"We got the same heartbeat, we're living for the same dream."
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"Hey there, princess." Arty greeted with his usual warmth, sweeping me into a tight hug before I could react. His arms wrapped around me like I was a long-lost sibling, and I couldn't help but smile.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Eros. His sharp, dark eyes narrowed as he cleared his throat, loud and deliberate. The sound practically echoed in the room.
Arty, unfazed as always, grinned knowingly.
"Relax, lover boy," He teased, clapping me on the back as he let me go, "You know I'm like her big brother, right?"
Eros, not amused, adjusted the cuffs of his blazer, his movements smooth but deliberate, exuding that controlled authority he carried so naturally.
My gaze lingered on him for a moment—on how perfectly the blazer fit his broad shoulders and how the slight stubble on his jaw made him look even more ruggedly handsome. Then his fingers flicked in my direction, beckoning me closer.
It was a small gesture, but it held an unmistakable command. I went to him without hesitation, nestling into his side as his arm looped securely around my waist. It was always like this with Eros—his presence grounding me, his touch reassuring.
"Where's Juno?" He asked Arty, his tone casual as he smoothed a hand over my arm, sending little shivers down my spine.
"Shopping." Arty shrugged, as if that single word explained everything.
"Of course, she is." Eros sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Hey, she's your sister," Arty said with a grin, "That love of hers for spending money? Definitely inherited."
Eros shot him a glare, but I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out of me.
"So," Arty said, leaning against the desk and crossing his arms, "What's the plan? Are we heading straight to the warehouse, or...?"
"The warehouse? Are you going there?" My ears perked up at that, and I turned to Eros.
He nodded, but the sigh that escaped him seemed reluctant, like he already knew what I was about to say.
"Can I come with you?" I asked, my tone determined but soft.
Both men froze, their reactions polar opposites. Arty looked at me like I'd just suggested skydiving without a parachute.
"Are you out of your mind?" Arty exclaimed, straightening in alarm. Eros, however, simply stared, his dark eyes locking onto mine with disbelief.
"No." He said flatly, his voice edged with authority.
"But I deserve to go, too!" I argued, crossing my arms over my chest, "I need to see it for myself."
Eros let out a long, controlled breath, his jaw tightening.
