“Edwardo doesn’t need to threaten anyone,” I continued. “He just needs to be there. Dunn will understand the implication.”
Adriana pursed her lips. “This makes sense. Our other option is to disappear, but it confirms guilt.”
“If you stay,” I said, “with Edwardo there, Dunn’s narrative gets complicated.”
The wind cut across the balcony. Mila’s breathing steadied, her chest rising evenly as she pulled herself back together. The tension didn’t disappear, but she locked it down fast.
“If he moves in with you,” I strategized, “even temporarily, Dunn won’t touch you. Not directly.”
“And you?” Mila asked.
“I don’t need protection.” I met her gaze steadily. “I need you visible. I need us together.”
Mila looked between us.
“No running,” I whispered.
Her throat moved.
“Stay visible,” Adriana said.
“Stay together,” I finished.
“And gather proof.” No longer shaky from panic, Mila’s voice had hardened, sounding resolved.
I stepped closer, lowering my forehead to hers. The town blurred behind her. “They think this scares me,” I growled softly. “It doesn’t.”
“It should,” she whispered.
“It doesn’t.” Fear was manageable. Losing her wasn’t.
Inside, through the glass, I saw Dunn reposition near the bar. Watching. Waiting to see which direction we took. I shoved the documents back into the envelope. “They forgot something.”
Mila’s brows knit slightly. “What?”
“They forgot I don’t back down.”
Adriana exhaled once before nodding. “I’ll call Edwardo tonight. Lay it out. If he’s willing, he can decide whether to speak to his brother.”
That was the only way it could work.
Mila looked at me carefully. “You’re sure about all this?”
“No,” I admitted.
Her lips parted slightly.
“But I’m certain of one thing.”
“What?”
“Of you.” I brushed my thumb over her jaw, grounding myself in the feel of her. “And that they’re attempting to make this public, which means our counter will be as well.”
Below us, traffic flowed steady and indifferent. Inside, the gala glittered like nothing had shifted. But it had. War had been declared in silk and crystal. “And they forgot”—I held her gaze—“you’re not theirs to corner.”
Her breath trembled. “And you’re not theirs to control.”
I took her hand. “Let them circle.” Inside, Dunn’s gaze locked on mine through the glass. I didn’t look away. “We’re not prey.”