Chapter twenty
*The Tequila Clause*
The car ride home was quiet. The city lights passed by like silent witnesses. Xami drove, his face serious. Lyra watched him, her mind replaying his tear, his defense of her.
When the elevator doors closed, they were alone in the private silence of the penthouse. The fight was outside. Here, it was just them.
"You were... amazing in there," Xami said, hanging up his coat. His voice was low.
"I was just telling the truth," Lyra said, her own voice shaky.
"It was more than that." He turned to look at her, a real smile touching his lips. It changed his whole face. "And when you fight... you look beautiful."
The word surprised her. It was simple, honest. It made her heart beat faster. He took a step closer. Lyra, feeling suddenly shy, took a step back
