"Between that and your intention to drag me out to those parties, you'll become a master yet," Anatoly said with a lightness he didn't quite feel. "Whoever it is will surely fall at your feet in a moment."

He took another sip of tea in an attempt to banish his thoughts. Lex was his friend, he'd not had any indication that he might think otherwise, and truly, it was better in the long run if he just let this be.