“Men can feel complicated too,” I argued weakly.
Ezra laughed softly under her breath. Not mocking. Just amused.
“Yes,” she admitted. “But men usuallyshowit. Women weaponize it.”
That sentence settled heavily in my chest. Then suddenly her eyes drifted over me slowly, thoughtfully.
“If I thought you were weak,” she said quietly, “you wouldn’t concern me.”
Her gaze dropped deliberately toward the pile of emptied glasses between us. “And by now you should understand how much I hate wasted potential.”
Heat crawled up my face despite the fear and alcohol still tangled together inside me.
“You’re observant,” Ezra continued. “Capable. Emotionally intelligent without becoming naive.” The words hit harder than compliments should’ve. “You understand how ugly the world can be…”
Her voice softened almost imperceptibly. “And somehow you still haven’t let it hollow you out completely.”
Something tight twisted painfully in my chest.
“That,” she finished calmly, “is why I both like you and keep my eye on you, Olivia Savin.”
A loud commotion suddenly exploded near the front entrance of the club. People scattered aside immediately and Ezra sighed into her drink with clear amusement.
“Ah,” she murmured. “Looks like your two black knights finally figured out they’ve been manipulated.”
I turned toward the entrance just in time to see Calix and Rack shoving through the crowd looking absolutely frantic.
And strangely enough…Part of me was disappointed the conversation was ending.
Because somewhere between the threats and psychological warfare, Ezra had actually started letting me see her.
“Welcome to the family, Olivia.” I looked back sharply. Ezra’s hand rested outstretched across the table toward me and I grabbed it immediately. Her grip was cool and firm.
“I look forward to working with you,” she said smoothly, “with or without my brother present.”
I stared at her for a second before the question slipped out automatically.
“So…” I blinked slowly. “I passed?”
Ezra barked out a genuine laugh this time. Loud enough Nova and Aniyah both looked over immediately in shock and she squeezed my hand once before releasing it.
“Yes, Olivia.”
Her eyes sparkled faintly with something warmer now. Something dangerously similar to the humor Calix carried.
“You passed with flying colors.” Then her smile sharpened proudly. “And I’m very pleased my brother found such a formidable mate.”
Warmth exploded through my chest so suddenly I nearly swayed in my seat. I grinned so hard my cheeks hurt. I did it. I survived the terrifying sisters.
“Olivia!” Calix’s voice cut through the club sharply as he rushed toward me. The second his eyes landed on Ezra, his expression darkened instantly.
“Was this really necessary?” he demanded.
Ezra lifted her glass calmly without a shred of guilt. Her lips twitched against the rim.“Yes, it absolutely was.”
Calix let out a low growl the second he reached the booth, one hand dragging through his hair while Rack stopped beside him with his arms folded tightly across his chest.
Neither of them looked happy. I, however, felt fantastic.
