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She doesn’t.

“I’m sorry about what happened to your father.”

That makes me pause.

Really look at her.

She lifts a shoulder lightly. “If you’re part of the Bratva, nothing stays hidden. Everyone knows.”

Of course they do.

I exhale quietly. “Thanks.”

She nods once.

“So,” Elise says, leaning lightly against the edge of the table beside me, “how are you finding New York so far?”

I let out a small breath, glancing toward the crowd before answering.

“Loud,” I admit. “Too many people, too many opinions. I think I liked it better from a distance.”

She laughs at that—an easy, genuine sound.

“Fair. New York is…aggressive. It doesn’t really ask permission before it enters your life.”

I smile despite myself. “That explains a lot.”

Her lips curve. “You get used to it. Or it eats you alive. Depends on your personality.”

I tilt my head. “Which one are you?”

She places a hand over her chest dramatically. “Obviously, I’ve been eaten and resurrected several times.”

That makes me laugh—real laughter this time, unexpected enough that I don’t even try to hide it.

Elise grins.

“I don’t want to be eaten,” I say. “So I better pay attention.”

She scoffs playfully. “Honestly, you seem like you’re handling it better than most people would.”

I shrug slightly. “I don’t really have a choice.”

“Everyone has choices,” she replies. “They just don’t always like the consequences.”

That lands quieter between us.

I’m about to respond when a waiter passes by with drinks.

Without really thinking, I take one from the tray.

I bring it to my lips, taking a few slow sips as the conversation continues.

“I don’t think of consequences before making a decision,” I say finally, lowering the glass slightly. “Once I’m certain I’mmaking the right choice…the consequences can go to hell.” I glance at her. “Excuse my language.”

Elise blinks once, then laughs loudly.

“Oh my God,” she says, shaking her head. “I like you.”