Selena leaned back in her chair, twirling the stem of her wine glass between her fingers as she watched Elias sip his drink with ease.
He was too comfortable in this setting. Too relaxed for someone surrounded by the most dangerous criminals in the city.
"Tell me, Elias," she said, her voice smooth. "Do you always accept invitations from strangers at midnight?"
Elias set his glass down and chuckled. "Well, technically, you're not a stranger anymore."
Selena smirked. "And what if I told you that sitting here with me is the most dangerous thing you've ever done?"
Elias tilted his head, considering her words. "I'd say that sounds a bit dramatic, but also kind of cool."
Jax coughed to cover his laughter. This florist is either the bravest man alive… or the dumbest.
Selena studied Elias closely. He wasn't naive. He knew she was dangerous. And yet, he wasn't afraid.
That intrigued her.
She leaned forward, her crimson eyes gleaming. "Alright then, let's play a game."
Elias perked up. "Ooo, I love games! What kind?"
Selena smirked. "A game of trust."
She pulled a small knife from her belt and placed it on the table between them. The blade glinted under the dim light.
Jax and the others immediately tensed.
Elias, however, simply blinked at the knife before looking back at her with curiosity.
"I'll ask you three questions," Selena continued, tapping a manicured nail against the blade's handle. "If you lie, you lose."
Elias smiled. "Sounds fun!"
Selena's smirk widened. Oh, you have no idea…
Selena picked up the knife, twirling it between her fingers before pointing it at Elias.
"Have you ever been afraid of someone before?"
Elias didn't hesitate. "Of course! When I was little, I was scared of my neighbor's dog. Big teeth, super loud bark. But he was actually really sweet once I got to know him."
Selena blinked. "That's… not what I meant."
Elias grinned. "Oh! Then no, not really."
Jax muttered, "This guy…"
Selena tapped the knife against the table. No hesitation. Either he was the world's best liar… or he truly had no fear.
"Fine. Next question."
She leaned in slightly, her voice softer this time. "What do you think of me?"
Elias hesitated this time. He glanced at her, then at the criminals around them, then back at her.
"…You're kinda like a rose."
Selena raised an eyebrow. "A rose?"
Elias nodded. "Beautiful but with really sharp thorns."
For a moment, the entire room fell silent. Even Jax, who always had a comment ready, was stunned.
Selena stared at him, her fingers tightening around the knife. No one had ever compared her to something so… delicate.
She quickly masked her reaction. "Interesting answer."
Elias beamed. "Thanks! Roses are my favorite."
Selena fought the urge to laugh. He really has no idea who he's talking to, does he?
She placed the knife flat on the table. "Last question."
Her crimson eyes darkened slightly. "If I told you that sitting here with me could cost you your life, would you leave?"
Elias met her gaze, his amber eyes warm and steady.
"No."
Jax muttered, "What the hell?" under his breath.
Selena narrowed her eyes. "Why?"
Elias shrugged. "Because I don't think you'd actually hurt me."
Silence.
For the first time, Selena found herself on the losing end of the game.
She leaned back, watching him carefully. What are you, Elias Cheng?
"You win," she finally said, standing up. "For now."
Elias grinned. "That was fun! Can we play again sometime?"
Selena smirked. "We'll see."
But deep down, she already knew the answer.