I catch his eye. Shake my head slightly. A clear signal.
Not now.
His jaw works. Clenches. But he redirects, the visible effort of controlling his impulse playing out across his face. "Now that we've appeased your uncle," he says to Luan, voice tight but controlled, "you need to be seen. Out. In public. Present a united front. Make the engagement believable. Disperse any rumors about your absence."
Lily immediately fidgets with her napkin again, fingers worrying the fabric.
I put my hand over hers without thinking. The gesture is automatic. Meant to steady. To ground. Her skin is warm and soft beneath mine.
But my eyes are on Erion. "Is that strictly necessary?"
"I think so." His voice firm. "Especially after tonight. People need to see Luan. See that he's strong. In control. That the Krasniqi clan isn't weakened."
Tonight. The Irish warehouse. The message we're sending written in fire and blood.
"We won't be able to pull it off," I say. Logic over emotion. Strategy over risk. "One thing is a video call in controlled lighting with limited exposure. Another is going out. Meeting people face to face. Too many variables we can't account for."
"I agree with Erion," Luan says.
I look at him. Surprise breaking through my usual control.
"I've been absent too long," he continues. "We go to Obsidian. After all, I own it. We go through the back door. Straight to the VIP section. Controlled environment. Limited exposure. I'm seen drinking, relaxed, engaged. Then we leave."
"You have a nightclub?" Lily asks. Her voice carries genuine surprise.
Luan's mouth curves. Something between amusement and secrecy. "One of many businesses."
"Lily needs to wear something scandalous," Erion says. His tone is teasing but his eyes are serious. "Make sure you're noticed."
Lily's eyes widen. "I don't think I have anything appropriate for that."
"Not a problem," Luan says. Dismissive. "After breakfast, one of my men can take you shopping. He'll make sure you get what you need."
"One of your men?" Lily's voice goes small. Worried. The implications sinking in.
"Just a precaution," Luan says. But we all know it's more than that.
"No need for that," Erion says, leaning forward slightly, invading space with deliberate intent. "I'll take her."
Jealousy hits me. Sharp enough that it takes effort to keep my face neutral.
The feeling is unwelcome and dangerous. A crack in the control I've maintained for years.
"We have important things to discuss," My voice comes out harder than I intend, edges showing through the professional mask. "That's why you're here."
"We can discuss the details later," Erion says. Dismissive. His attention already shifting to Lily. "What do you say? Fancy going on a shopping adventure?"
She blushes. Looks between us uncertainly, trying to read the undercurrents she can sense but doesn't understand.
And I realize I'm losing control.
Not of the situation. Not of the plan for tonight or the alliance or the careful structure we've built.
Of myself.
Of the careful distance I've maintained since the moment she walked into this apartment.
I can feel it. The shift. The destabilization. The erosion of the role I've occupied for so long. Protector. Second. The man who stands behind and makes sure everything holds together.
