(Lena’s POV)

For a heartbeat, no one spoke. The tension was almost physical, like the air itself had solidified between the three of us. Patrick’s grin wavered, but he didn’t back away. He adjusted his cufflink with calculated ease, the faint click of metal echoing in the stillness.

Damian didn’t move either. His posture was immaculate, hands at his sides, every line of his body taut with quiet control. Only his eyes betrayed the pressure beneath, sharp and unblinking as they fixed on ...