"Shit!" "Who the hell wants to die tonight?!” The tattooed man and his crew exploded in fury, their tempers flaring like a powder keg. Whoever was outside had clearly ruined their mood, and now their expressions were as dark as storm clouds. They turned as one, eyes narrowing with murderous intent, like a pack of cornered wolves preparing to rip apart anything that dared to come near. Lily's heart raced. This was it. Seeing the distraction, she bit down on her tongue, drawing blood—a surge of sharp pain that gave her just enough clarity to act. Without a second thought, she lunged toward the window, shoving it open with everything she had. The second floor wasn't exactly high, but it wasn't exactly low either. Jumping was risky—she could twist an ankle, maybe worse. But if the men outside were part of the same crew, her nightmare was about to get a whole lot worse. She couldn't hesitate.With a deep breath, she launched herself out the window, the cold air rushing past her like a slap to the face. Bang! The door crashed open, and Simon stormed in, just in time to see Lily's silhouette disappearing into the night. "Lily!" His voice was thick with alarm, and a jolt of panic shot through him. Without wasting a second, he barked orders to his men, telling them to take care of the thugs inside. Then he bolted down the stairs, his boots pounding against the ground. Funny how fate worked. He'd just happened to be passing through that commercial street tonight. As he and his men were leaving the area, Simon had caught a glimpse of Lily—being shoved into the back of a van. He wasn't known for being the type to stick his nose in other people's problems. In fact, he hated it—especially when it came to Lily. But something about the image of that van door slamming shut gnawed at him, twisting something deep inside him. After a split-second of hesitation, he'd ordered his driver to follow. "Lily, are you insane?!" He found her in an alley, limping, one hand pressed to the wall for support as she tried to drag herself forward. The sight of her struggling, injured, set something off in him. He didn't know what it was, but it was enough to make his irritation boil over. He shot her a glare, disgust flashing across his face, then marched forward and threw her into his car with a force that left her breathless. "Simon?" Lily's voice was barely a whisper. She hadn't expected him to show up here. Thanks to her dance training, she was agile enough to land from the second-floor jump without breaking anything—though her ankle was twisted badly, and she could barely move now. She knew her time was running out. She had to act fast before they found her again. And worse, the heat in her body was rising, and with it, the panic. If she were dragged back to that motel room, the drugs in her system would overwhelm her, and she'd end up doing something she could never forgive herself for. Simon hated her. She knew that much. But in a strange way, being with him was probably her safest option right now. So she didn't protest. Her voice was hoarse as she said, "Can you take me to the nearest police station? I need to report this." Simon didn't respond. He didn't need to. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead as he slammed his foot on the gas. Lily assumed he was taking her to the station, and for a moment, she stayed quiet, leaning back against the seat, trying to steady her breathing. She rolled down the window, hoping the cold air would help her cool down, but the feverish heat only intensified. Her head spun, and every time she blinked, the world felt more surreal. She hated Simon. He always took Elsa's side, always dismissed her without a second thought. But now, under the haze of the drug, she couldn't stop noticing the way his jaw clenched or how his broad shoulders shifted when he drove. She didn't want to think about it. But the more she tried to resist, the more her thoughts spiraled.She pinched her own arm, hard, trying to keep herself grounded. This isn't real, she told herself. There's no man here. Just a dog. Just a dog. Simon wasn't taking her to the police station. He'd already made up his mind. His men could handle the thugs. No need for him to get involved personally. He had zero respect for Lily—none at all. He even thought John's taste in women was a joke. But as they drove, he kept glancing at her through the rearview mirror, his eyes dark and unreadable. Lily's flushed face, the torn collar of her sweater hanging open to reveal her delicate, ivory neck and the graceful curve of her collarbones. The soft, smooth skin had a faint pink hue, like the first blossoms of spring, that was just begging for someone to touch it. Clearly, someone had drugged her. He could see it now—the way she was trembling, her breath shallow, her eyes squeezed shut like she was fighting the pull of some deep, primal urge. Her lips were parted, flushed red, a faint sheen of sweat making her skin glow. He swallowed hard, his throat tightening.So damn hot… He barely caught her whisper. "So damn hot…" Her breath was soft, raspy, like it was coming from somewhere deep inside her, and it clawed at something inside him he didn't want to acknowledge. "Lily, shut up!" He snapped at her, frustration surging. The last thing he wanted was to be affected by her. But there was something about her—something in the way she looked at him—that got under his skin. Lily didn't even hear him. She couldn't. She was too far gone. The one in the car wasn't a dog—it was a man. God, she wanted him. Her self-control was slipping away. She didn't care what he looked like. She didn't care if he was ugly or had the worst body in the world. She just needed the heat to stop. Simon had planned to drop her off at a hotel, leave her to handle things herself. But as he drove, he couldn't shake the feeling that she'd do something reckless if left alone.What if she jumped? That hotel room was on the 16th floor. He hesitated, then turned the car toward his villa. After all, Capital City's top hotel was a property of the Bale family. He didn't want a scandal on their turf. Yes. That was the only reason. He pulled up in front of his villa, the car coming to a stop. He was about to tell her to get out when she suddenly leaned forward. Lily's face was just inches from his, her breath mixing with his in the narrow space. Her lips hovered near his, a teasing, dangerous promise hanging in the air. She reached out and pinched his chin, her fingers soft but firm. Simon froze, his body going rigid. Was she… trying to kiss me? The memory of her soft lips brushing his cheek that night in the hotel room rushed back, and his pulse quickened.He couldn't stand this woman. He hated how she got under his skin. But tonight, she was drugged. She needed a man. If she wanted a kiss, maybe… he could make an exception. "Lily, you shameless woman. How thick is your skin?" Her lips inched closer, and his pulse quickened. He sat up straighter, trying to regain control. "We're still in the car. If you're that desperate, wait until we're inside—" But soon she cupped his face with both hands, and for the first time, Simon felt a woman touch him like that. His body stiffened, almost like stone. He couldn't quite relax in the car, but she seemed so eager... He was torn between giving in or rushing her back to the room, when suddenly, her soft hands slipped away from his face. She muttered, "You're that weirdo Simon… Ugh, I really am starving…" Even on the edge of madness, Lily had enough self-awareness to pull back. But it wasn't enough. She glanced out the window, her eyes locking onto the shallow pool in front of the villa. Without hesitation, she flung open the door and ran toward it.Simon watched, stunned, as she jumped into the freezing water, all just to keep from touching him. His face turned dark, fury and confusion warring inside him. He actually thought she wanted to kiss him… Was he really less appealing than a pool full of ice?