Serena’s eyes searched his face, waiting for an explanation. For something that would make the bruises make sense.

Roman didn’t give it.

He tightened his hold on her hands instead, grounding her before she could spiral.

“It’s nothing you need to worry about,” he said gently.

Her brows furrowed.

“Nothing?” she echoed, glancing back at the bruises. “Roman, this doesn’t look like nothing.”

He forced a small smile—the kind that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I’ve had worse,” he said lightly. “Just work stuff. An old issue that got handled.”

Serena didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t push. Not yet.

She reached for him again, more carefully this time, her...