Nathaniel exhaled a slow stream of smoke, watching her through the haze. "I'd expect nothing less."
She smirked, then rose smoothly from her chair, circling the space between them with the grace of a seasoned hunter. "You know, I've always admired how you play with fire." Her fingers brushed the back of his chair, lingering just shy of his shoulder. "But I wonder… do you ever let it burn you?"
He chuckled, low and velvety. "Not often."
"Pity." She leaned down, her breath warm against his ear. "Some things are worth the risk."
Nathaniel didn't move, but his pulse betrayed him—just slightly. He could feel the game shifting, the tension coiling tighter. Cassandra had always been bold, but this? This was a direct challenge.
And he *loved* challenges.
He turned his head just enough to meet her gaze, their lips nearly brushing. "Careful, General. You might find I'm not as easily swayed as you think."
Cassandra's smile was pure sin. "Oh, I *do* love a challenge."
