"I know exactly what you want, Ozai," Bruce said. "So get straight to the point. Let's get this over with."
The words hit Ozai like a slap.
His pride screamed, but the terror buried in his bones screamed louder.
Ozai forced himself not to flinch.
This was the first time someone outside the Thorne family had ever spoken to him with that tone. Anyone else would have lost their head for less.
But Bruce? Bruce wasn't "anyone else."
Bruce Ackerman was the nightmare Ozai was praying wouldn't haunt him for the rest of his life.
Ozai coughed lightly, masking the sting to what remained of his dignity.
"This... matter is a bit sensitive," he said quietly, leaning in just slightly. "Can I speak with you in private?"
His eyes flicked to Sophie.
And he nearly died of shame on the spot.
Because if Sophie, calm, divine, breathtaking Sophie, heard what he was about to ask...
He might never recover from the humiliation.
His family name might never recover.
