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Finally, we reach the end of a hallway, and a wave of warmth from the next room washes over my cheeks.

I step inside and spot a fireplace so huge I could walk into it. Logs crackle and split as the flames devour them. I glance away, only to meet Steffen’s intense stare. His eyes burn hotter than the fire. I have to look away before I’m completely undone.

I expected an office, but it’s more of a grand sitting room. Cozy. Two oversized couches angle toward the fire, inviting you closer. Another wall-sized window offers a breathtaking view of the water below. There’s a table for two with a chess set, and a bookshelf packed with books lines the far wall.

“I’ll get her a dry wrap for her ankle,” Torben says, sounding a little annoyed. “And food.”

“Thank you,” Steffen says stiffly.

I stare at Steffen. “He actually has manners,” I mutter, surprised, lingering in the doorway.

Steffen stands, grabs a chunky knit blanket from the couch, and crosses the room. I hold my breath as he drapes it over my shoulders. His breath on my face feels uncomfortably intimate.

He lets his hands slide over my biceps, then releases me. He stares at my wet shirt, my drenched hair, and how my nipples are visible.

“The bras were all lace,” I express with disdain.

“My apologies.” He pulls back. “What do you prefer?”

“Would you like your balls wrapped in scratchy, lacy material all day?”

“Point taken.” He bites down on his smirk.

“Did you pick the clothes?” My fingers tighten their grip on the blanket, embracing the extra warmth.

“I hate shopping. I have an assistant who picked them.”

“More accomplices.”

“A team.” He grins. “So if you need anything, just ask.”

“A ticket back home.”

“I thought you hated planes.” He playfully raises an eyebrow while gesturing to the couch.

“I hate you,” I breathe out resentfully. “I want to go home,” I say more firmly.

“Your home was ransacked. That kill team tore through everything you owned.” He presses a hand to my lower back. “Let’s talk.” He guides me to the couch.

I sink into it, leaning toward the fire’s warmth. To my surprise, he sits across from me, giving me space.

“Frank didn’t steal that money purely for himself. He did it because he owed someone a lot of money,” Steffen states.

The color drains from my face. “And now you’re here to collect because I stopped the transaction.” I shake my head, trying to find a way out of this. “I can’t hack BANKS Corp again. It was an insane stroke of luck the first time. They will have fixed it. It’s a vault. I… can’t get the money…”

“Rylan,” Steffen speaks so deeply it shuts me up. “Look around you. I don’t care about fifty million.”

My mouth dries. “He owed you.” I solve the puzzle.

“No, I don’t get involved in gambling. Frank owed some very bad people. He owed ten million dollars before interest started; he thought he could run from them, flee the country, and start over with your mom. But once you left him penniless, he panicked; he turned to them for another loan and offered something more valuable as payment.”

I snort. “What could Frank possibly have that’s worth more than fifty million?” I rub my temples, trying to puzzle it out myself.

He tilts his head and stares into my eyes. “You.”

“Huh?”

“You, Rylan.”