The next five days were different.
Not perfect. Not even good, necessarily.
But better.
Killian and Isla existed in a careful détente. They ate meals together. Discussed security preparations for Roman's inevitable attack. Trained together in the gym, the physical exertion a safe outlet for all the emotions neither knew how to process.
They didn't sleep in the same bed.
Didn't touch beyond what was necessary.
Didn't talk about the manipulation or the choice Isla still had to make.
Just existed. Together but separate. Partners in survival if not yet in trust.
On day twenty-four, Isla woke to find a note slid under her door.
She recognized Killian's handwriting before she even picked it up.
Had to handle something. Will be back by tonight. Don't worry. Luca's here if you need anything. — K
Short. Direct. No explanation of what he was handling or where he was going.
Back to secrets, apparently.
Isla crumpled the note and threw it across the room.
So much for partnership.
