UNSPOKEN BOUNDARIES

Chapter 21 – Unspoken Boundaries

Zane sat back in his chair, watching Vincent with a lazy smirk. "So, we're partners now. Should we shake on it? Maybe sign a contract in blood?"

Vincent shot him a dry look, swirling the bourbon in his glass. "Don't be dramatic."

Zane chuckled. "That's literally the foundation of our entire arrangement."

Vincent didn't deny it. Instead, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "If we're going to do this, I need to know I can trust you, Harrington."

Zane tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You think I'd betray you?"

Vincent held his gaze, unreadable. "I think you like playing games."

"And you don't?"

A muscle ticked in Vincent's jaw, but he didn't answer.

Zane sighed, pushing his glass aside. "Look, Graves, I might be reckless, but I'm not stupid. If Lancaster is coming for both of us, then I have every reason to want him out of the picture."

Vincent studied him for a long moment before finally nodding. "Then we move forward. Together."

Zane's lips twitched. "Never thought I'd hear those words from you."

Vincent exhaled through his nose, clearly already regretting them.

There was a beat of silence. The air between them thickened, something unspoken lingering beneath the surface.

Zane didn't look away. Neither did Vincent.

That was the thing about them—neither one of them backed down first.

It was dangerous.

It was addictive.

And it was going to get them both into trouble.

Vincent shifted, the leather of his chair creaking slightly. "We'll meet with my team tomorrow to strategize."

Zane hummed, tilting his head. "Right. All business."

Vincent's gaze flickered—just for a second—but Zane caught it.

"Go home, Zane," Vincent said, voice lower now.

Zane should've listened.

Instead, he stood, slowly making his way around the desk. "You know," he murmured, stopping just a step away from Vincent, "for someone who claims to be all business, you sure look at me like you want something else."

Vincent's breath hitched. Subtle. Barely there. But Zane noticed.

Vincent's jaw tightened. "Don't push me."

Zane smirked, leaning in slightly. "What if I want to?"

A long pause. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Vincent's fingers twitched against the desk, his control razor-thin.

Zane's heart pounded. He wasn't sure which of them was going to snap first—

Then Vincent pulled back. Just slightly. Just enough to put space between them.

"Go home," Vincent repeated, his voice strained this time.

Zane exhaled a laugh, stepping back. "Whatever you say, partner."

But as he walked out, he couldn't help but smirk to himself.

Vincent Graves was a man in control.

But when it came to Zane?

That control was slipping.

And Zane intended to push until it shattered.

---

Later That Night – The Storm Inside

Zane didn't go home immediately.

Instead, he drove aimlessly through the city, windows down, letting the night air cool the heat thrumming in his veins.

Damn it.

He was playing with fire.

Vincent was right—this wasn't a game. But that didn't change the fact that something was happening between them, something neither of them wanted to name.

It had started as a rivalry. Then it had turned into an uneasy alliance.

Now?

Now, Zane wasn't sure what the hell it was.

By the time he pulled into his driveway, his phone buzzed.

Vincent: Stay out of trouble, Harrington.

Zane smirked at the screen, shaking his head.

Zane: No promises.

He stared at the message for a second longer before tossing the phone onto the nightstand.

Tomorrow, they would deal with Lancaster.

But tonight?

Tonight, Zane let himself wonder what would happen if Vincent ever stopped holding back.

And if he ever pushed just a little harder.

---

End of Chapter 21.