I noticed him immediately. Lean and jittery, a waiter moving through the crowded lounge with the nervous energy of someone trying too hard to disappear. His hands trembled slightly as he balanced a tray, eyes flicking nervously to the tables. Nothing about him screamed danger. Just… desperate.
But when I caught the subtle slip of his fingers toward my jacket pocket, a slow, dangerous smile touched my lips. Most people panic or freeze when caught. This one? Didn’t even realize it yet.
I reached out, grabbing his wrist with a grip that didn’t just stop him, it crushed, tight enough to make him wince. His eyes shot up, wide and terrified, darting around as if searching for a way out. The crowd moved around us, oblivious, but I held him firm.
“Careful,” I said coldly, voice low enough only
