Adrian’s scent was unique and instantly recognizable.
It was the detergent he used, layered with the citrusy-cedar cologne Gage could pinpoint in a crowd of a hundred.
He opened the door slowly.
“Hey,” Adrian said, voice low and easy as always. “Rose said you sounded a little stressed, so I told her I’d come and see what you needed.”
Adrian’s pay grade was far above that of a personal assistant. He wasn’t required to be at his beck and call like Rose and Joshua.
Gage kept his expression neutral. “I need a place to meditate.”
“I know the perfect place.”
“All right,” Gage said, grabbing one of his canes off the hook and stepping out of the door. “Lead the way.”
Adrian stepped closer. “Here, take my arm.”
Gage chuckled. “I’m on my floor. I think I can manage.”
Adrian was silent for a moment before he said. “We’re going to the south wing.”
“I’ll use my cane.”
Halfway down the corridor, Adrian asked, “Do you want to go to church with me tonight? They’re starting a week-long revival.”
“Thanks, but I already have plans,” he smiled.
“With who?”
Gage frowned at Adrian’s abruptness but decided not to take offense.
“With Scar.” He answered softly, hoping he wasn’t blushing. “We’re getting a lot closer. Finally.”
“Gage.” Adrian sounded exasperated. “Scar has a past that you may not be fully aware of. But at the very least, how can you ignore how he used to treat you when—”
Gage stopped dead and snapped his cane up, knocking the cold steel against Adrian’s chest like a blockade. A hard, unyielding line halting not only his next step but the rest of his sentence.
Adrian sucked in sharp breath.
Gage’s voice went from warm to ice-cold. “Do not speak about my partner. Whatever you read about his past on paper doesn’t mean you know who he is.”
He held his cane there a beat longer, letting his point land.
Adrian didn’t say another word.
Gage finally lowered his hand and kept walking.
Adrian followed a few steps behind, but it was clear the easy camaraderie between them had changed that fast.
He could feel the negative energy drifting off Adrian in tangible waves.
They reached another elevator, and when the doors opened, a mechanical voice inside announced: “Green Ravens Resident. Access restricted. Await verification.”
Gage couldn’t stop his smile.
They stood there in silence, and after a few seconds, the computer announced: “Access granted.”
The elevator rose to the top level, and Zorion was standing there when the doors opened.
