Olivia's POV
I watched the Luciano triplets walk away, their broad shoulders stiff with tension. The sight of Lennox's retreating form, blood dripping from his clenched fist, sent an unexpected pang through my chest.
*Did I go too far?* The thought flashed through my mind before I could stop it.
My wolf, usually vocal with her opinions, remained oddly silent. Her absence in my mental space felt like another wound—one I hadn't anticipated.
"Perfect," Damien's voice slid into my ear, interrupting my thoughts. His arm tightened around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. "You played your part beautifully."
I forced myself to smile, though my lips still tingled from his kiss. A kiss that had been for show, yet had stirred something unexpected within me. Something that confused and unsettled me.
"There are council members watching," Damien reminded me, his breath hot against my neck. "Keep smiling."
