Page 128 of Desperate People

The tent is buzzing with the unmistakable energy of the Volkov clan.

A sea of familiar faces, laughter ringing out, the clink of glasses, and music weaving through the balmy Long Island evening air.

My family is here in full force.

My parents are holding court by the food table, looking every bit the power couple they are.

Mom’s cheeks are flushed with excitement as she chats animatedly with a group of aunts and uncles nearby, her hands gesturing like she’s telling a story she’s told a hundred times but never gets tired of.

Balor stands close beside me, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. His presence is steady, calm. Polite but commanding as he moves through the crowd with quiet confidence.

Still, I can’t shake the tight knot of nerves twisting in my stomach.

Just as I’m trying to settle myself, Mom breaks away from her circle and comes right over, wrapping me in a warm hug. The scent of her perfume—something soft and familiar—makes me feel a little safer.

She catches Balor’s attention too, and her eyes sparkle as she gushes over something I’d completely forgotten.

“Lucy, sweetheart, are you excited for tomorrow?” she asks, voice full of pride and barely contained enthusiasm.

Balor’s sharp gaze flicks between us.

“What’s tomorrow?” he asks smoothly, already sensing there’s something he’s missing.

“Oh, um, I forgot to mention it?—”

“You forgot?” Mom interrupts and gasps, her tone mock-chiding but affectionate.

She beams at Balor, clearly wanting to include him in the excitement.

“Balor, your stunning wife here is going to be photographed by Javier DeSoto! The famous photographer! I am so thrilled for you, honey.”

Her words fill the air, but beneath the surface, I catch the slight tightening of Balor’s jaw.

A flicker of something. Maybe tension? Possessiveness?

It passes through his eyes, but he doesn’t say anything yet.

“Photographed? What for?” Balor asks, voice low but direct.

Mom’s smile doesn’t waver.

“It’s for the charity calendar for Drew’s Place. Lucy is always willing to put her fame to good use, aren’t you, honey? And I mean, I’ve been after her to work with this man for years. Javier is a legend.”

I nod, biting the inside of my cheek.

My heart flutters, but so does that old familiar knot. Balor’s quiet for now, but I can feel the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

I want to reassure him that this isn’t about chasing limelight.

That it’s important to me.

That it’s about giving back.

But the words stick, and all I can do is squeeze his hand and hope he understands.

I blush, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“It’s no big deal, Mom. Just a photoshoot for charity.”

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