Page 78 of He Knows When You're Awake

“The gala on Friday,” I say, touching the delicate bracelet I’m wearing—another of my pieces. “It’s not just a charity event, is it?”

“No. Bergdorf is hosting. They want to debut part of your collection—give everyone a sneak peek of what’s coming.”

The announcement should terrify me. Instead, I feel ready. More than ready.

Chapter ThirtyCole

7 days until...

You’re making a mistake.” Knox stands in front of my desk, arms crossed. He’s been at it for twenty minutes.

I continue reviewing the security plans for tonight. “We’ve been over this.”

“The moment you step into that ballroom with her, Julian will know she’s the chink in your armor.”

I look up from the papers, meeting his gaze. “No. He’ll know she’s my strength. And if he so much as looks in her direction, I’ll burn his empire to the ground with him in it.”

Knox’s laugh is sharp, humorless. “Listen to yourself. You’re getting arrogant, Cole. Maybe you can afford to be. Hell, maybe you are fucking invincible at this point.” He plants his hands on my desk, leaning forward. “But is she? Because Julian doesn’t play fair. He doesn’t come at you directly—he finds what matters and he breaks it. You know this. You’ve seen him do it.”

I feel my jaw tighten. “That was before.”

“Before what? Before you became New York’s golden boy? Before you thought you could control everything?” Knox straightens, shaking his head. “I’ve known you fifteen years. I’ve watched you build all this. But I’ve never seen you this blind.”

“I’m not blind.” My voice is quiet now. Dangerous. “I see everything. Every angle, every threat, every possibility. That’s why we’re doing this. Because hiding her away, treating her like she’s fragile—that makes her a target.”

“So what’s your alternative? Parade her around at every society event? Make her New York’s newest sensation?” Knox watches me carefully. “And then what, Cole? What happens when the jewelry line launches? When the excitement dies down? You going to keep her locked in that penthouse like a bird in a gilded cage?”

The question hits harder than I want to admit. I turn to look out the window at the city below, my city, where I’ve always been able to control every moving piece. “You think I haven’t asked myself these questions?”

“Have you found any answers?”

“She’s not meant for cages.” The words come out before I can stop them. “You’ve seen her work. Her mind. The way she creates beauty from nothing, transforms raw materials into something impossible...” I stop, realizing how much I’m revealing.

“Then what?” Knox’s voice is quieter now. “Exactly, then what?”

I don’t have an answer. For the first time in years, I don’t have the next ten moves mapped out. I know how to protect her from Julian, from my enemies, from the press. But how do I protect her from the life I’ve built? From what loving me means—the constant security, the scrutiny, the knowledge that every move is watched and analyzed. The reality that she’ll never have a normal life again, never be able to just walk down a street alone or open her studio to the public without a threat assessment. From the fact that loving me means living in a world where even the smallest decision becomes a strategic calculation, where trust is a luxury we can rarely afford, where every person who approaches her might have an agenda. How do I protect her from that?

The weight of Knox’s stare tells me he sees right through me,sees every doubt I’m trying to bury. He’s known me too long not to recognize when I’m wrestling with something I can’t control.

“Just... tell me you’ve considered all the angles.”

“Every single one.” I stand, grabbing my jacket. “Double the security detail tonight. I want eyes on every entrance and exit.”

“Already done.” Knox follows me to the door. “Teams are in position at the venue. Additional surveillance is set up. But Cole—” He pauses. “Julian’s not the only threat. Everyone’s going to be watching, analyzing. You sure you want to put her in the spotlight like this?”

“It’s not just about her, Knox. It’s about everything the collection represents.” I check my watch. “When Bergdorf’s announces Sloane’s line as their exclusive New Year’s launch—”

“Julian’s house of cards collapses,” Knox finishes, finally understanding. “His fake Claire collection becomes worthless overnight.”

“Exactly. Making her public doesn’t just protect her—it ensures the collection gets the attention it deserves. The attention that will destroy Julian’s plans completely.”

“But when he realizes you don’t plan on using Claire’s designs for the launch, he’ll still want them for himself. Even more so.”

“That’s why we have contingency plans.” I straighten my tie. “That’s why every member of the security team has been briefed on Julian’s previous tactics. And that’s why, after tonight, he won’t dare touch her. Not when the entire luxury world is watching.”

Knox sighs. “I hope you’re right. For both your sakes.”

“Making her public makes her untouchable.” My voice is cold, certain. “After tonight, hurting her would be an open declaration of war. Not just against me, but against every power player in that room who wants a piece of her collection. Julian’s smart enough to understand that.”