"I just want to know," Lucas said lightly, though his eyes were anything but light, "is Kaelo being punished because she questioned your order…" he leaned forward
"...or because she tied up your woman?"
The words hung in the air.
Adrian didn't answer immediately.
He sat behind his desk, the dim glow of the study lamps casting sharp shadows across his face, smoke from his cigarette curling lazily toward the ceiling. His fingers rested loosely against the arm of his chair, posture composed, expression unreadable.
When he finally spoke, his voice was flat.
"Raya is not my woman," Adrian said. "She's just Raya. The daughter of my debtor, Philip Calder and Seraphina's double."
Lucas arched a brow, a faint, knowing smile tugging at his lips.
"Let's say she's not your woman yet," he agreed easily, leaning back in his chair. " But that still doesn't answer the question Adrian."
He tilted his head slightly, studying Adrian like a puzzle he already half-understood.
