The elevator was as silent as a graveyard.
Amani held the ropes of her robe tightly, her breath ragged — but she steadied it. The last thing she could afford was to let the Cross brothers see fear. Weakness was something they fed on, and she'd starve them before giving them the satisfaction.
Sebastian leaned against the mirrored wall, arms crossed, his gaze flicking between his brother and Amani. The tension between them could've cracked the metal in the walls. And if there was one thing Sebastian hated, it was awkward silences.
Damien tapped his fingers against his thigh, his jaw clenched, his face a storm of rage, confusion — and something else he couldn't name.
"Well," Sebastian muttered. "This isn't awkward at all."
In an instant, something snapped in Damien. He turned to Amani, eyes dark, voice sharp.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" he snarled, closing the space between them.
"Whoa, easy." Sebastian pushed off the wall, catching Damien by the coat. "Calm down."
