Chapter 2086

“Got a minute?” Darren asked, a thin thread of tension woven beneath the casual words.

“Plenty of minutes,” Nathaniel answered, shrugging, though his friend could not see it.

“Then share a drink with me now,” Darren said, half-plea, half-command.

Nathaniel glanced around the dormant house. Sitting alone promised nothing but more static thoughts, so he agreed without a second of negotiation.

He slid behind the wheel and guided the car toward Royale Club, tires whispering over empty morning streets.

Darren had already secured a velvet-walled private room.

Daylight usually left Royale Club hollow and echoing, a palace waiting for its nightly court.