Marceline opened her mouth to speak, the words forming on her lips, when the shrill sound of the phone cut through the morning air like a blade. The ringtone echoed off the walls of the luxurious bedroom, shattering the fragile moment between them.

Cross's jaw tightened as he glanced at the caller ID. Without hesitation, he swiped to answer, his movements sharp and deliberate.

"What do you want?" His voice was cold, devoid of any warmth that had been there moments before.

Alvin's voice crackled through the speaker, smooth and taunting. "Well, well, well. Good morning to you ."

Cross's eyes darkened as he hit the speaker button, his gaze...