Harley's P.O.V.

The term 'deadlock' didn't sit well with my anxious nature. I asked Carlos about the solution to this issue. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his thumb against the rim of his teacup as if the answer might appear there.

"I don't know," he finally said, his voice low and tired. "The situation isn't as simple as it looks."

My chest tightened. The silence that followed felt heavier than shouting ever could. I leaned forward, unable to keep the worry out of my voice.

"Then what do we do now? What are our options, Carlos?"

He stared at the steam rising from his cup for a long moment. Then he...