I noticed it then.
He wasn’t trying to impress.
Just… existing too close to the line where people usually start pretending.
That was different.
MASON
I saw it.
Bar now.
Closer space.
Luca leaning in slightly.
Rowan not stepping back.
Not stepping closer either.
Just staying.
That balance annoyed me more than I wanted to admit.
Jace noticed immediately.
“Oh wow,” he said quietly. “You hate this.”
“I don’t.”
“You absolutely do.”
I didn’t answer.
Because Luca laughed.
And Rowan looked at him again.
That second look lasted half a beat too long.
Not romantic.
Not anything yet.
But enough to register.
That was the problem.
ROWAN
He wasn’t doing anything wrong.
That was the annoying part.
Luca just made everything feel slightly less controlled.
“Do you always watch people like that?” he asked suddenly.
