Lana tightened the knot neatly and smoothed it down against his shirt.
"There," she said softly. "At least look like the man they know they can't mess with."
William let out a short laugh, dry and humorless.
"At this point, I might need more than just a good tie."
She smiled faintly, forcing lightness into the heavy atmosphere.
"Don't underestimate the power of a good appearance. You always say... Perception is half the victory."
"True," he said, exhaling slowly. "And the other half?"
"Intimidation," she said, finishing his sentence for him.
"You've been paying attention. I like it!" He smiles.
"Of course. I'm not just a pretty face in your scandal, remember?"
That actually made him laugh, a real one this time. "That's what I like about you. You never lose your nerve, even when everything's burning outside."
"Someone has to stay sane, Will..." she said.
