The heavy glass doors shut out the suffocating tension of the ballroom, muffling the sudden explosion of nervous chatter inside. Out on the sweeping marble balcony, the night air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of rain and distant city smog. Below them, the glittering lights of the metropolis stretched out like a sea of diamonds, but Alejandro’s eyes were fixed entirely on Sarah. He stepped closer, his large frame shielding her from the wind. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and scanning her face for any hint of fear. "I'm perfectly fine, Andro," Sarah said, letting out a soft sigh as she walked over to the stone railing. She leaned against it, looking out at the skyline. "But you broke his wrist. In front of the entire high council. Tomorrow, the newspapers and the underground boards won't stop talking about it." "Let them talk," Alejandro snapped, his jaw tightening as he joined her at the railing. He stood so close their shoulders brushed, his dark eyes flashing with residual anger. "He dared to look at you like you were a prize to be bought. He dared to try and touch you. He’s lucky I didn't paint the ballroom floor with his blood." Sarah turned her head to look at him. Anyone else in the world would have shrunk away from the terrifying intensity in his eyes right now. But Sarah just smiled softly, a gentle, amused spark in her eyes. You really are a dramatic mafia king, aren't you?" she teased, her tone light and sassy. She reached out and tapped his chest right over his heart. "Calm down, genius. Your heart is beating like a drum. I told you, I can handle myself." Alejandro caught her hand, his hand completely engulfing hers. He didn't squeeze, but his hold was fiercely possessive. "Not against monsters like him, Sarah. You carry too much light for a place this dark. It's my job to keep that light safe. Always." Sarah’s heart did a strange, sudden flutter against her ribs. They had been best friends since they were children, back when Alejandro was just a quiet, brilliant boy hiding from the harsh demands of his father, and she was the only one who would sit with him in the gardens. He had always been protective, but lately, the air between them felt different. Thicker. More charged. Before she could analyze the feeling, the balcony doors clicked open. Alejandro’s right-hand man and head of security, Lucas, stepped out. Lucas looked calm, but his eyes were alert. He bowed his head respectfully to both of them. Boss," Lucas said quietly. "Viktor’s men have cleared out, but his father, Old Man Vance, is already on the phone. He’s furious about his son's wrist. He's demanding a meeting at the docks tomorrow morning to 'settle the disrespect.'" Alejandro didn't even turn around to look at Lucas. His eyes remained locked on Sarah, his thumb gently brushing over the back of her hand. "Tell Vance I will meet him," Alejandro said, his voice dropping into that terrifying, ice-cold register. "But tell him to bring his ledger. Because by tomorrow afternoon, I am absorbing his entire shipping territory as payment for his son’s mouth." Lucas smiled a small, lethal smile. "Understood, Boss. I'll make the arrangements." He glanced at Sarah with deep respect. "Miss Sarah, your car is ready out front whenever you wish to leave the gala." As Lucas stepped back inside, Sarah looked up at Alejandro, her calm demeanor returning, though a hint of worry crossed her face. "The docks? That sounds like a trap, Andro. Vance is old school, and he plays dirty." Alejandro let go of her hand, only to slide his arm securely around her waist, pulling her flush against his side as he began walking her toward the private Exit let him try," Alejandro murmured against her hair, his grip tightening as if reminding himself she was safe. "No one touches what belongs to me, Sarah. And you are the queen of my heart. I will burn anyone who forgets that."

Whispers on the Balcony