V


    “Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?” I asked, most of my anger fading away. Honestly, those deals with the state–ownedpanies did make my position a lot more secure.


    Ryan said, “I just wanted to help you out quietly, so you wouldn’t feel like you owed me anything.”


    “Honestly, I do owe you a big favor,” I said, just calling it like it is–not looking to take advantage of him.


    Ryan said, “You really don’t have to pay me back. Just take it as a gift from me.”


    “No, a favor’s a favor–I’ll pay it back,” I replied, already running the calctions in my head.


    My heart was long past getting tangled up in feelings–when ites to business, it was all about strategy and leverage. Ryan had serious connections, and cutting him off would only end up hurting me, too.


    “Victoria, if you want to pay me back, just let me keep working. There’s only a month left–let me stay until the end of the month,” Ryan said, putting his condition on the table.


    “Well, an heir like you willing to roll up his sleeves? Now that’s a rare sight,” I teased, raising an eyebrow with a smile.


    Ryan held my gaze and said, “How do you know the bitter part isn’t what makes it sweet for me? Victoria, don’t worry–I’m not plotting anything. I just want a little more time with you.”


    I replied, “Plenty of people are into me–you’re just one more. But remember, liking is only a feeling. If you expect me to return it, you may be disappointed.”


    My defenses had already hardened; I didn’t fall easily, and when I did, I braced for the pain. Honestly, the safest move was to keep things light and yful.


    Ryan let out a bitterugh and said, “I get it, Victoria. You just walked out of a messy marriage–no way you’re gonna let anyone in easily for a while.”


    “Looks like you’re pretty mature for your age,” I said with augh.


    Ryan said, “I grew up with my grandpa. My mom was always busy working, so I had to grow up fast and learn to take care of myself.”


    “Alright, let’s go grab some midnight snacks,” I suggested.


    “Sounds good,” Ryan said, his eyes lighting up with a happy smile.


    I grabbed my keys and led Ryan downstairs. The area was packed with ces to eat. I took him to a Shariport–style


    café and ordered a few dishes.


    Ryan looked all hyped up, sneaking peeks at me like he was scared I’d still be pissed.


    <b>1/2 </b>


    “Did you take time off just toe to Shariport and have some fun?” I asked him.


    Ryan nodded and said, “Yeah, just here to hang out with some friends for a few days. By the way, are you still around tomorrow? I could let you meet my friends.”


    “Nah, your friends are all too young for me,” I said, shaking my head.


    38


    Ryan looked a little bummed but then added, “That girl in the pink dress today is my childhood friend. She’s from Braylin, too. Don’t get the wrong idea–we’re just friends.”


    I replied, “Rx, I know nothing is going on.”


    Ryan let out a soft “oh,” then asked, “So, in your eyes, do I look like a little brother to you?”


    I nodded and said, “Yeah, I’ve got a younger brother your age. He’s studying in Braylin.”


    Ryan’s face lit up. He eximed, “Really? Maybe you could introduce me to him sometime?”


    I replied, “No need. He’s not from your world.” I could tell Ryan wasn’t just any rich kid–he had the kind of innocence and rity that onlyes from being raised among the elite,pletely shielded from the chaos beyond their gates.


    Ryan asked, “Are you still mad at me?”


    With those rosy lips and perfect white teeth, he looked like a rare wildflower in full bloom on a mountain ridge. I leaned back in my seat, soaking up the view and savoring the moment.


    A month on site had stolen thest of his office pallor; his lips were a soft, damp pink, and the sun had traded that fragile whiteness for a healthy glow.


    Ryan caught me looking and blushed. He asked, “Victoria, have you stared enough?”