GIDEON VALE
I could still feel her presence lingering in the hallway, like heat trapped in walls after a fire. Stubborn. Refusing to leave.
Ashton exhaled a low chuckle behind me.
“Well,” he said, dragging the word like he had all the time in the world. “I guess she listens. That’s new.”
I said nothing.
My gaze stayed fixed on the empty doorway.
“She didn’t run,” he added, pushing off the counter. “Also new.”
“She’s desperate,” I replied flatly.
Ashton hummed like he didn’t quite agree.
“Desperate people cry, beg or fold.” His head tilted slightly. “That one bites.”
My jaw tightened.
“I’ll tame that.”
The words came out calm. Certain.
It wasn't a threat- I didn't do threats- it was a fact.
Ashton went quiet for a second. I almost welcomed the silence, but he interrupted it wi
