I study him for a second, the offer sitting there, unexpected but not unwelcome.
“I’ve got contracts,” I say. “With my current agent.”
Lucian shrugs slightly, like that detail doesn’t matter.
“Between Christian and I, we can get you out of any contract,” he replies easily. “We’ve kept Elijah out of jail so far. You’re easy in comparison.”
Zach doesn’t even pause.
“Do what you need to do.”
There’s no hesitation in it.
No second guessing.
And I feel that same certainty settle in me a second later.
“Same,” I say.
Lucian’s mouth curves slightly, something approving in it.
“Leave it with me.”
He turns back to Evelyn, his tone shifting just enough to soften.
“You should go home. Get some rest. I’ll take you.”
She hesitates, her eyes flicking back toward the door, toward Lia.
Then she steps forward, wrapping her arms around me tightly.
I hold onto her for a second, grounding, familiar, before she pulls back, her hand coming up to brush against Zach’s arm gently.
“Call me if anything changes,” she says quietly.
Lucian turns with her, starting toward the exit, but pauses after a few steps, glancing back at us.
“She’s right,” he says, his tone more serious now. “Lia will wake up. And when she does, she won’t want you throwing your lives away.”
His eyes land on me.
“I’ve seen your stats,” he adds. “You have talent. Don’t waste it.”
I nod once.
Don’t answer.
Because I don’t know how to hold both of those things at the same time.
“Thank you,” I say instead. “For helping.”
He inclines his head slightly, turning again, and I step forward, catching his arm before he can walk away.
“And Lucian.”
He looks at me.
Something in my chest sharpens.
