Page 3 of King Of Order

Shadows fell over the entrance, the only light coming from the faint street lamps that dotted the curb.

The city appeared quieter now, too quiet, the kind of stillness that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on edge.

I hurried inside, fumbling with the door before I slipped into the darkened gallery.

The space echoed with an eerie reverb, the familiar paintings and sculptures now casting strange contours across the wallsin the dim light. I shivered though the temperature hadn’t dropped.

Something felt off.

A trickle of unease crept down my spine, a whispering voice telling me I wasn’t alone.

Don’t be ridiculous,I scolded myself, shaking the thought off.

I just needed to grab my keys from the office and get the hell home.

My heels clicked as I crossed the gallery floor, the sound bouncing off the interior like a taunt—each step louder than the last, a reminder of the later-than-usual hour.

But that same uneasy sensation wouldn’t leave me.

It clung to me, making my chest tighten with every breath.

When I reached my workspace, my hand paused on the doorknob.

The air around me shifted, oppressive and thicker than usual like the gloaming carried weight.

I sensed the tension building within me, that inexplicable premonition pressing harder against my senses. I turned the knob and pushed the door open.

My heart leaped into my throat.

There, sitting in my chair, I tagged a dark silhouette.

The bright glow of a lit cheroot flared, casting his face in a half-shadow before disappearing into the smoke again.

I gasped, stumbling back a step, my pulse skyrocketing in sheer panic.

My hand scrambled within my tote, fingers trembling as I reached for the only weapon I kept—an old but reliable pepper spray canister.

My breath hitched as I tried to hold the bag steady, ready to mist him if he made a move.

Before I had the chance to pull it out, the man’s voice cut through the thick silence.

‘Put it away, signora,’ he drawled.

The rasp, dry and deep, sending shards of emotion through me. ‘You won’t need that. I’m here because you called for me.’

What the hell?

My mind reeled, fear and confusion battling for control as I stared at him.

I hadn’t summoned anyone. Had I?

He leaned forward and turned on the small desk lamp, throwing his face into relief.

My entire body lurched because the man was sexy as fuck.

I raked my eyes over him.

In the golden glow, I made out his features—all man, lethal and menacing as they came.

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