“Yeah, but not every time I wash my hair do I need a full shower,” he shot back, making meugh


    even harder.


    “Whatever, just hurry up before it’s morning!” I shoved him toward the bathroom, half–worried he’d


    drag me in with him if I stalled too long.


    On the surface, Hayden’s the cool, restrained type–the guy who seemspletely uninterested in


    women. But now I knew better. Once he lets go? It’s like opening the floodgates.


    While he was in the shower, I cleared the table. A habit I’d picked up from my parents–never leave


    dirty dishes overnight.


    While Hayden was in the shower, I cleared the table. A habit I’d picked up from my parents–never


    leave dirty dishes sitting overnight.


    I was almost done tidying up when the doorbell rang


    At first, I figured I misheard, thinking it wasing from a nearby room. But then it rang again. And


    again. No doubt it was our room.


    Who would be here thiste?


    I wiped my hands with a napkin and cautiously walked to the door. Even though Hayden was just in


    the other room, my instincts kicked in. “Who is it?”


    “It’s me.”


    The voice froze me in ce.


    It was Jace.


    What was he doing here? And why sote, especially after acting like I didn’t even exist earlier?


    Before I could even process it, Jace started banging on the door. He wasn’t going to leave unless I


    opened it, and as much as I hated it, I wasn’t in the mood to cause a scene in the hallway at this


    hour.


    With a heavy sigh, I unlocked the door. Jace stood there, pale, hair slightly messed up, his hand still


    raised mid–knock.


    I kept my voice cold. “What are you doing here?”


    “Why didn’t you answer my calls?” Jace demanded, his words instantly reminding me of my phone


    buzzing earlier when I was with Hayden.


    I blinked, my gaze shifting. “I didn’t hear it… you-


    I was about to ask what was so urgent, but before I could finish, he grabbed my arm. “Come with


    me.”


    His hand was icy cold, and a chill ran down my spine. I yanked my arm back. “What’s wrong with


    you?”


    His eyes were frantic. “It’s my dad. He’s not doing well


    “What?” I froze,pletely caught off guard.


    “He started coughing up blood. The doctor said he might not make it.” Jace’s voice wavered. “He


    wants to see you.”


    My mind went nk, a loud buzzing filling my ears.


    Before I came here, Wayne told me Matthew was fine. How could everything change so fast?


    “I’ve got a private jet ready. We need to leave now,” Jace said, pulling at my hand again.


    This time, I didn’t resist. I let him lead me to the door. But after a few steps, I stopped, realizing I


    hadn’t told Hayden. “Wait, I need to-”


    “There’s no time!” Jace cut me off.


    In all the years I’d known him, I’d never seen him this panicked. Matthew must really be in critical


    condition.


    One of my biggest regrets was not being there when my parents had their ident. I’ve wondering


    if they were still alive in those final moments, waiting for me, hoping to say something. That


    spent years


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    regret has haunted me ever since.


    Now Matthew, the man who had been like a father to me, was on the verge of death. I couldn’t bear


    to make the same mistake again.


    I could call Haydenter.


    Without another thought, I left the hotel with Jace. He drove like a man possessed, tearing through


    the streets at breakneck speed.


    I clung to the car door, my heart racing. I wanted to ask him for my phone, but with the way he was


    driving, I didn’t dare say anything.


    After twenty nerve–wracking minutes, we reached a private airstrip. Jace wasted no time getting me


    on the ne.


    “Jace, give me your phone,” I said as we got ready for takeoff.