|Nieves| Kairos strode toward me, his bare chest illuminated by the dim light, muscles tensing with every step. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, his stormy gray eyes dark with silent fury. Though his expression remained unreadable, the intensity of his presence sent a chill down my spine. Pain twisted deep in my chest, an ache that grew worse with every passing second. But I refused to let it show. I forced myself to stand tall, to act as if nothing was tearing me apart from the inside. David stiffened beside me, his entire body wound tight. “You—” Kairos didn’t let him finish. “Back off, Clarkson.” His voice was a low, menacing growl. “She’s not leaving with you. And if you have any self-respect left, you’ll stop humiliating yourself.” David’s fists clenched at his sides, his