Right?
I think about Gemma in our bedroom. The way she looked after the false positive. Broken. Shattered. Barely holding on.
I think about what this will do to her.
Then I think about the seven captains who voted against me. About Alexei's knowing smile. About the marriage contract that could destroy everything Antonio built.
Family first. Always family first.
Even if it means sacrificing her.
I walk out of the study, down the hall. Past our bedroom. I don't go in. Can't look at her. If I see her face, I might not be able to do this.
Emmanuel is waiting with the car.
"The Nero mansion," I tell him.
He doesn't question it. Just drives.
I stare out the window, watching the city pass. It's late. Past midnight. But Adrian will see me. This kind of conversation doesn't wait for morning.
My phone buzzes. Gemma.
Are you coming to bed?
I don't respond. What would I say?
Not tonight. I'm betraying you to your brother. Sleep well.
I pocket the phone.
The Nero mansion appears. Bigger than ours. More ostentatious. Adrian's ego made manifest in marble and gold.
Luc meets me at the door. "Saint. This is late for a visit."
"I need to see Adrian. Now."
Something in my voice makes him step aside. "He's in his study."
I know the way. I've been here before. For the wedding planning. For the negotiations. For all the political theater that led to me marrying Gemma.
I should have run then. Should have told Antonio to find another alliance. Should have?—
Too late for should haves.
Adrian's study door is open. He's at his desk, working. Always working. Like me. Like all of us who carry this weight.
"Saint." He looks up, surprised. "It's late."
"I need to talk to you. About Gemma."
His expression shifts. Hardens. "What about her? Is she sick?"
I close the door. Sit without being invited. This is going to be a long conversation.
"I've discovered something. About what she's been doing." I keep my voice level. Professional. "And you need to know before it blows up in both our faces."
"I'm listening."
