The door creaked open again.
Ai spun around, her heart leaping into her throat. She forced her face into a nervous smile, hoping it looked convincing as Marcous returned carrying two crystal glasses filled with deep red wine.
"Here we are," he said warmly, offering her one. "A little vintage from my private collection. To..." He looked at her, his eyes narrowing just slightly, as if sensing something off. "To new beginnings, my star."
Ai took the glass with shaking fingers, sitting on the bed. "Th-thank you… I was just looking around. Are these all gifts from your fans?"
Marcous sat beside her on the bed—close. Too close. His thigh pressed against hers again, the contact making her skin crawl even more.
He raised his glass, his smile never faltering. "Oh... yes. They're from my most devoted admirers. I love all my fans." His voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it now, like he was testing her.
Ai lifted hers mechanically. "Oh...."
They clinked glasses.
