on. He turned, walked out of the ro

n to like that. People didn't talk back, not in his world.

seem interest

ng her phone and a tablet at once. She loo

an everywhere. Twitter, TikTok, the n

ike lying,

f. Crane's been quiet all day. You're not just a CEO now, Jace. You're the mysterious

temple. "This

interviews yet. Just appearances, one dinner, one

't say

hedule ready by morning. For now, just s

ake surpri

s gold," she said, grinning. "It's the

t, the silen

smaller from up here. It was quiet, clean.

hed, or questioned. But River Hale ma

t know what to

est room. He moved with quiet efficienc

relationship? This wasn'

. They used people like tools. And Jace Maddox, no matte

The man had military training. He moved with purpose. And River knew what

he wasn't walking away either. Not until

front of his wardrobe, staring

n the doorfram

o dress like a

s how I

Maybe try not looking like you're headed t

row. "Are you a

m not being p

arefully. "Is that w

pends. Are you buyi

his suits. "I don'

now. Smile and

rey suit, holding it against hims

lly repressed' instead of 'comple

't care who you

ally shoot at me before

to him in the mirror

n't blink

ed fully.

r on his side. "Here and here," he said, pointin

but something in hi

er added. "I know what I'm doing.

said yo

dn't ha

ameras will be outside the restaurant by six. Smile like you me

is breath. "This is go

houted questions. River followed closely behind, one hand resting lightly

e table. Waiters hovered nearby, photographer

ood. River drank wat

s, don't you?

y sec

least we'r

e clink of glasses and the occasi

ationships?" Rive

o. I don't...funct

schedule? Or your

wed. "You don't h

o be your boyfriend means I should k

se," Jace said quietly.

k, watching him.

ou said somethi

ssion didn't

don't fall for

met hi

eant

hy

n, his voice l

e you get people