Chapter One: The Chase Begins
570 Words
ETHAN (POV)
I don’t lose.
Not suspects. Not leads. And definitely not thieves.
At least, that’s what I believed—until her.
Raven Black.
For months, I had chased her, only to watch her vanish like smoke every time I got close. A master thief, a ghost in the night, the kind of criminal that made headlines and left detectives like me looking like fools.
Not tonight.
The Weston Charity Gala was the perfect setup—wealthy guests, glittering jewels, and security that only thought it was tight. The kind of place Raven loved to strike. And I was here to stop her.
Dressed in a black tux, I blended into the sea of expensive suits and designer gowns, scanning the room for any sign of her. Laughter and music filled the air, the scent of champagne lingering between conversations.
Then, I saw her.
She stood at the grand staircase, poised like she belonged there. The black satin dress hugged her figure perfectly, her dark hair tumbling over one shoulder, and those green eyes—sharp, playful, dangerous—moved across the room like she was already five steps ahead of me.
Then, she smirked.
That damn smirk. Like she knew I was watching. Like she was daring me to make my move.
I stepped forward.
She turned and slipped into the crowd.
No. Not this time.
I moved fast, pushing past tuxedos and evening gowns, my pulse quickening. Then, I caught a glimpse of her slipping into a dimly lit hallway.
I followed.
The music faded behind me. The hallway was quiet, lined with polished wooden doors and faint traces of perfume. My fingers hovered over the holster at my side as I stepped deeper into the shadows.
Then—a voice behind me.
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RAVEN (POV)
"Looking for me, detective?"
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ETHAN (POV)
Before I could turn, something cold pressed against my throat.
A knife.
Shit.
She was close. Too close. Her voice was soft, teasing, like she was enjoying this little game.
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RAVEN (POV)
"You should be more careful,” I whispered. “Wouldn’t want to get hurt.”
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ETHAN (POV)
I clenched my jaw. “You think this is funny?”
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RAVEN (POV)
I let out a quiet laugh. “A little.”
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ETHAN (POV)
My body tensed, waiting for the right moment. Then, I moved.
Fast.
I grabbed her wrist, twisting it just enough to make her drop the knife. She gasped—but not in fear. No, she was amused.
Her green eyes met mine, filled with something wild. Something reckless.
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RAVEN (POV)
“Impressive,” I murmured.
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ETHAN (POV)
I barely noticed her slipping a hand into my jacket. By the time I did, it was too late.
She stepped back, holding something between her fingers.
A small, folded note.
My stomach dropped. She hadn’t just stolen from me—she had planted something.
Raven leaned in, her breath warm against my ear.
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RAVEN (POV)
“Better luck next time, detective.”
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ETHAN (POV)
And just like that—she was gone.
I sprinted to the exit, but when I stepped outside, there was no sign of her.
Gone. Again.
I exhaled sharply, my fingers tightening around the note she had left in my pocket.
I unfolded it.
"Catch me if you can."
My jaw clenched.
This wasn’t over.
Not by a long shot.
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- Writer
