A small voice in the back of my head whispered warning as I reached upward, searching for the best path to climb across the ceiling. I’d done it dozens of times before, but never without a harness on. The danger sent a surge of adrenaline and forced me to hyperfocus even more. I selected a purple grip, shifting upward so I hung at a slant from the ceiling. I loved the tunnel vision I experienced when I was climbing. No other thoughts or doubts intruded except for the next best grip to choose for my hands and my feet. My breath quickened and my muscles strained. I consciously drew in a long breath then let out a longer one. I kept moving, shifting, gauging the landscape of grips scattered across the overhang, making sure that my gaze never strayed downward.

All my muscles were fired up but not yet burning. Sweat dripped from my chin onto my bare chest, and it felt as if time had drifted into slow motion. I had woken up this morning feeling like crap, from the alcohol, but also from not knowing what my next move would be with Daiyu. Our short exchange had been so strange.

I shook my head, not wanting to dwell on these thoughts. I couldn’t afford to lose my concentration right now. Any mistake could be a disastrous one. I took another deep, long breath to clear my mind, neck extended to look for my next grip, when the intercom chimed. I knew my doorman Xiao Huang’s face would be on the monitor by my door, even though I didn’t bother to glance down.

“Yeah?” I managed through gritted teeth.

“Miss Jin is here to see you, Mr. Zhou?”

I cursed.

“Mr. Zhou?” Xiao Huang’s disembodied voice drifted up to me.

“Just Jason.”

“Yes, Jason,” he replied.

“Please tell Miss Jin to give me a few minutes.”

Xiao Huang cleared his throat. “She’s actually on her way up now.” He sounded apologetic. “Miss Jin insisted that you had an appointment.” And everyone knew that Miss Jin was the only daughter of Mr. Jin of Jin Corp—who probably owned half of the 101 building.

I almost laughed but didn’t have enough breath. My front door chimed at the same time. “Jason? It’s Daiyu. We met last night?”

“Of course.” I cleared my throat. “Come in.”

My front door unbolted at my voice command, and Daiyu entered, shutting the door noiselessly behind her. I imagined seeing my apartment through her eyes for the first time. It was a study in glass, antique woods, and metals. My king-size bed was set to face the wall of glass and views of Taipei, its low platform and headboard crafted from titanium. Victor had purchased two antique curved-back chairs, beautifully carved, with a square titanium tea table nestled between them. A round glass table with two red brocade side chairs served as my dining table and desk.

“Jason?”