It’s already locked on the man standing in front of me, the heat of him crawling down my spine like instinct.
He pauses just inside the doorway, eyes scanning the room like he’s calculating exit strategies.
Smart.
Useless,but smart.
The guard who brought him in nods once and steps out without a word, the heavy door shutting behind him with athud.
“Leave us,” I say, still not looking up.
Enzo glances at me. “Boss?”
I raise my head just enough to meet his eyes.
One look.
That’s all it takes.
He nods. Luca lingers half a second too long, casting a glance toward Julian like he’s tempted to say something stupid. He doesn’t.
He knows better.
The two of them step out, and the silence falls like a blade.
Now it’s just us.
Finally, I look up.
Julian stands in the center of the room, arms crossed, chin lifted, like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
“You’re late,” I mutter.
He shrugs it off like it’s nothing. “Your guy walks like he’s on life support.”
I ignore him, circling the table until I’m standing right in front of him.
He doesn’t back up. But his body’s telling the truth his mouth won’t; every muscle tight, jaw locked like he’s debating between swinging or bolting.
“Sleep well?” I ask.
He scowls. “Cut the shit.”
I smirk. “Suit yourself.”
Then I gesture to the chair opposite mine. “Sit.”
He doesn’t move at first. Just watches me like he’s trying to figure out what I’m about to do next.
I drop my voice.
“That wasn’t a suggestion.”
A beat passes. Two. Then finally, he moves.
He sits like he’s being called to the stand. Back straight, hands clasped. Composed, but not relaxed.Neverrelaxed.
I take the seat across from him, silent for a moment.
