(Quinn's perspective)
Ethan's voice sliced through the charged air. "Luca!" His tone was sharp, like a blade cutting through the chaos. Luca looked away from me, cursing under his breath.
"What the hell do you mean, he's here?" Luca demanded, pulling Ethan in and shutting the door behind him. Ethan's golden eyes flicked between us, lingering a little too long on my messy hair and Luca's half-torn shirt. I felt heat rise to my face, but there was no time for embarrassment.
Ethan's smirk barely held back his amusement. "Cale. Downstairs. Looking for her."
My stomach dropped. "Oh no," I breathed, pacing like a trapped animal. "I—I didn't think he'd—"
"You didn't think at all," Luca snapped, raking his fingers through his hair. "Damn it, Quinn! Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?"
"It wasn't my fault!" I shot back, my chest tightening. "The meeting went long, and then—"
"And then you let me kiss you," Luca interrupted, his eyes blazing with accusation.
I flinched at the raw truth of it but didn't back down. "Excuse me? You're blaming this on me? Wasn't it you who hauled me upstairs like some dimwit, throwing your dominance around like it was a damn title belt? And now you have the nerve to say it's my fault?"
Luca's eyes narrowed, a dangerous smile tugging at his lips. He looked like the mischievous teenager I remembered—the one who thought rules were made for breaking. I scowled, planting my hands on my hips.
"Focus, children," Ethan cut in dryly, leaning against the doorframe. "And maybe lower the volume? Cale's downstairs pacing like a rabid wolf. What's the plan here? Or are we just hoping he doesn't rip someone's throat out?"
Luca growled, but Ethan held up his hands in mock surrender.
"Fine, fine. No jokes. But seriously, what's the move?"
Luca turned to me, his jaw tight. "Firstly, we are in a soundproof room so let's discuss the plan. We stick to the story. You were meeting Alexander. It ran late. End of discussion."
"And if he doesn't believe it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"It's the truth, isn't it?" Luca's voice was dark. "I'll make him believe it."
Ethan snorted. "Oh great, because the last time you and Cale had a 'discussion,' it went so well."
"Shut up," Luca growled.
I stepped forward, cutting in before they could argue further. "No," I said firmly. "I'll handle him. He's here for me, not you."
"Quinn—"
"No," I interrupted, my voice steel. "If you go charging in there with your alpha attitude, it'll only make things worse. Let me talk to him."
Luca's jaw clenched, but he didn't argue.
"Fine. But if he so much as looks at you the wrong way—"
"You'll what?" I challenged, arching an eyebrow.
Ethan laughed under his breath. "Oh, this is going to be fun."
"Shut up, Ethan," Luca and I said in unison.
"Okay, okay," Ethan said, pushing off the doorframe. "But seriously, get your act together. He's not exactly known for his patience."
Taking a deep breath, I followed Ethan down the hall, Luca a tense shadow behind me. The closer we got to the stairs, the heavier the air felt. Every step made my pulse race.
Cale stood in the foyer, his back to us. His posture was as controlled as ever, but there was a razor-sharp edge to it that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
"Quinn," he said without turning around. "You're late."
I forced a smile, keeping my chin high. "Sorry. The meeting ran longer than expected. It couldn't be helped."
"Hmm." Cale finally turned, icy blue eyes locking onto mine. "This meeting happened upstairs?"
I swallowed hard but kept my expression neutral. "Yes. Alexander prefers a more intimate setting."
Cale's eyes glinted with something dangerous. "Uh-huh. And Alexander? Did he have anything worthwhile to say?"
"Plenty," I said evenly. "He's agreed to consider the alliance but has reservations about the arranged marriages."
Cale's lips curled into a cold smile. "Consider. How generous of him. He's probably fucking them all anyway."
Heat crept up my neck, but I held my ground. Luca stood tense and silent behind me, while Ethan leaned casually against the banister, though his sharp eyes betrayed his relaxed stance.
"And you?" Cale's gaze shifted to Luca. "What part did you play in this little meeting?"
"Cale, your Luna might accept your interrogation, but I sure as hell won't," Luca said smoothly, though anger simmered beneath his tone.
"Luca!" I snapped through our connection. When he side-eyed me, I glared at him until he sighed in resignation.
"Alexander isn't the type to negotiate easily," Luca said grudgingly. "And he's not famous for keeping his hands to himself. That's why I suggested the meeting here—to ensure her safety."
"How noble," Cale drawled. "But unnecessary. Quinn is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Aren't you, my darling?"
The possessiveness in his voice made my stomach churn. "Of course," I said quickly, forcing another smile.
Cale stepped closer, his gaze flicking between me and Luca. "Then why do I sense tension in the air? Has something... interesting happened during my absence?"
"No," I said too quickly.
His eyes darkened, and he reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture was almost tender but sent a shiver down my spine.
"You wouldn't lie to me, would you, Quinn?" he asked softly, his fingers lingering against my cheek.
"Of course not," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
Cale's gaze lingered before he straightened, his expression calm once more. "Good. Then let's go home."
Relief flooded through me as he turned toward the door—but it was short-lived.
"Oh, and Luca," Cale said, pausing in the doorway. "Thank you for keeping her safe. I trust there won't be any... misunderstandings in the future."
Luca's eyes blazed, but he stayed silent, his fists clenched at his sides.
Cale smirked, clearly satisfied, and held out his hand to me. I hesitated, glancing back at Luca one last time. His jaw was tight, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my chest ache.
"Quinn," Cale commanded.
I forced myself to take his hand, the weight of Luca's gaze following me as we stepped outside. As we reached his car, Cale suddenly stopped, his grip on my hand tightening.
Before I could react, he spun me around and crushed his lips to mine. The kiss was rough, possessive, leaving no room for protest. My mind reeled, my body frozen in shock.
When he finally pulled away, his gaze was triumphant, his smirk taunting. "You're mine, Quinn," he said softly, steel lacing his voice.
Behind us, the front door slammed open. Luca stood on the threshold, chest heaving, eyes glowing with barely restrained fury.
Cale's smirk widened as he opened the car door for me. "Shall we?"