"You brought the bribes," Chris said, trying to sound unimpressed and failing.
Dax didn't answer right away. He let his gaze slide past Chris, the tablet, the pencil, and the scattered layouts, landing on the two men who were still standing there as if they had any right to see what happened next.
Sahir straightened slightly, already sensing it.
Killian didn't change his expression at all, but his eyes sharpened in that resigned way that meant he understood exactly what kind of room he'd walked into and exactly how quickly he was about to be removed from it.
Dax's voice was mild.
"Leave."
It was simply a king's order declaring that the room belonged to his mate.
Sahir inclined his head, diplomacy wrapped around obedience like silk. "Of course, Your Majesty."
Killian nodded once. "Sire."
Chris didn't argue. He didn't even pretend he wanted them to stay. He just watched them go with the calm satisfaction of a man about to get what he'd actually been waiting for.
