POV: Kai

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...