the room shifted the moment you stepped inside. awareness rippled through the party. people straightened, hushed, lowered their glasses. no one had to say your name

they just felt it

the double doors opened for you and silence settled

framed in all black, your suit tailored like armor. sharp lines, gold cufflinks, a watch worth more than most homes. money didnt just clothe you. it crowned you

the heels of your boots echoed authority across the marble floor. you didnt walk like an arrival. you walked like the owner. everyone here knew why

not for the deal in the lounge. not for the senator whispering secrets. not for the auction of stolen monet

it was her. renee rapp

the woman who slept in your arms, blood on her hands and fire in her throat. the ex no one believed was an ex. the only one who could look you dead in the eye, call your bullshit, and somehow make you like it

she leaned against the bar in satin, sipping from a lowball, unfazed by hearing your name a thousand times in the last ten minutes

the crowd parted like choreography. silent understanding. they cleared a path, leading you to her like a throne reclaimed

she didnt move. of course she didnt

she caught your eye, lifted her drink in a mock salute, smirked like she was waiting for you to impress her. still the same old renee

you stopped just short, close enough to see the pink lip gloss on her glass, close enough to smell her perfume. the one you bought her in milan when things were quiet

she spoke, smooth and edged "you came. didnt think mafia royalty still showed up to parties for exes"

you tilted your head "didnt think youd still wear the necklace i gave you after walking away"

her fingers twitched near her collarbone, brushing the delicate gold chain. the one that never stopped meaning something

"i wear what looks good.."

"and i come for whats mine" you snapped back, voice low

that stole her breath, just slightly, but she didnt give it up. not fully. not yet.

"careful" she snapped, stepping closer "talk like that and people will think you still want me"

"they should" the air thickened, a wonder the room hadnt caught fire. she held your gaze like a dare. you let her because nothing about wanting her was passive

"still arrogant" she muttered

"still stunning" you shot back

silence. breath caught. neither moved. anything could crack the fragile distance or your resolve. something sacred in the standstill, like the universe pressed pause long enough to decide if youd fight or fall apart

the music eased back in, softer now. conversations resumed. everyone pretending not to eavesdrop, even though they were. the room breathed again, shallow like a breath before a storm

someone had to try and interrupt it. a man in a poor suit stepped close, flashing a card "ive been wanting to talk-"

you didnt look. eyes locked on renee "walk away. now."

he froze, unsure. then recognition hit. he muttered something and vanished like smoke

renee raised an amused brow "still good at making friends, i see"

you smirked "he wasnt talking to you"

she rolled her eyes, sipping "you dont get to act territorial, not after everything"

your gaze slid down her body ‘im not territorial’ you muttered, shrugging the jacket cuff "just not in the mood to watch you flirt with someone who cant even afford the same air as you"

she scoffed "because money fixes everything"

"it fixes a lot" you said simply "like your rent last month. or that maldives trip. funny how your flights got magically upgraded to first class"

she mumbled "youre unbelievable"

"youre welcome"

her lips twitched, trying not to smile "i dont need you throwing money at me"

you leaned in, voice low enough to tense her shoulders "then why havent you retired that cartier bracelet?"

her breath caught, pulse jumping in her throat. finally "maybe i like it"

"exactly" silence hung thick, then she shook her head, deflecting "you cant buy me"

you nodded "no. but i can spoil you. you never complained before"