“So modest,” Nico says with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Dom says you’re brilliant. A natural problem-solver.”

I glance at Dom, but he’s staring at his wine glass like it’s the only thing that exists in the world.

“Did he also tell you about our Vegas wedding?” I ask, attempting humor. “Not my finest problem-solving moment.”

Nico laughs, a sound that grates on my nerves. “Oh, no. He didn’t have to. I saw it all over the news. Though...” He gives Dom a conspiratorial glance. “I understand it won’t be a problem much longer?”

My smile freezes. “Excuse me?”

“The annulment,” Nico says casually, taking a sip of wine. “Tomorrow, isn’t it?”

I feel a chill run through me. “Yes,” I say slowly. “That was the plan. Dom... told you, I guess.”

“Wasthe plan?” Nico raises an eyebrow, looking between Dom and me. “Has something changed?”

Tell him, Dom. Tell him we need to talk about it. Tell him you’ve felt it too, whatever this thing is between us. Tell him to just leave me alone.

But Dom says nothing. Just takes a long swallow of his wine.

Nico leans forward, eyes gleaming. “You know, Dom and I have been discussing your future. Haven’t we, brother?”

Dom’s knuckles turn white around his glass. “Nico—”

“He mentioned you’ve been quite an asset. That it would be a shame to lose your... talents... after the annulment.”

Something about the way he says “talents” makes my skin crawl.

“I’m not sure I understand,” I say, managing the sweetest smile I can muster.

“Oh, it’s simple.” Nico grins. “Dom agreed that once your arrangement ends, perhaps you and I could get to know each other better.”

The world stops spinning.

“What?” The word feels ripped from my throat.

“Didn’t he mention it?” Nico glances at Dom, who sits rigid beside me. “We’ve discussed it several times. I suggested it, and he agreed. Said he’d arrange this dinner so we could meet properly.”

I turn to Dom, waiting for him to deny it. To tell his brother to go to hell. To explain that this is some kind of sick joke.

But what I see in his eyes confirms everything. Guilt. Shame. And worst of all, resignation.

“Dom?” My voice is barely a whisper.

“Tatiana, I—” He stops, swallows. “It’s not—”

“Not what?” I demand, my voice rising. “Not what it sounds like? Because it sounds like you promised me to your brother like I’m some kind of... prize to be... passed on.Traded.”

Nico sits back, clearly enjoying the show. “Now, now. That’s not quite how I’d put it. I simply expressed interest, and Dom saw no reason why we couldn’t explore the possibility. After all, your contract with him ends tomorrow. Right?”

But I merely shake my head and give Dom an accusing look. “I can’t believe you told him about us.”

Dom finally meets my eyes. “I had to. He’s my brother.”

“Oh I see. Because he’s your brother, that gives you the right to discuss me like I’m some business asset. To be transferred? Traded. Fucked. Because that’s what brother do, right?”

“You don’t understand—”

“Then explain it to me, Dom. Explain why you would bring me here, under false pretenses, to meet the brother you’ve been keeping secrets about for weeks. The same brother you suddenly think I should ‘get to know better’ once our marriage ends.”