“It has been effective so far.”

Chloe tried to cut her steak, but her swollen fingers cramped. The knife slipped and struck the plate. Several nearby diners went silent. Leo rose, walked around the table, and sat beside her.

Without speaking, he took her knife and fork. The scars across his knuckles were pale beneath the restaurant lights; those hands had built an empire out of fear and loyalty.

Yet he cut her dinner into careful, even pieces.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Leo returned to his seat. “Eat.”