Naomi’s Pov

The restaurant was already half full when I arrived.

That was intentional.

The dinner crowd started early. Couples are talking too loudly. A few people were drinking before they ate. Enough noise to hide tension, not enough to hide movement.

I came in alone.

No escort. No visible protection. Just a simple jacket, hair tied back, phone in my pocket, as I belonged there.

I didn’t scan the room right away. That would’ve been obvious. Instead, I walked to the hostess stand, gave the name Cassian had arranged, and waited while she checked the list.

I felt him before I saw him.

Eldon sat near the windows, back...