Unable to watch any longer, Adrian stood up abruptly.
"Where are you going?" Charles asked.
He didn't answer.
Instead of heading for their table, he pushed through the crowd toward the main bar, the one out in the open, where everyone could see.
He took a seat at the counter, fully exposed under the low lights, and signaled the bartender.
"The strongest thing you have."
He needed something to drown the sudden, hollow ache in his chest.
As Adrian waited, staring straight ahead at the rows of amber bottles, his focus fixed on the glass in front of him.
Across the club, in the VIP section, one of the Marcone bodyguards had already spotted him.
The man moved quickly, stepping toward the booth where Matteo sat. Another guard shifted aside, allowing him through.
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.
"Boss… Adrian is here."
Matteo's expression didn't change.
"Where?"
The guard nodded toward the bar. "Far end."
Matteo followed his line of sight.
And there he was.
