The lobby is quiet at this hour, polished marble reflecting the soft golden lighting. Staff members keep their heads down as we cross the space.
When we step outside, the cold air hits us gently. Spring is on the horizon.
I glance at Elias. He looks lighter than he did in that boardroom.
“What do you want for dinner?” I ask casually.
He looks at me like I’ve just said something absurd.
“We just consolidated two families under your control,” he says. “You forced my father into submission.”
“And?”
“And you’re asking about dinner?”
“Yes.”
He shakes his head, smiling.
“You’re unbelievable.” He exhales softly, thinking.
“Thai,” he says finally. “The place on Third. The one with the ridiculous spice levels.”
“You can’t handle their highest level,” I reply.
He lifts his chin. “Watch me.”
I almost laugh.
“Fine,” I say. “But if you regret it, I’m not listening to complaints.”
“You’ll listen,” he says confidently.
“I won’t.”
“You will.”
I step closer to him on the sidewalk, lowering my voice slightly.
“Sweetheart,” I murmur.
His breath stutters. “Yes?”
“If you collapse because you ordered something you couldn’t handle, I will absolutely remind you of this moment.”
He grins. “You like reminding me of things.”
“Yes.”
I open the car door for him. As he slides inside, he looks up at me with that same fearless spark that made him raise a gun in a room full of bosses.
And I realize something simple.
The city may fear me.
The families may bend.
But the only opinion that steadies me now?—
