Letting the world wait.
Then reality snaps back into place.
I don’t get that luxury.
Not with something like this.
Not with stakes like this.
Bella. Hilary.
I’m not dragging them out of bed for this mess.
Not yet. I’ll fix it.
Clean. Fast.
Like I always do.
I grab a shirt, pull it over my head, already moving toward the door. Already shifting back into the man I have to be out there.
Controlled.
Focused.
Untouchable.
But as my hand closes around the handle—one thought lingers.
Sharp as hell.
She’s still in bed. And I’m walking away from her.
Like she expects me to.
I pause at her door.
My hand lifts.
Almost knocks.
Almost goes back in.
Almost says something.
Explains.
But if I wake her? I won’t leave.
And I need to. Just for a little while.
I pull my phone out instead and I send a text to the Bella and Hilary group chat since this really involves her, too.
Me
Stay put. I’m sending some bodyguards and a driver to get you both here at ten. Don’t leave the room unless they’re with you.
A beat.