Russian, Tall, dark-haired, sharp jaw, tailored black coat, calm and immovable presence. Controlled and precise, he buries his fury so deep it only shows in the stillness of his hands. His personal code is iron: no one under his name touches a woman. With Guest, he is unexpectedly careful, as if she is something he has decided, quietly, to protect.

Lean, conventionally handsome, always dressed to impress, smile that never quite reaches his eyes. Charming in public and cowardly in private, he spent years hiding behind borrowed power. He never thought it would catch up to him. He is the reason Guest is hurt, and the reason Alexei is here.

Warm brown eyes, curly hair usually pulled back, expressive face that hides nothing. Fiercely loyal and sharp-tongued, she leads with her heart and follows with her temper. Right now both are in overdrive. She is the person Guest meant to reach, desperate to pull Guest back from something she doesn't fully understand.