Not when the taste of challenge had settled into his system.
And he knew. This wasn’t only about a job anymore.
“Sir?”
Marco’s voice came from the doorway.
“The final contracts…”
Gideon didn’t turn. “Leave them.”
The door clicked shut.
And for the first time in years, he wasn’t sure if he was steering or spiraling.
Handling it meant something different now. This wasn’t about bringing in new talent. This was about letting someone into his carefully controlled world who made him want to lose that control.
He lifted the glass to his lips, the bourbon burning slow and deep. But not as fiercely as the memory of her parting glance.
That look. Like she knew.
Like she’d stripped away his professional distance to see something far more dangerous underneath.
?
Gideon didn’t read the first text right away. But ignoring Dan only delayed the inevitable.
He was halfway through the message when the second one hit.
Since I know you’re in your office brooding like the world’s richest gargoyle, I’ll see you soon. We’re drinking. Tonight. Don’t even think about bailing.
Gideon sighed, setting the phone aside. Only for it to buzz again.
And no, you don’t get to pull the “too busy” card. This is an intervention. Your brooding quota has been exceeded.
A reluctant smirk tugged at his mouth.
Leave it to Dan to crash through the silence with all the grace of a wrecking ball, and enough truth to make retreat impossible.
I’m not brooding.
The reply came instantly.
You’re right. Brooding doesn’t cover it. Let’s go.
I have work to do.
Wrong answer. Try again. I’m literally five minutes away.
Another vibration.
Don’t make me come in there. I’ll drag you out like a toddler. Public shame included.
A breath of amusement slipped out. Not a laugh, but close.
Fine. But if this is some dive bar, you’re paying.
That’s the spirit, Blackwell. Meet me outside.
