“Thank you… you really didn’t have to.”

Alexei snapped his lighter shut. His voice was quiet, but heavy:

“I didn’t do anything… I was just really glad to see you again.”

Lucas looked a little confused.

“Again?”

Alexei’s cold smile appeared.

“You don’t remember? …That’s unfortunate.”

Lucas hesitated.

“I’m really sorry.”

Alexei replied,

“It doesn’t matter. What matters is… I didn’t forget you.”

Lucas raised a brow.

“Excuse me?”

Alexei looked straight into Lucas’s eyes.

“I like you.”

Lucas blinked in shock.

“I’m sorry?”

Alexei repeated calmly,

“I like you.”

Lucas shook his head.

“I’m sorry, but I…”

Alexei cut him off with a faint smile:

“I know. You have a partner. I just wanted to say how I feel. I’m not here to bother you.”

Lucas paused.

“No… I don’t have a partner.”

Alexei’s eyes widened, a slight tremor flickering through his gaze.

“So… you’re saying you’d accept me?”

Lucas answered plainly:

“No.”

Alexei frowned.

“Why? You just said you don’t have a partner…”

Lucas replied firmly,

“You don’t even know me.”

Alexei stepped closer.

“Lucas Eliver. Twenty-three. Official citizen. Clean record. Artist.”

Lucas stared in disbelief.

“You… investigated me?”

Alexei took a deep breath.

“Yeah… I shouldn’t have.”

Lucas stepped back, his voice turning stiff.

“Clearly not. I’m sorry, Mr…?”

Alexei said,

“Alexei… Volchek.”

Lucas said sharply,

“Mr. Alexei Volchek, I don’t like you. And I have no intention of going on a date with you.”

Alexei replied flatly,

“That’s not my problem. What I’ve set my eyes on belongs to me. And if anyone touches it, I’ll break their hands.”

Lucas snapped, anger rising in his voice:

“Are you threatening me right now?”

Alexei answered,

“No. I’m telling you that you’re mine… and you should watch your surroundings. Don’t let anyone lay a hand on you.

Though I already know exactly what I need to do.”

Lucas looked away, his face red with anger.

He turned sharply and strode past Alexei, leaving him behind.

The café door opened.

Alyosha and Kirill stepped outside, mouths hanging open.

Alyosha asked,

“What the hell did you say to him to piss him off like that?”

Alexei took a drag of his cigarette, then glanced at them briefly.

“Nothing special. I just told him… he’s mine.”