Page 154 of Blackwood

Lex’s eyes narrow. “How the hell do you know that?”

“This building’s unique. High demand with barely any tenant turnover.” I lift a shoulder. “There’s only been one new resident in the last year and a half.”

He stares. I keep going.

“Nate and Tex pitched our tech to your dad years ago. Zeke helped set up the first system here. Your dad loved it, signed a contract, and now almost every Barinov-owned building in the country runs on D9 Tech… Project Dylan’s own private security system.”

Lex drags a hand down his face, muttering, “Jesus Christ.”

“And since I technically own Project Dylan and D9 Tech,” I add, crossing my arms. “I still have admin access. I get alerts when new lock codes are added and assigned to the units. I just never knew it was you and Cade. I was so busy with school and dance I never opened the file to read the names, just hit accept on the code and went on with my day.”

Lex groans, tipping his head back. “So, my dad is a Project Dylan client?”

“Technically,” I say with a shrug. “He thinks it’s just D9 Tech. Got himself a hell of a deal on a top-tier security upgrade.”

I pause, letting it hang for effect. “He doesn’t know a damn thing about Project Dylan. Or that his building’s security is running on the blood, sweat, and blackmail of a traumatized orphan with a Batman complex.”

“Goddamn.” He looks at me again. Slower this time. Like something’s clicking into place.

“So, you really live in the penthouse?” he asks.

I nod once. “Yeah. Since I was fourteen.”

“All this time… you were just ten floors above me.”

“Guess fate’s a cocky bastard.”

Lex grins, pure wolf. “No, baby. I’m the cocky bastard. And fate just gave me the best fucking twist of my life. But how the hell have we never seen each other?”

I take in a deep breath and look up at the building, fighting back the sting in my eyes. “Because I haven’t been back here in a very long time. None of us have.”

♥♥♥

My building… our building, I guess.

The elevator doors slide shut with a soft hiss. I glance at the glowing panel. Then back at him.

“So…” I lift my brows, trying to sound casual, but my voice comes out a little breathier than I want.

“Which floor?” I drag the question out, soft and teasing, knowing damn well what I’m doing to him right now. “Forty-one or thirty-one?”

He pushes off the wall and crowds me back against the opposite one near the access panel, palms landing beside my head.

“I want to take you home, baby.” His voice is low. Rough silk and danger. Sweet teddy bear Lex is gone, replaced by the man who makes my thighs clench and my lungs forget how to work properly.

He leans in, nose brushing mine, voice nothing but a whisper against my lips. “Not the penthouse. Not some cabana at the damn Row.”

His mouth barely ghosts mine.

“My home.”

Then he reaches behind me and presses the button. Thirty-one.

We get to his door and he punches in the code.

“Welcome toCasa de Barinov, baby,” he says, sweeping his arm dramatically like he’s unveiling a palace.

“You’re such an idiot.”