Chapter 15

The applause faded into a low hum as Tariq wrapped up his speech. My heels ached, my cheeks hurt from polite smiling, and my head buzzed from the endless camera flashes.

One more handshake, one more “You did so well, sir,” and maybe I could finally disappear into a soft couch somewhere.

Tariq stood beside Jace, exchanging pleasantries with a few dignitaries. Even from where I stood, I could tell Jace didn’t do crowds often. His posture was too precise, his answers too measured, like every word was weighed before leaving his lips.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Marcus’s voice cut through the chatter, loud enough to draw attention. “Since it’s almost impossible to get this man—” he gestured toward Jace “out of the office, I say we make tonight count. Drinks, anyone?”

Carter laughed. “You mean you need an excuse to drink.”

“Maybe,” Marcus grinned, “but come on. It’s rare we all breathe the same air outside the boardroom. Let’s go somewhere loud and sinful.”

Tariq sighed, the type of sigh t