He sighed and nodded. “So this is personal for you, too.”
I hesitated, my gaze darting back to the ballroom doors, then back to Roman’s waiting eyes. “Very.” I nodded, meeting his gaze head-on. “So tell me, Roman, why should I trust you with this? What’s your real interest in all of this?”
Roman’s gaze shifted to the guards stationed outside the ballroom doors, his hand nervously stroking through his hair. He sighed deeply, his gaze intense, choosing his words carefully. “It’s not just about Ky’rn. It’s about what he represents. The IPA knows your grandfather is holding a decorated commander, but they can’t tell the public because they might reject an alliance if they knew aliens have been visiting and studying Earth for millennia without human awareness.
“It’s critical that we free him without your grandfather’s knowledge, to prevent a potential conflict that might end in the IPA invading and taking control of Earth. If your grandfather knew who he’s actually captured, I’m afraid he would have tortured him for information rather than given him to you as a pet.”
Roman leaned in closer, his warm breath teasing strands of my hair. “What do you see when you look into my eyes?”
As I locked eyes with him, a flicker of vulnerability passed over his face before he composed himself. “I see layers, Roman. I see ambition, but also…empathy,” I said, leaning in closer. “But why should I trust you? How do I know you won’t just use me for your own gain?”
He sighed, the sound weary. “Because, Isla, I’ve watched the footage, seen the wonders of what the IPA has to offer us. But I’ve also seen how Ky’rn has been treated, how he’s been prodded and poked, all for science and ambition. I want to free him, and to do that, I need an insider in the facility. Someone who knows the layout, the security, the staff’s patterns…”
“In other words, you need someone like me.” I swallowed hard, realizing the weight of what he was proposing. “So, you’re saying that by joining forces, we could…”
He glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, before leaning in closer.
“Free him,” Roman finished, determination burning in his eyes. “And maybe, just maybe, give both of you a chance at a life outside these gilded cages. The IPA is willing to give you whatever you want in exchange for setting Commander Ky’rn free.”
“Anything?”
He nodded. “My family is collaborating closely with the IPA. We’ve been offered new technology that would advance our family’s business beyond what’s currently accessible on Earth. But first, we have to free your Ky’rn.
“I’m the sole owner of my family’s business, which makes my offer for your hand that much more tempting to your grandfather—a company merger through marriage. Once you own your family business, you can do whatever you want, but first we must act fast—”
“—or my grandfather may have a change of heart.’
“Exactly, which is why I need you to agree to play your part.” A sly, challenging smile danced on Roman’s lips, his eyebrow arched teasingly. “You don’t have to worry about me falling for you. This is strictly a business transaction. Once Ky’rn is free, we can make our own decisions regarding the future.”
“You mean, you aren’t interested in a relationship with me?” Some tension in my stomach deflated. “Our marriage will only be for show?”
“Let’s just say…you aren’t my type.” He winked. “I’m not in this to take over your life or business, but to serve as an Earth-side representative for the IPA and help prevent a catastrophe in the making.”
Could I trust him? Could we truly be allies in this twisted game our families were playing? Or was he just another player in this elaborate charade?
I leaned in, searching his eyes for a hint of deceit, but found none.
“All right. Let’s say I believe you. What’s your plan?”
CHAPTERTEN
ISLA
I stormed into my grandfather’s opulent office, determination burning in my chest, bypassing his well-dressed secretary and the imposing guards who usually stood sentinel outside. I was on a mission, and nothing was going to deter me. They avoided my gaze, as if they knew why I was here and what I was about to do.
Fuck them.
My grandfather looked up from his desk as I entered, dressed in one of his fancy suits that showed off his influence and wealth. He seemed unsurprised by my unannounced intrusion. He offered a practiced smile, and his eyes twinkled, as if he thought my storming in here was amusing. “Isla,” he said in that silky, composed tone of his. “You look lovely today. Would you like a drink?”
I scoffed at his pathetic attempt at pleasantries and confronted him with a stony glare, arms folded across my chest. “I demand the truth, Grandfather,” I growled through clenched teeth. “No more hiding behind your lies and half-truths.”
He sighed, as though burdened by my question. “The truth about what, my dear?”
With a sigh, I tilted my head back and rolled my eyes. “Seriously? Don’t play games with me,” I retorted. “I want to know if you’ve been secretly offering my hand in marriage as part of a business merger deal.”
He leaned back in his opulent leather chair, his eyes turning cold and calculating. The once comforting room, filled with bookshelves and warm wooden decor, now felt like a cage, suffocating and intimidating. He was the hunter, and I was the prey, but unbeknownst to him, I wasn’t going down without a fight this time.
“Isla, sit,” he offered, pointing to the chair in front of his desk.
