“Sir,” Alex says, stern. “Now who’s nervous?”
Mahiro stops, then chuckles. “You’re right. I just want you to enjoy yourself tonight. We’ll be fine. Okay?” The elevator slows, then stops, and the doors slide open into a small vestibule.
Alex takes a deep breath. “Okay. It’s time to sparkle.”
Mahiro smiles, rolls his eyes, and presses the buzzer. The door swings open, revealing a tall, dark-haired man with a wide, overly white smile.
“Mahiro!” he says, and Alex can see Mahiro flinch slightly. “Malcom will be happy you’re here!” He turns his attention to Alex, and Alex stands quietly under the scrutiny, waiting for some sort of cue from Mahiro. “Well, well. Who’s this?” the man says and positively leers. Alex keeps his shudder to himself.
“This is Alex, Dylan. Alex, this is Dylan, one of
