"So, everyone stop complaining," he says. "Let's get ready for my wedding."
He leaves without waiting for a reply.
Adrian stands frozen, staring at the closed door.
Then he explodes.
"Fuck this."
He storms toward the door, yanking it open so hard it slams against the wall.
Matei exhales slowly, shaking his head.
"Lucian's making a mistake," he says quietly.
"Maybe," I say. "But it's his to make."
Matei looks at me.
"You really believe that?"
I don't answer.
Matei pushes off the table, adjusting his jacket.
"I need to make sure Adrian doesn't do something stupid."
He walks out without another word, leaving me alone in the room with Danika.
The quiet settles over us, and I turn toward her.
She's leaning against the mahogany paneling near the window, her arms crossed. Her blue eyes lift to mine.
"I'll never fully understand this world we live in,” she says. “Even after all I've done."
I step toward her.
"Neither will I," I say.
My hands find her waist, gripping her firmly, possessively.
"But whatever it is, you're in it," I say, my voice low. "And that's all that matters."
I lean down and kiss her.
Her lips are soft, and she sighs against my mouth, her hands sliding up my chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt.
The kiss deepens, and for a brief, welcome moment, everything else fades.
When I pull back, she's looking up at me.
"So, I'd assume you know her?" I ask. "Natasha."
A slow, warning smile spreads across her lips.
"I do."
I raise an eyebrow.
