The air was heavy — not with awkwardness, but with the desire they were both holding back.
Neither of them dared to break the moment.

Then Pierce’s phone rang.

He glanced at the screen. His expression shifted instantly, his body going rigid.
Kyle didn’t ask anything. He just watched.

Pierce stood up, already tense, and answered.

“Yeah? Did something happen?”

(Phoenix, we need you back at the club. We’re having trouble with Nova.)

“Did they blow up again?” Pierce said. “The boss gave me the night off — I can’t come back right now.”

(Phoenix, what’s going on?)

Pierce’s gaze flicked to Kyle. He bit his lip.

“I’ve got some family issues. More serious than I expected. I won’t be able to come back — probably not until tomorrow evening.”

What am I doing? Did I just lie to stay here?  I’ve never put anything before my work.  What am I doing?

Kyle tilted his head, confused — but there was still a smile there.

(Phoenix, this came straight from Black.)

“Pixie,” Pierce sighed. “Tell Black to call me. I’ll handle it, okay? I have to go.”

He ended the call.

Who told them to call me? It definitely wasn’t Black. So what’s the play here?

Kyle stood up and moved closer to Pierce, brushing his hand against his. Pierce visibly relaxed at the touch.

“Kyle… do you trust me?” Pierce asked. “I know you probably shouldn’t, but I need you to trust me tonight.”

Pierce sighed, and Kyle tilted his head, confused.

“If I didn’t trust you, we wouldn’t be here right now,” Kyle said. “What do you need?”

“I have a feeling your phone is going to ring in a minute,” Pierce said quietly. “And it’ll be your uncle. He seemed suspicious during the meeting.”

Pierce couldn’t bring himself to finish the request. He lowered his head.

Kyle nodded slowly.  “I get it. Don’t worry — I’ll handle it. I really don’t want him in my life right now.”

Then he frowned slightly. “But wasn’t it someone from your work who just called you? What does Yanick have to do with any of this?”

Pierce tensed. He’d forgotten Kyle didn’t know anything yet.

Before he could answer, his phone rang again.

This time, Pierce answered without even looking at the screen.

“Yeah, Pixie?”

(Uh… you’ve got the wrong person, young master.)

Oh shit. Sokolov? Why are you calling me now?

“Sokolov?!” Pierce said.

Pierce shifted his posture and gestured for Kyle to head toward the bedroom so he could continue the call.

“Now’s not a good time, Sokolov. And how many times have I asked you not to call me that?”

(My apologies. Madame Nyx asked me to call and check if everything was all right. We were informed that you didn’t show up at work, and it’s not like you to neglect your responsibilities.)

Pierce sighed.

“Sokolov, you can tell Madame that when she passed on her legacy, she passed on other responsibilities as well. I have matters to deal with tonight — more important ones.”

Pierce pressed a finger against his temple. “I did inform the Boss that I had family matters to handle. But if she’d prefer the truth, I can always tell her myself.”

(No need. I’ll take care of things from here. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. Good night.)

“Good night, Sokolov.”

What the hell is going on? First Pixie, now Sokolov? Are you really that suspicious of something, Boss?

Pierce returned to the living room and found Kyle on the phone.

“Yes, Yanick. Tom and I will be careful, and to avoid any possible accidents, we’re staying here for the night.”

(Don’t worry, Mr. Yanick. My cousins don’t mind us staying over tonight. And sorry for making you worry.)

(Kyle, I know you’re furious with me because of your parents, but you could’ve avoided leaving the city like this. When you get back, we’ll talk about it. Thank Tom and his family for taking you in.)

“Bye, Yanick.”

Yanick’s call ended.

“Tom, you still there?”

(Kyle, that was close. How did you manage to call me before he rang you and merge the calls? Are you psychic?)

“I just had a gut feeling — I left without properly telling him. But thanks for helping me out and lying for me. I owe you big time.”

(Dude, you can introduce me to your fiancée if you want, since you don’t seem to want her. Hahaha.)

Fiancée? He’s engaged? So it seems I’m not the only one with secrets.

“Ugh, don’t even get me started. My parents really crossed the line this time.”

Kyle turned — and noticed Pierce standing there.

“Sorry. I have to go. We’ll talk later.”

Kyle ended the call and slipped his phone away.