ログインNikolai's POV I pushed open Rhett’s office door without knocking and found him standing at the window, arms crossed, staring out at the city like he could set it on fire with his mind. Declan was right behind me, laptop under one arm, coffee in the other hand, looking like he hadn’t slept since Killian and Colt left for London. “Three investors just sent withdrawal notices,” I said, dropping the printed emails on his desk. “They’re spooked by the Meridian loss. Want to pull their commitments before the next round closes.” Rhett turned slowly. His eyes were flat gold. “Names.” “Hargrave Group, Chen Capital, and the Meridian side-fund that was supposed to stay quiet.” I tapped the stack. “All citing ‘reputational risk’ after the news hit.” Declan set his coffee down. “It’s a domino. If one more jumps, the whole round could collapse.” Rhett picked up the emails, scanned them, then let them fall back to the desk. “Get them all on a call. Today. Every single one who’s wavering. We’r
Killian's POV I was halfway through a sandwich when my phone started vibrating so hard it walked itself off the desk. Unknown international number. I answered with mustard still on my fingers. “Killian Reed.” The voice on the other end belonged to Marcus, our London branch director, and he sounded like someone had kicked his dog and stolen his car. “Killian, the Meridian contract is gone. Signed with Adrian Wilder Corporation this morning. They undercut us by twelve percent and promised delivery six weeks early. The board over here is panicking.” I dropped the sandwich. “Repeat that.” “Adrian Wilder. They swooped in last night, wined and dined the client, and we just got the termination notice. It’s done.” I was already moving. “Stay calm. Do not talk to press. I’m on my way.” I hung up and sprinted down the hall, phone still in my hand. Rhett’s door was open. He was on a call, feet up on the desk, laughing about something with Declan on speaker. The second he saw my face th
Rhett's POV I leaned back in the conference chair and let out the loudest laugh I’d had in weeks. “Nikolai, please, for the love of everything holy, open the calendar and tell me what fresh hell today has in store.”Nikolai already had his tablet out, scrolling with one finger while sipping coffee like it was the only thing keeping him alive. He didn’t even look up. “Are you sure you want the full list?”Killian dropped his forehead to the table with a dramatic thud. “I’ll do it. Ten-thirty press conference about the annual celebration. Eleven-thirty shareholders update on the same budget. One o’clock interview with Forbes. Two-thirty security demo for the city council. Four o’clock budget reconciliation with accounting because someone approved a three-tier wolf cake the size of a car.”Colt raised his hand. “That was me. No regrets.”Nikolai snorted. “And remind me never, ever to throw another party the night before a full board day.”I wiped my eyes. “We said that last year.”“
Nikolai's POV I woke up to sunlight stabbing me straight in the eyeballs and the clock screaming 9:17 in angry red numbers. My mouth tasted like I had licked the bonfire pit. Killian was sprawled on his stomach next to me, one arm flung over my waist, snoring like a freight train. I shot upright. “Killian. Killian, wake the fuck up!” He groaned and tried to burrow deeper into the pillow. I grabbed his ankle and yanked. “The meeting is at ten! Get up!” He lifted his head, hair sticking out everywhere. “What year is it?” “Move!” I was already out of bed, hopping into yesterday’s jeans because they were closest. I threw a shirt at his face. “Shower later, dress now!” He sat up, blinking. “Coffee.” “Coffee after we survive this meeting!” I bolted out of the room still buttoning my shirt and hammered on Rhett’s door. No answer. I shoved it open. Empty bed, sheets thrown back. Bathroom door closed, shower running. “Rhett! We’re late! Ten minutes to get downtown!” The shower was
Rhett's POV I stood on the third stair so everyone could see me and raised my beer. The music cut off mid-song and the room went quiet fast. All those faces turned toward me, some grinning, some already tipsy, some holding plates of cake like they were afraid I’d confiscate them. I cleared my throat. “Okay. You animals shut up for five seconds, so here goes.” Laughter rippled through the room. “First, thank you for ignoring every single time I said I didn’t want a party. You were right. I needed this. Needed all of you in my house making noise and eating my food and glitter-bombing my ceiling.” I pointed at Colt. “Especially you, glitter terrorist.” Colt saluted with a cupcake. “Second,” I said, finding Declan in the front row, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and that soft smile he only gives me, “thank you for giving me the best gift I’ve ever gotten.” I tapped the pocket where his letter still sat. “I haven’t stopped carrying it since you handed it over. Read i
Killian's POV I slid up beside Rhett while he leaned against the kitchen counter nursing a fresh beer. Declan was across the room trying to look casual while refilling his drink, but every step was careful, thighs pressed together like he was still feeling Rhett hours later. I bumped Rhett’s shoulder. “So. Get your fill yet, birthday boy?” Rhett smirked into his bottle. “Completely.” “Yeah, I can tell.” I nodded toward Declan. “Kid’s walking like he's sitting on a fence post.” Rhett barked a laugh so loud half the room turned. “He’ll live.” “Poor baby,” I teased. “You broke him.” “Worth it,” Rhett said, eyes soft. “Totally worth it.” I grinned. “Good. Now go make your alpha speech or whatever before the pups start howling for attention. Some of us still haven’t gotten ours tonight.” Rhett raised an eyebrow. “That's a complaint, beta?” “Observation,” I said. “My man’s been running around playing party planner all night. I’m starving.” Rhett threw his head back and laughed a







