Chapter 103

Kai POV

Time slowed to a crawl.

The gun in Darren’s hand caught the moonlight, black metal gleaming against the city lights. Nova’s sharp intake of breath cut through the night air like a blade. Every instinct I’d developed over ten years of hostile business takeovers and corporate warfare kicked into overdrive.

Step one: Protect Nova.

Step two: Neutralize the threat.

Step three: Make sure this never happens again.

“Nova, get behind me.” My voice was steady, calm. The same tone I used in boardrooms when I was about to destroy someone’s entire livelihood.

She didn’t move. Shock had frozen her in place.

“Now.” The command in my voice snapped her out of it. She stumbled backward, her dress rustling in the sudden silence.

Darren’s smile was all sharp edges and madness. “How touching. The knight in shining armor routine. Did you practice that in the mirror, Storm?”

“Put the gun down, Darren.” I kept my hands visible, non-