Page 65 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

A quiet exhale left Andreas, something close to amusement. “For personal reasons, yes.”

Mano’s eyes widened at how easily he said it. His gaze dragged over the tattoos on Andreas’s arms, his hands, his fingers. He swallowed. “What do you do? Drugs?”

Andreas didn’t answer right away. “I don’t discuss my work with people outside of it.”

Mano glanced toward his phone on the table.

“You won’t call the police,” he said, not blinking.

“And if I do?”

“You won’t get far. I have people on the inside.” A brief silence followed. “And then I use the gun you saw earlier.”

Mano’s breath caught. His body went rigid, his eyes flicking toward the cabinet before snapping back.

“I’d rather not hurt you. Don’t give me a reason to.”

Mano didn’t speak. His chest felt tight, like his body couldn’t decide whether to freeze or run. “You want me…” he forced out, voice uneven, “to have dinner with you? And then you’ll leave Ody alone?”

“Dinner is just the beginning.”

Something in Mano’s expression shifted.

“Relax,” Andreas said. His gaze dragged over him. “I won’t touch you… unless you want me to.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Mano snapped. “Is this how you ask people out?”

A faint crease appeared between Andreas’s brows. “I’m being nice to you, Mano.”

“By threatening Ody?”

“You wouldn’t agree otherwise.”

“So you’re forcing me.”

Andreas uncrossed his legs, leaning back into the couch, completely at ease. “I’m used to being obeyed.”

Mano swallowed, watching him. “So what do we do until dinner?”

“I’m going out. I have things to take care of. You’re staying here.” His gaze held his. “Don’t try to escape. It won’t end well. Not for you… and not for Ody.”

Mano held his breath.

Andreas stood, sliding his hands into his pockets. “Other than that, you’re free to use anything in the house. Jacuzzi, billiards, home cinema, pool, gym…” a faint smirk touched his lips, “which I know you enjoy. I’ll see you in a few hours.” He took Mano’s phone with him as he walked out, locking the door behind him.

Mano didn’t move at first. Then he turned, fast, his eyes sweeping the room, windows, corners, anything that could get him out. Something sharp. Something heavy. He took a step toward the glass, already calculating, but stopped. Ody. The thought hit hard. Men watching him.

If he tried anything… No. He dragged a hand over his face, his breath uneven, his chest heavy with every inhale.

He forced himself to turn away from the window and move. Room to room, fast, focused, opening drawers, checking cabinets, scanning every surface. There had to be something he could use. But there wasn’t.

By the time night fell, the door finally opened. Mano turned.

Andreas walked in, a bag in his hand. “You didn’t miss a single drawer.” The corner of his mouth lifted. “Impressive.”

Mano stilled. A cold rush ran through him, as he lifted his head, scanning the space around him. “You were watching me this whole time?”

“Not the whole time. I was busy.” He stepped closer and dropped the bag beside him. “Wear these.”