Page 114 of Game Misconduct
Holy shit.
He clocks both of us immediately. His eyes flick from me to Maddox and back again.
“Evening,” he says.
I manage a tight smile. “Hey, Jace.”
Maddox gives him a nod. “Cap.”
He steps in, earbuds out, towel slung around his neck, water bottle in hand. Judging by his shirtless chest, gym shorts and running shoes, he’s headed to the fifth floor fitness center.
Pressing the fifth floor button, he just leans back against the mirrored wall, one brow raised like he’s taking mental notes.
No one says anything else.
The tension shifts—less electric now, more watchful. I canfeel Maddox’s posture shift, can feel Jace observing both of us like he already suspects.
The elevator stops at five.
“Have a good night,” Jace says as he steps out.
The doors close.
It’s just us again.
I exhale slowly, staring straight ahead. “Well, that wasn’t awkward at all.”
Maddox’s voice is low and rough. “You handled it.”
“I know, but…”
“You didn’t panic either.”
“No,” I murmur, glancing sideways. “I’m saving that for later.”
He gives the smallest smile, just a flicker.
When the doors open at his floor, he doesn’t move to leave.
Not yet.
His eyes find mine. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Looking forward to it.”
He nods once, then steps into the hallway. The doors close behind him, sealing off whatever that just was.
I blow out a breathe and as I ride up to the Penthouse floor, I wonder how the hell I’m supposed to survive a date with Maddox Lasker without falling deeper.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Maddox
I’ve facedslap shots from guys built like brick houses and stared down sold-out crowds at the Garden, but none of that gets under my skin like waiting on her.
The steak’s already on its way from Charred—medium-rare, black pepper crust, side of grilled asparagus.
I even added the damn truffle mac.
