heard the door and turned his head. His eyes lit up at the sight of her. He quickly nudged the woman off. The woman, understanding her place, stood, straightened her clothes, gave a polite nod to both, and slipped out. Magnus patted the empty spot beside him with a grin. "Amber, come sit." Amber swayed her hips over, but instead of the couch, she dropped straight into his lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she teased, "It's only been a few days, and you've already got someone new. Did you forget all about me?" Magnus chuckled, giving her breast a playful squeeze. "Forget you? Impossible. Who could be sweeter than my Amber? I missed you dearly." He kissed her cheek. Amber smiled coyly, ready to keep playing along, but Magnus cut her off, his tone impatient. "So—how's the job I gave you?" Her smile froze. Miss me? He's eager for news about Bonnie. With a little huff, she slid off his lap and onto the couch beside him. "Kash is head over heels for Bonnie. He won't let me near him." Magnus frowned. "And what about Ms. Bonnie? How does she act?" Amber, annoyed at how much he cared, exaggerated the report. "She's always over at his place. Sometimes they even cook together. They're like a real couple!" Magnus shot upright. "What?!" Bonnie didn't seem like the type to fall so fast. How could those two already be this close? Amber pouted. "I sit downstairs and hear them making all kinds of noise in his room. Don't know what they're doing, but it sounds wild." Magnus's face darkened with jealousy. Amber smirked and added fuel to the fire. "It really sounded intense." Magnus's temper snapped. He slapped her across the face. "Useless! I sent you to do one thing, and you can't even pull it off. You can't get a man to look your way!" He had thought it would be simple. Even though Kash had confessed his feelings, nothing complicated a relationship more than a third party stepping in. To Magnus, there was no such thing as a man who couldn't be tempted—only the lover who didn't try hard enough.And Amber was a rare beauty. Even if she couldn't win Kash's heart, she should've at least planted some doubt in Bonnie's. But Amber had failed completely, and that made Magnus furious. Amber covered her face and spoke with pain, "Bonnie's got him wrapped around her little finger. They're always together. I never had a chance." "Shut up! Idiot!" Magnus roared, his anger boiling over. Her words stabbed at him like knives, leaving him breathless with rage. Amber flinched at his outburst and kept her mouth shut. She knew her place. No matter how much favor she had in the base, Magnus only saw her as a plaything. If he cared for her at all, he never would've sent her to seduce Kash. And if she pushed him too far, he might very well strangle her. She lowered her voice. "Magnus, I did try, but Kash ... he has issues. He really hates women." As she spoke, she tugged her dress higher, pulled her neckline lower, and moved closer. "I even went this far, and he didn't react at all." Magnus's eyes darkened as he took in her curves. He swallowed hard. Kash didn't react to this? What kind of man is he? Magnus grabbed Amber and pulled her into his arms, his anger easing as he toyed with her. "You're right. Kash isn't normal. Any healthy man would've reacted." Any man in his right mind wouldn't be able to stay unmoved by a sight like this. He pressed his face into her neck, inhaling deeply.But then doubt crept in. If Kash really hated women, why chase after Bonnie? Bonnie is beautiful, sure, but compared to Amber, she lacks the warmth and charm of a mature woman. Magnus frowned. Is it Bonnie's toughness that Kash is after? Does he see her as a strong partner instead of just a lover? In a world full of danger, a powerful ally was worth more than a gorgeous companion. The thought made Magnus's blood boil again. Competing with me? Kash is asking for trouble. His grip on Amber tightened.