CRACKS AND N THE ICE

Chapter 24 – Cracks in the Ice

Zane was not one to dwell on things. Life was too short, and he had spent too many years learning how to laugh things off, how to turn tension into a joke and pain into something palatable.

But Vincent Graves was a puzzle he couldn't stop thinking about.

Even hours after their confrontation, he could still feel the tension crackling between them. That look in Vincent's eyes—the hesitation, the restraint—had burned itself into Zane's mind.

He wanted to push.

Wanted to see what would happen if Vincent finally let go of that iron grip on his control.

And maybe… just maybe… Zane wanted to see what would happen to him if Vincent did.

The thought should have been dangerous.

It was.

But Zane had never been one to shy away from danger.

---

The Next Morning – Harrington Enterprises

Zane strolled into his office, coffee in one hand, phone in the other. Riley, his assistant, was already waiting, her expression hovering between exasperation and concern.

"You have three urgent messages from the board," she said, tapping her tablet. "Your brother's assistant called twice, and—oh, Vincent Graves is waiting inside."

Zane paused mid-sip. "In my office?"

Riley nodded. "He let himself in."

Zane exhaled, already bracing himself. "Of course he did."

Shoving his phone into his pocket, he pushed open the office door.

Vincent stood near the window, hands in his pockets, staring out over the city. He looked as composed as ever, but Zane wasn't fooled. There was tension in his shoulders, the kind that only showed when Vincent was on edge.

Zane shut the door behind him. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Graves? Missed me already?"

Vincent turned, his expression unreadable. "We have a problem."

Zane sighed dramatically. "We always have a problem."

Vincent ignored him. "Arthur Lancaster isn't backing down. He made another move last night."

That caught Zane's attention. "Define move."

Vincent pulled a document from his briefcase and slid it onto Zane's desk. "He's trying to buy out one of my subsidiary's major suppliers. If he succeeds, he'll have leverage over my operations."

Zane whistled, picking up the file. "Damn. He's not playing around."

"No, he's not." Vincent's voice was clipped. "Which means we need to move faster."

Zane leaned back in his chair, scanning the documents. "Alright, so what's the plan?"

Vincent hesitated. Just for a second.

Then he said, "I need you to meet with Lancaster."

Zane's brow shot up. "Me?"

Vincent nodded. "He sees you as reckless. A wildcard. That works in our favor."

Zane chuckled. "Let me guess—you want me to distract him while you make your next move?"

Vincent didn't answer immediately. Instead, he walked around the desk, stepping into Zane's space.

Too close.

Zane's smirk faltered slightly. He was used to playing the game, but Vincent wasn't one to invade personal space unless he meant something by it.

"You're good at getting under people's skin," Vincent said quietly. "Use that."

Zane tilted his head, a slow smirk returning. "You sure you want me playing that card, Graves? You've seen what happens when I turn up the charm."

Vincent's jaw flexed. "I can handle it."

Zane's eyes flickered down—to Vincent's hands, clenched at his sides. Then back up, meeting those sharp, calculating eyes.

Liar.

Zane leaned forward slightly, testing the waters. "And what if I decide to use that skill on you instead?"

Vincent didn't flinch. Didn't move away.

But his fingers twitched.

Just for a second.

It was small. Barely noticeable.

But Zane caught it.

He let the moment stretch between them, thick with something unspoken.

Then, finally, Vincent exhaled sharply and took a step back. "Meet Lancaster tonight. I'll handle the rest."

Zane grinned, stretching out in his chair. "Fine. But you owe me for this."

Vincent didn't acknowledge that. He simply turned, heading for the door.

But just before he left, he paused.

"I meant what I said last night." His voice was quiet. Firm. "This is just business."

Zane watched him go, amusement flickering in his eyes.

Vincent could say it as many times as he wanted.

Zane knew better.

And one way or another—

Vincent Graves was going to break.

And Zane planned to be there when he did.

---

End of Chapter 24.