61

Vivian's POV

I swallowed my questions and forced a smile. “Well, I’m glad you left… to spend time with Leonora.”

Dorian snorted. “Nice segue. Very subtle.”

“Fine, I’ll be direct.” I sank into the chair across from him. “What the hell happened with Leonora today? She was furious when she came back.”

“I was the one who was furious,” he muttered through clenched teeth. “She threw a fit because I wouldn’t let her run off and get herself hurt.”

“She tried to run away?”

The thought sent a chill through me. When Leonora first arrived, I had feared she might, but lately, I’d let myself believe that danger had passed. Maybe it was because Dorian had agreed to let her stay. Maybe it was because we were friends—or at least, I thought we were.

“That’s what I assumed when she said she was going to the bathroom and didn’t come back for fifteen minutes. I went to check, and the bathroom was empty. She was gone. So was our waiter.” His lip curled in disgust. “Then I overheard two cooks talking about some guy named Trey and ‘the fine piece of ass’ he was hooking up with in the alley.”

I dropped my face into my hands. “She didn’t.”

“She didn’t. But she would have,” he growled. “I got there in time. The skinny bastard had his hand up her shirt when I pulled him off.”

My stomach twisted. “What did you do to him?”

“He’s still breathing, if that’s what you’re asking.” Amusement flickered in his eyes, despite his scowl. “But whether he keeps his dick depends on it never being within fifty feet of my sister again.”

I let out a short, relieved laugh. “Good for you.”

“Leonora didn’t think so.”

“Of course she didn’t.” I shook my head. “She’s probably pissed you embarrassed her in front of some boy she liked. Someday, she’ll realize that guy was a creep and thank you. Trust me.”

“Maybe, but that day sure as hell won’t be today. Or anytime soon.” Dorian leaned forward, bracing his elbows on the desk. “Leonora has no clue about the danger she’s in.”

I hesitated before biting my lip. “Have you told her? It’s hard to be afraid of something you don’t understand.”

His eyes snapped to mine, sharp and unwavering. I forced myself to hold his gaze.

“I know you’re trying to protect me by keeping me in the dark,” I admitted, “but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to follow rules blindly. Humans are curious by nature.”

“She can help it,” he said, his voice turning cold. “Leonora was born into this world. She knows the risks. When I give her an order, she’s supposed to follow it. No questions asked.” He drummed his fingers on the desk. “I need to be tougher on her.”

“Good luck with that,” I muttered.

Dorian shot me a glare, and I raised my hands in surrender. “Look, maybe it was different for you since you’re some special breed of human, but most teenagers rebel against authority. Usually in the most annoying way possible. Tell them to ‘jump,’ and they’ll ask, ‘Why?’ or ‘Can I do it later?’ Leonora isn’t going to listen just because she should. If she obeys, it’ll be because she trusts and loves you.”

“Trust and love. The two easiest things to earn and control.” His voice was flat, but something unreadable flickered beneath the sarcasm.

I sighed. “It’s hard, but not impossible. Try spending more time with her. I know you’re busy, but—”

“Oh, because today went so well?” he cut in.

“It’ll take effort,” I said. “You’ve been apart for a long time. It’s going to be awkward at first, but I can tell Leonora wants to know you. She’s just afraid of getting hurt again. The only way to build trust is to show up, be there, talk to her.”

He stared at me for so long my skin started to heat.

“Funny,” he murmured. “That’s exactly what Leonora said about you and me.”

I frowned. “What?”

“Today’s main topic was her trying to convince me to let you leave the house. Any idea where she got that notion?”

“I never said anything like that to her,” I insisted. “I swear, I haven’t complained. She was the one who gave me her phone to call Gemma. All I said was that it had been a week since I talked to her. Leonora came up with the idea herself.”

Dorian ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not surprised. My sister’s always been determined. Once she gets something in her head, she won’t stop until she gets her way. Right now, making sure you’re treated well is her mission.”

I ducked my head. “I’ll talk to her. I’ll make sure she knows I’m fine here and—”

“You and I are going on a date. Tonight.”

I snapped my mouth shut, staring at him.

“Somewhere… intimate,” he added, his voice laced with sarcasm. “I can bring extra security, but no one would be stupid enough to try anything with me around. They know they wouldn’t survive it.”

Dorian and I had already done more than just date. I slept in his bed. We shared soap. But somehow, this felt different.

It wasn’t.

This was for Leonora. Not for me.

But no matter how much I reminded myself, I couldn’t convince my racing heart of that.

I swallowed hard and forced a smile. “I can’t wait.”