Victor laughed.
“That’s between us.”
“No.”
Daniel’s voice remained quiet.
“It stopped being between you two when she couldn’t walk out the door.”
The room became silent.
Maya looked at Daniel.
For the first time that night, she felt like she could breathe.
Victor stepped closer.
“You’re making a mistake.”
Daniel didn't move.
“I don’t think I am.”
“You have no idea what you’re getting involved in.”
Daniel nodded slightly.
“I hear that a lot.”
Victor frowned.
“What does that mean?”
“It means people who depend on fear usually assume everyone else is afraid.”
That sentence irritated Victor.
Because it was true.
His entire image was built around intimidation.
People knew him because they knew what he was capable of.
They knew his strength.
His fighting record.
His victories.
But Daniel wasn't looking at the fighter.
He was looking at the person behind it.
And Victor hated that.
“You think because you walked in here calmly, you’re in control?”
Victor asked.
Daniel looked around the apartment.
“No.”
“Then what?”
“I think the person who can stay calm usually sees the situation more clearly.”
Victor laughed.
“You’re giving me a lecture?”
“No.”
Daniel looked at Maya.
“I’m giving you a chance to fix this.”
Victor looked at Maya.
“She called you?”
Maya didn't answer.
Victor's expression changed.
“You actually thought you needed someone?”
Maya finally spoke.
“I needed someone because you wouldn't let me leave.”
The words hit harder than she expected.
Because saying them out loud made everything real.