CHAPTER 51
Lauren let Ryle’s challenge hang in the air—functional conversation. She knew exactly what he was demanding: an exchange free of the emotional volatility he despised, one based solely on cold, actionable logic. Given their current, bizarre dynamic—him guarding a supply cart, her guarding Finn, both tethered by a crippling debt—she agreed.
She took a deep, steadying breath, the faint smell of antiseptic filling her lungs. “Fine,” she stated, her voice dropping to a serious, low register that matched his own. “Let’s be functional.”
Ryle gave a barely perceptible dip of his head—a single, sharp nod that served as grudging permission. He knew better than to attempt silence her now; she was clearly opinionated and determined to talk and talk.
Lauren took Ryle’s subtle nod as a vi
