NOAH
We stood by the window, far enough from the early arrivals to have a semblance of privacy. Alex leaned against the glass, studying me with a discerning gaze that made my skin prickle.
"How are you holding up, Noah? You look… tired. And a little too perfect, if that makes sense."
"I'm fine," I said, staring into the dark swirl of my coffee. "Just a lot on my mind. Business is stressful."
"Is it Cassian?"
I didn't deny it. I just looked out at the horizon, watching a white boat cut a path through the blue.
"You know my offer still stands," Alex said softly. He stepped half an inch closer, his presence warm and inviting. "You look like you're carrying the weight of the world on those shoulders, and I'd be happy to take some of it off."
I swallowed hard, the bitterness of the coffee matching the lump in my throat. "It's not that simple, Alex."
"Why not? He's a boss, Noah. Not a king."
