"No," she whispered, the manele beat pulsing behind them like a heartbeat. "The song says 'Ask me for whatever you want.' But you never ask what I need . I don't need the gold, Andrei. I need the man who didn't have any of it."
Andrei sat at the head of the table, his silk shirt unbuttoned halfway. He had everything—the cars, the influence, the respect. But as the speakers began to play the familiar opening chords of his gaze drifted to Elena, who was standing by the balcony railing, looking out at the waves. "No," she whispered, the manele beat pulsing behind
"You've been quiet all night," Andrei said, leaning against the marble. "The party is for you." I need the man who didn't have any of it
The sun was dipping below the horizon in Mamaia, painting the Black Sea in shades of gold and violet. On the terrace of a private villa, the air was thick with the scent of expensive cologne, roasted meats, and the unmistakable, rhythmic trill of a clarinet. "You've been quiet all night," Andrei said, leaning