The walk back to the hotel was quieter than before, the easy rhythm they had fallen into earlier now tinged with something else—something heavier.
Liam had checked out the second his phone vibrated, slipping back into the role of the untouchable businessman, the one who operated with precision and never let anything, or anyone, interfere.
And Elisia? She wasn’t sure if she was more frustrated at him for shutting down or at herself for caring that he did.
She glanced sideways at him. He walked with his usual calculated steps, his coat draped over his arm, his phone still in his grip.
They hadn’t spoken since leaving the jazz bar.
The city moved around them—cars humming down the streets, neon lights reflecting off the rain-damp pavement, groups of people passing by in bursts of laughter
