The drive home was silent.
Troy didn’t speak. He didn’t look at Alex. His hands stayed steady on the wheel, but the air inside the car felt tighter with every block. Alex watched the city slide past and replayed the words he had thrown down in the elevator.
*If you try to pull me off it, the deal is off.*
He had meant them. He still meant them. That didn’t stop the low dread sitting in his stomach.
When they pulled into the mansion garage, Troy killed the engine and got out without a word. Alex followed. The house was quiet—Bridget out, Silas still at the office. Their footsteps echoed on the stairs.
Troy opened Alex’s bedroom door and waited until Alex stepped inside. Then he closed it and leaned against it, arms crossed.
“You drew a line today,” Troy said.
Alex stayed near the des
