There was a shift. I couldn’t explain it, but I saw it. Liam’s face—his energy—it changed the moment Kayden’s name came up. Silent. Not brooding, not annoyed. Just… quiet. And that wasn’t like him. At least not my Liam.
We got into the car. I slid into the backseat, assuming he’d take the passenger side next to Kai. But no—he joined me in the back. Not next to me, though. He sat far, near the window. Like I’d suddenly grown thorns.
I glanced at him.
"So, where are we headed now, boys?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood. My voice was playful, eyes flicking from Kai to Liam, hoping for something—anything—from him.
"We're celebrating the win," Kai answered through the mirror. "Red Talons took the trophy. So, we’re heading to the bar."
I noticed Liam still hadn’t said a word. His head w
