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I snort. “Please. You’re the one who just gave me a speech about how dating me could destroy your career and start a family war.”

“I said it could be complicated.”

“You made it sound like we’re planning a coup.”

“With your family?” His thumb brushes my cheek. “It might be easier to plan a coup.”

I laugh, but it fades quickly.

My fingers close around his wrist before he can pull his hand away.

“Tristan.”

His eyes meet mine.

“Don’t make me regret coming here with you.” The words come out quieter than I intend. More exposed. “Don’t make this another night that feels real until you decide it isn’t.”

His eyes soften, and there’s no hesitation in them now.

“I won’t,” he says.

“You can’t just say that.”

“I know.” He shifts closer. “So I’ll show you.”

My throat tightens.

“No disappearing,” I say.

“No disappearing.”

“No shutting me out because you think you’re protecting me.”

“I’ll try.”

“Not good enough.”

A faint smile touches his mouth. “I won’t shut you out.”

I search his face for the lie I’m used to finding.

I don’t find one.

“Okay,” I whisper.

“Okay?”

“Okay.”

He kisses me then.

Not hungry this time. Not desperate. Just warm and steady, his mouth moving over mine like a promise he intends to keep.

Chapter 26

MAKSIM

Three months later;