Bab 52: A Subtle Threat

Damien

I sit in my usual spot in the VIP section of Arcadia, nursing a glass of bourbon. The sharp, familiar burn does nothing to take the edge off. 

Tasha's sudden reappearance gnaws at me, bringing with it a thousand questions and no answers. There's no way she came here without a purpose. And whatever that purpose is, it can't be good.

The sound of footsteps pulls me from my thoughts, and I glance up as Alexei strides into the VIP section. He's back from a business trip abroad, looking tired but as sharp as ever, his usual relaxed demeanor replaced with the quiet focus that I know means he's ready for whatever I throw at him.

"Finally made it back, huh?" I greet, raising my glass in a half-hearted toast.

"Just touched down a few hours ago," he replies, settling into the seat across from me. He eyes my drink, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Looks like I've missed a lot."