~Jennie’s~

“You’re welcome,” Reo says, quietly, like the words taste unfamiliar in his mouth.

I freeze. I don’t mean to, but I do.

I’m standing on the balcony, one hand holding the black metal railing while the other cups a lukewarm mug of tea I haven’t sipped. The sky’s starting to dim, and the light turns peachy, brushing against the penthouse like some kind of apology.

Down below, Reo is speaking to one of the cleaning staff. Not barking. Not snarling. Just... talking. He even does that thing with his head where he leans in a little, like he’s listening. Like he actually cares what the man’s saying.

That man—Jory,...