Page 48 of Malicious Claim

Like this.

Leaning into the game.

I let my gaze flicker to Stefanos's lips long enough for him to notice. "Tempting."

His smirk grew darker. "It is, right?"

Footsteps. Heavy, furious footsteps drew closer.

Before I could react, the door barged open with a force that rattled the walls.

Makros.

His sharp gaze landed on Stefanos, sitting very close to me. His nostrils flared, and his jaw tightened.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

"Stefanos," Makros said, voice dangerously even. "Get. Out."

Stefanos barely flinched, tilting his head up to Makros with a lazy smile. "Hey, Mak. Just catching up with my cousin in-law."

Makros didn't say another word. He strode forward, grabbed Stefanos by the ear like a misbehaving child, and yanked him to his feet.

"Ow, ow–Jesus, Makros!" Stefanos winced, trying to pry his brother's grip off. "No ear pulling."

Makros didn't release him. "You have ten seconds to leave before I break your fingers."

Stefanos held up his hands in surrender, but the grin never left his face. "Alright, alright. No need to be dramatic."

He cast me one last glance, winking, as he backed toward the door. "I'll be seeing you, Leila."

I smirked. "Looking forward to it."

Makros slammed the door behind him and turned to face me.

Uh oh.

He was furious. And I, despite the cuffs, despite everything, smiled.

"Something wrong?" I asked sweetly.

Makros took slow, measured steps toward me, stopping at the edge of the bed. He reached down, fingers wrapping around my chin, forcing my face up to meet his glare.

His grip wasn't rough, but it wasn't gentle either.

"I don't know whether to punish you," he murmured, "Or to kill you."

I arched my brow. "Why not do both?"

His thumb brushed over my bottom lip, gaze flickering with something unreadable.

"You're playing a dangerous game," he warned.

I held his gaze, refusing to cower. "So are you."

A muscle in his jaw ticked. Then, without another word, he let go, stepped back, and walked out, locking the door behind him.

I exhaled, my heart pounding in my chest.

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