"That settles it then," Lucius announced, clasping his hands together, his voice laced with calm finality. His smile was small, but unmistakably satisfied—like a man who believed he'd just successfully extinguished the quiet sparks before a fire.
'He seems pleased with himself,' Florian thought, lowering his arms from where they'd been crossed tightly across his chest.
Still, he had to give Lucius some credit.
Had it been anyone else, especially Heinz, Florian would have continued arguing. He wasn't going to sit by and let himself be dangled like bait again—not after everything.
But Lucius…
Lucius was loyal to Heinz, yes, but he had also been discreetly protective of Florian.
Subtle with his warnings. Soft with his concern. And with Florian's current fragile position, Lucius was one of the few he trusted to speak up if danger crept near.
Still, that suggestion of his—inviting his family...
Florian hadn't been on board. Not at all.
