Jayden’s hand moved instantly—quick and precise, closing around Michael’s forearm under the table. His fingers tightened until his knuckles blazed white, a silent warning that brooked no argument.
Michael froze mid-sentence, his smile faltering as he felt the pressure of his friend’s grip. He’d pushed too far—he could tell by the way Jayden’s jaw was set, by the sharp look in his eyes that he only reserved for serious situations.
Flashback — Jayden’s Office
The afternoon light cast long shadows across Jayden’s office, where stacks of flight reports and personnel files were neatly organized on his desk. Michael had collapsed onto the leather sofa, kicking his feet up on the coffee table despite the “no feet on furniture” plaque Jayden kept there.
“Wait—” Michael leaned forward, his eyes
