AUTHOR’S POV
Lev opened his mouth, but nothing came out at first, only a fractured exhale as it hit him then, with a cold jolt that he had admitted his hatred for Nik aloud.
He hadn’t meant to. He hadn’t even registered the words until they tore themselves free. His father waited, and Lev swallowed, his throat tight. “He’s… he’s a chance taker,” he managed, the words clumsy as they stumbled out.
“He’s only with Iva because of who she is. He's an opportunist.” His voice sharpened. “He exploited her vulnerability. He saw a girl who didn’t have anyone… and he latched on.”
His father exhaled slowly, shoulders easing in a way that didn’t match Lev’s fury at all. The older man paused for a moment, choosing his next words with care, and Lev turned to leave, desperate to end the conversation
