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last update Last Updated: 2025-03-10 15:24:53

Rook POV

He exhales sharply, shaking his head, his jaw clenching like he’s trying to find a way to argue against something he knows is the truth. “You don’t get to just say that and act like it’s no big deal.” His voice is quieter now, but still edged with frustration. “Like it’s something casual, like it’s just another one of your fucking games.”

I grip his wrist a little tighter, not enough to hurt, just enough to ground him, to keep him from spiraling into whatever thoughts are racing through his head right now. “I never said it was casual,” I murmur, my voice steady, unwavering. “I never fucking said this was a game.”

Kade scoffs, but there’s no real heat behind it, just exhaustion. His free hand scrubs over his face before he looks at me again, expression guarded but slipping in places. “You act like it is. You always push, always fucking test me like you’re waiting for me to break. And now, now you just say it out of nowhere, like it’s not a big fucking deal? Like it’s not somet
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