"Both."
She's quiet for a moment before peering up at me. "Can I ask you something?"
"Will it be dirty?"
"Victor…"
I reach for her hand, clasping it with mine. "G'head. Shoot."
“I talked to Roman not too long. And about his wedding…” She hesitates, swallowing. "You're sure you want me there?"
I can feel myself frowning. "Why wouldn't I want you there?"
"Because it's—it's your best friend's wedding. You'll be a groomsman. It's a big deal. And bringing me means—" She sighs soundly. "It means we're really doing this. Publicly. In front of everyone you care about."
"Harper, I just told you I love you in a powder room while having sex with you at my company's investor gala. I think the 'publicly doing this' ship has sailed." I hold her hand closer. "Besides, Roman already wanted to confirm if we're coming. And I told him yes."
"You did?"
"Of course I did. Why wouldn't I?"
She looks up at me, gaze going glassy. "I just—I've never been someone's real girlfriend at a wedding before. My ex-husband Thomas never took me to weddings. Said they were 'boring obligations.'"
"Thomas can go fuck himself."
She laughs, a breathless sound. "Yes, he certainly can. But still. This feels…significant."
"It is significant." I pull her closer. "It means I'm bringing the woman I'm crazy about to watch my best friend get married. It means not being the miserable bastard I've been these last couple of years. It means?—"
My phone buzzes, and I ignore it.
Until it buzzes again.
"You should check that," Harper says.
"It's probably Roman being obnoxious and making more sex jokes."
"Still."
I pull out my phone and my body instantly stiffens when I see the sender.
PATRICIA FRANKLIN: Victor, I need to speak with you privately. It's urgent. I'm on the terrace.
"Everything okay?" Harper asks.
"Not sure." My jaw pulses. "It's Patricia Franklin. Apparently, she needs to talk. Now."
I can feel Harper's hand—the one still in mine—shaking. "Should I come with you?"
"No. Stay here. I'll handle it."
"Maybe if?—"
"I'll be fine. Just…stay here. Keep charming investors. I'll be back in five minutes."
I kiss her forehead and head toward the terrace doors.
The temperature drop is immediate and brutal.
