Adrian Sullivan's split lip burned as Shane Prescott and Luna Valentine closed in on him.

A dark glint flashed in his eyes as he grabbed a glass from the table and flung its contents at Shane.

Shane instinctively raised his fists, but froze when he caught sight of Luna.

In that split second, Luna lunged forward, seizing Adrian's wrist with precision.

She wrenched the glass from his grip and without hesitation, dashed the remaining liquor onto his bleeding wound.

"Ah—!"

Adrian's agonized scream pierced the air.

The alcohol searing into his torn flesh sent tremors through his body, his back instantly drenched in cold sweat.

Two bodyguards rushed forward, both targeting the seemingly more vulnerable Luna.

With a cold smirk, she spun and delivered a sharp kick to the first guard's abdomen.

As the man staggered back, Shane was already moving.

He grabbed the guard's arm and flipped him cleanly over his shoulder, slamming him onto the floor.

The second guard barely had time to lunge before Shane twisted his arm and sent him crashing down beside his partner.

"Bravo."

Slow clapping echoed behind them as Oliver Granger approached with eight security guards, his trademark smirk in place.

"Adrian, causing trouble in my establishment? That's not very sporting."

Adrian's face twisted with fury, blood still oozing from his lip.

He tried to speak but only managed a pained hiss, settling for a venomous glare at Shane instead.

With a final icy snort, he stormed out, his guards scrambling after him.

Oliver turned to Shane, his smile turning genuine. "Drinks are on me tonight, Shane."

Shane shook his head. "Not necessary."

"Consider it a friendly gesture." Oliver clapped him on the shoulder. "I appreciate men of principle."

Once Oliver left, Luna picked up a throwing knife from the table, twirling it between her fingers.

"Under eight centimeters—clears security." She arched a brow at Shane. "Quite the loophole finder."

Shane's ears turned pink. "Just a trick."

Their conversation continued until Luna suddenly pressed fingers to her temples. "This drink... stronger than I thought."

Shane tensed. "Feeling sick?"

"Dizzy..." Her voice floated unsteadily.

Shane immediately signaled for their driver to pull over. Seeing her discomfort, his chest tightened. "I've got a place nearby. Need to rest?"

Luna lifted her gaze, studying him with half-lidded eyes.

"Just to rest," Shane hurried to clarify. "I promise."

A faint smile curved her lips. "Why so nervous?"

"Respect," Shane said solemnly.

At Moon Bay Villa, Shane punched in the code—401401.

The door swung open to reveal a grand foyer illuminated by crystal chandeliers.

Luna surveyed the opulence. "Tomb-raiding profits?"

"No." Shane shook his head. "A gift."

He guided her to the bedroom where pale pink sheets glowed softly under the lights.

Shane's pulse quickened.

Her warmth radiated beside him, the subtle fragrance of her hair teasing his senses.

He forced his gaze away, yet couldn't stop imagining—

A daughter with her spirit, her strength...

"What are you thinking?" Luna's voice sliced through his reverie.

Shane's ears burned crimson. "Nothing."

Luna's lips curved knowingly. "When a man says 'nothing'..."

Shane swallowed hard, terrified his next words might betray the forbidden longing taking root in his heart.