Contents
Chapter 23
Overview
Keres, Ace, and Romeo share a tense but playful breakfast before leaving for New York to meet lawyer Nathan James. The banter exposes Keres’s attraction and her jealousy of Ace and Romeo’s intimacy. Ace insists on checking Mia’s safety through Phoenix, but Keres delays the call until later. Suspicion lingers as they pack up and head out.
Summary
Romeo arrives with coffee and donuts for Keres and Ace, lightening the mood with teasing. The three eat together, and playful sexual banter leads Romeo to needle Keres about being turned on by Ace and Romeo’s intimacy. Keres owns her reaction but privately feels a knot of jealousy and longing after recalling their tenderness and “I love yous.”
While Ace studies routes to New York for a 1 p.m. meeting with lawyer Nathan James, Keres tries to focus on news on her phone but remains distracted by the couple’s closeness. The scene underscores shifting dynamics: Keres is drawn to them but also isolated by their bond.
Ace then says Lorenzo wants him to see and speak to Mia again to confirm her safety. Keres agrees but explains Phoenix won’t be awake before eleven, effectively delaying the call. Ace eyes Keres with suspicion, but she holds her ground. He ends the discussion by calling departure in ten minutes, and they pack up to leave for New York.
Who Appears
- KeresPOV; shares donuts, admits attraction, feels jealousy of Ace and Romeo; delays Mia verification until Phoenix wakes.
- Ace (Lorenzo Moretti)Plans New York meeting with lawyer Nathan James; insists on checking Mia’s safety; suspicious of Keres’s delay.
- RomeoLightens tension with teasing; highlights intimacy with Ace; brings breakfast and prods Keres about her reaction.