The crowd goes quiet.
My husband is nothing if not effective, and he’s always been able to command a room better than anyone I know.
“Thank you all most sincerely for joining us this evening to celebrate our new home. Sophie and I are absolutely delighted to have you all here with us.”
I shift slightly closer to him, trying to lose myself in the warmth of his words, but the weight of another gaze lingers somewhere past the crowd.
I already know who it is before I look.
Across the room, Kai’s eyes catch mine, and my breath stills in my throat.
“The move back to California has not been without its challenges. It is something we have long aspired to, and now we are beyond pleased to finally be here. There are many individuals to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for ensuring the transition has been as smooth as it has…”
Kai’s gaze is heavy—sharp, lingering just a second too long. I can’t tell if the tight expression is disappointment, judgment, or something worse. Something more dangerous.
My stomach clenches.
A flush rises to my cheeks, and for a moment, I feel exposed, as if Kai’s gaze has peeled back something carefully guarded.
What’s worse is the way part of me bristles at it.
I drag my eyes away, swallowing the knot tightening in my throat.
Julian’s voice hums next to me, light and full of warmth as he talks about our home, our future.
I chance another glance toward Kai. His eyes haven’t moved. That same trace of something unreadable dances behind his gaze, and it’s enough to make me look away again, biting the inside of my cheek.
Focus, Sophie.
I straighten my spine, grounding myself in his presence, letting his easy confidence wash over me. Whatever that was—whatever unspoken thing just passed between me and Kai—it doesn’t belong here.
Julian’s voice lifts, clear and steady.
“And of course,” Julian continues, “I would be remiss if I did not extend my heartfelt thanks to my oldest and dearest friend, Malakai Ravage. Kai, would you care to join us?”
Oldest and dearest friend…
It’s not like they’re enemies, but there’s still tension between them. I know Julian is just calling him that for show.
The crowd parts as Kai begins to move toward the stairs, but I don’t miss the faint quirk of his lips—like he knows exactly what’s going through my head. I quickly flick my gaze over the rest of his family—his four brothers and their partners.
They make a beautiful family.
My chest tightens, and suddenly I feel far too warm under the gaze of the entire room.
Fuck.
A few seconds later, Kai joins us on the stairs, and I feel my whole body stiffen in his presence, especially when his eyes find mine and he gives me an arrogant, knowing look.
Fuck him.
“A long time ago,” Julian continues, a lightness in his voice, “I was just a boy in search of a friend. I suspect many of you are familiar with the Ravage family name. Imagine my astonishment when Malakai Ravage himself decided that we should be friends. We were in sixth grade, and my family had just moved from London.”
Julian looks at Kai. Their relationship is still a bit icy in places, but ever since Kai came over to help me while I was in pain, he’s been friendlier to his old friend.
“Malakai, in his infinite wisdom, decided to assist with some of the more laborious tasks—patching walls, painting, carpentry… We would not be standing here tonight without the invaluable help of Malakai Ravage,” Julian finishes, lifting his champagne flute. “To Malakai.”
“To Malakai,” the crowd echoes.
