My empire, he thought, his arms tightening around her. And you are its crown jewel. And jewels are kept locked in vaults.
Inside, Huo Qi received a new message on his tablet. The preliminary interrogation reports were in. The threat, it seemed, was more organized than they had initially believed. He looked out at the balcony, at the seemingly perfect picture the couple made, and felt a chill that had nothing to do with the afternoon air.
The sun dipped below the skyline, casting long, grasping shadows that slowly enveloped the balcony, and the man who held his future in his arms, ready to trade her freedom for the illusion of safety.
He suddenly thought of something, "Have you called your family?" He queried, eying her, wanting to see what her reaction would be.
