But I couldn't refuse. Couldn't show any hesitation.
"Of course. Whatever you think is best. I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend more time in your presence before the wedding."
I was going to hell for all these lies. Straight to the deepest pit where the worst sinners went.
"Excellent. We'll make the transition on Monday. That gives you the weekend to prepare." He finally stepped back, releasing me from his oppressive proximity. "You may go now. Get some rest. Tomorrow we'll begin discussing wedding details."
I stood on shaking legs. Managed to walk to the door without stumbling.
"Thank you for your time, Don Salvatore. Have a pleasant evening."
I walked out. Made it down the hallway. Around the corner.
Then I ran.
Found Kai in the garden, standing by the fountain, staring at nothing. The moonlight caught the tension in his shoulders, the rigid set of his jaw.
He turned when he heard my footsteps. Saw my face. His expression hardened.
"What did he say?"
"I have to move to his wing next week. Monday. He wants me in the suite next to his so we can 'become better acquainted' before the wedding." The words tumbled out fast. Panicked. "And the wedding is in five weeks. Five weeks, Kai. That's all the time we have left."
He started pacing. Fists clenched. Every line of his body radiating barely controlled fury.
"Five weeks isn't enough. I need more time. Father Benedetto needs more evidence. The Council won't move without ironclad proof and we're still gathering—"
"What do we do now?" I wrapped my arms around myself. Tried to hold the pieces together. "How do we keep doing this when I'm living in his wing? When he's going to be watching me constantly?"
Kai stopped pacing. Faced me fully. His hands reached out like he wanted to touch me, then dropped back to his sides.
We couldn't touch. Couldn't risk it. Not here where anyone could see.
"We keep playing our parts. Be perfect. No mistakes. No almost getting caught. No risks." His voice was tight. Controlled. "You go to his wing. You smile and play the obedient bride. And we find moments when we can. Carefully. Quietly."
"I don't know if I can do this." My voice cracked. "Pretend to want him when all I want is you."
"You can. You're stronger than you think." He took half a step closer. Not close enough to touch. Just close enough that I could feel his presence. "We survive this. Together. And when I have enough evidence, when the Council moves, we'll be free. Both of us."
"And if the wedding happens before then?"
His jaw clenched. "It won't. I won't let it."
I wanted to believe him. Wanted to have faith that somehow, impossibly, he'd save us.
But five weeks felt like forever and no time at all simultaneously.
That night, I lay in my own bed, staring at the ceiling, missing Kai with an intensity that made breathing difficult.
Too risky to go to his room. Too dangerous with Salvatore back. We couldn't afford any mistakes.
So I stayed in my bed. Alone. Aching.
At 3am, a soft knock on my door made me bolt upright.
I opened it a crack. Kai stood there, hair messed, wearing only sweatpants, expression desperate.
He slipped inside before I could speak. Locked the door behind him.
