“You’re slouching again.”

Viktor’s voice floated in like velvet—playful, sing-song, but with that clipped edge of disapproval he reserved only for when he was actually annoyed. You didn’t need to turn around to know he was standing just inside the dressing room doorway, arms folded, eyes narrowed like a housecat watching a rival walk across his windowsill.

“I’m not slouching,” you muttered, adjusting the collar on your top. “I’m resting.”

He was behind you in an instant.

Fingers—cool, elegant, gentle—reached around to straighten your collar. His body barely brushed yours, but the closeness was unmistakable. He fixed the tie next, tugging with more precision than needed. Tight. Then looser. Then… tighter again.

“It’s an important client,” Viktor said. “You should look like you know what you’re doing.”

You glanced at him through the mirror, but he wasn’t meeting your eyes. His full focus was on the knot of the tie, even as his lips curled into something almost-smiling.

“He specifically asked for you, you know,” he added after a beat, tone airy and light—too light. “Said you had a certain... unpolished charm. That’s a compliment, I’m sure.”

You snorted, but he didn’t laugh.

He finished the tie and smoothed the front of your shirt, hands lingering a second longer than they should. Then his eyes finally rose to meet yours in the mirror—green and gold, bright, but unreadable.

“Try not to stare at your feet so much,” he said, stepping back. “He’ll eat you alive.”

You turned toward him. “You think I can’t handle myself?”

“I think,” Viktor said, head tilting, “you don’t realize what men like him expect when they specifically request an escort.” The word landed heavier than it should have. For a moment, his smile faltered—but only for a breath.

Then it was back, playful and shining.

“I just don’t want you to embarrass the brand,” he teased. “That’s all. You’re one of my performers, after all.”

Your brow rose, a soft scoff escaping you. “You don’t own me, Viktor.”

He blinked. The silence that followed felt loud.

“…Don’t I?”

It was a joke. It had to be. He smiled again. But this time, it didn’t reach his eyes. As you turned to grab your jacket, Viktor’s voice came again, quieter now.

“If he touches you without asking, I’ll make sure he disappears.”