The motel’s back wing was quieter than the rest—private, expensive, the kind of rooms people paid extra to disappear in.

Alec had paid in cash, no questions asked, no ID required. The receptionist had taken one look at the stack of bills and handed over the key to Room 12 without a word.

Alec had just set his jacket aside and loosened his sleeves when the knock came.

Three sharp taps. He went still.

Then smirked, knowing who it was.

Opening the door, he leaned against the frame.

“I thought you left.”

Arjun stood there, coat dusted with snow, jaw tight with irritation and something closer to relief.

“There are...