Adrian’s POV
The door opened without a knock.
I didn’t need to look up to know it was Liam.
His footsteps were heavier than usual, too fast and sharp. Anger always announced itself on him before his mouth did. I closed the file I was reading, slow on purpose, letting the silence stretch until it irritated him.
He shut the door behind him.
“What do you want from me?” I said, leaning back slightly in my chair, studying him the way I’d learned to study opponents in court.
“You’re busy,” he said, not bothering to hide the accusation.
“I make time for important things,” I replied evenly. “This better qualify.”
His lips pressed together. Then he mentioned her name, “Nicole.”
Of course.
The name settled in my chest like a weight I hadn’t learned how to move yet.
I stood up calmly, circ
