Blaze:
The scent of fresh paint hit me the moment I stepped into the bar. A mix of sharp chemicals and sawdust. New beginnings. Kat was already inside, her hair tied up in a messy bun, clipboard in hand, eyes sparkling with purpose. She looked like fire in motion—commanding, untamed, all mine.
We’d renamed it Kat's. Rebranded it top to bottom. Fire engine red, sleek black accents. Her mark was everywhere, bold and unapologetic, like her. A few guys were still rolling paint, working on final touches around the bar and back booths. It was almost ready.
I stepped toward the back, pulling my phone out of my pocket when it buzzed in my hand. Saint’s name flashed on the screen. I frowned.
“Yo,” I answered.
There was silence for a beat, then Saint’s voice came through. Low. Hollow.
“It’s t
