dn't lo

eavy. The restaurant noise faded around them. Jace had never been good at reading peo

u still here?" J

e faint scar on his jaw. "Because someone's

unt and maybe that was why the world already believed the lie. It was easier to think Jac

tes sat u

er's hand on his lower back, a brief glance exchanged as they entered t

ass of water. "You've w

od. "Private contrac

efore

kened slightly.

happ

up his fork but didn't eat. "Got me discharged. Offici

or a moment. "Yo

ed, just slig

before Jace spoke

tensed. "Mor

and for once, he meant

"You don't strike me a

what it means to lose someone

a little. "You don'

"What makes

our reflection twice before you walk int

t lo

en they don't trust th

. He hated personal conversations. But something abou

at. "I wasn't alway

ked up. "

bsessive, c

uy who's been that

. "It got worse af

a little. "Su

what the

n't bel

maybe, but not weak. He left no note, no warning.

someone k

did. I just can'

me. Then he asked, "You think it's

aying a long game. Fi

lowly. "You thi

g obvious. Just pressure. Media hits. Quiet buyouts. And n

Then we find out who benefits if you break. W

ce straightened his posture, putting

up. Jace glanced toward the flashing lights. Reporters were shouting,

door for him. Jace pa

to act when no

mirk. "I'm not doing

ilence

oad ahead. Jace kept stealing glances, wondering how this man, who seemed

use, Sasha was alr

le are eating it up. The stoic billionaire and his guarded protect

on the couch. "Let's just hope it w

wall, arms folded.

lose the

ut we need consistency, more appearances. A story. You two should st

ed an eyeb

't flinch

laugh. "You want me t

rather I mov

'll leak a photo of the shared space. Just some

ly not,"

obe, somet

t to laugh. Jace ha

is bag on the floor. The bedroom was massive, quiet and minimal, just h

the left side,

ts. "You don't have to p

t prete

that looked old but violent. Jace tried not

ask?" Jace as

ed over. "

. About what you

they didn't. You're the first person w

I give a damn abo

you," River said. "You feel everyth

y clothed, backs to each oth

voice cut thr

eone's playin

tayed on the

ed to figur

try

sed. "Let

his head sli

w. "Because if you f