Page 78 of Sadistic

"She also mentioned something about the bachelor party. Your father wants to fly everyone to Monaco."

"Absolutely not." The last thing I need is my father's idea of a bachelor party—probably involving high-stakes gambling and women who aren't my future wife. "Something simple. Local."

"I'll handle it."

"Good man." I clap him on the shoulder. "And Mikhail? Make sure someone's watching the sister's apartment tonight. Discreetly."

"Planning to keep the bride out late?"

"Planning for all possibilities."

He smirks but doesn't make another comment.

Mikhail's been with me long enough to know when not to push.

I head home to prepare for dinner.

The transition from violence to romance should feel jarring, but it's just another day in my life.

Blood in the morning, beauty in the evening.

My phone rings as I'm showering.

Revna's name on the screen makes me answer, even if water and phones don’t mix.

"Am I interrupting?" she asks, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

"Never. How was class?"

"Boring. Constitutional law is kicking my ass." A pause. "Are we still on for tonight?"

"Unless you're canceling." The thought tightens my chest.

"No, I just... what should I wear?"

The question is so beautifully normal it makes me smile. "Whatever you're comfortable in."

"That's not helpful."

"Wear something red," I say, remembering how she looked in that sundress at fifteen. "I like you in red."

"Possessive bastard." But she's laughing.

"Your possessive bastard," I correct. "I'll pick you up at six."

"I'll be ready."

"Revna?" I say before she can hang up.

"Yeah?"

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too," she admits softly, then disconnects.

I stand under the spray thinking about how her laugh sounds different now.

Lighter, like maybe she's starting to accept this—us.

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