The security guard looked into the man's eyes with something other than belief.

“Blackwood?” he repeated, voice uncertain. “You’re on the list.”

“Yes,” Alec said firmly.

“Any relation to Roman Blackwood?” the guard asked, glancing at the tablet in his hand.

Alec sighed, soft, almost wounded.

“He’s my cousin.” He leaned in slightly, voice dropping. “And I’ve waited a long time to see him.”

The guard shook his head, disbelief clear.

“You don’t believe me?” Alec asked, in a gentle tone, like he was hurt. “You can look it up. Or you can stay here while I get Mr Blackwood myself—and you can explain why you kept his cousin out...