Ryley's voice dropped, edged with a defiant tone that sparked against the tension in the air. "I'd be lying if I didn't want the latter," he said, the hint of a smirk curling his lips.
A chuckle then escaped him, eyes gleaming with a glint of conspiracy, as if he were sharing a secret that only he and Ciara could truly understand.
"But let's not kid ourselves. If this happens—and we know it could—it's not the real reason, is it?" he added.
Ryley felt a subtle thrill as he watched Ciara's mask slip just a little, her curiosity clear in the faint wrinkle of her brow. He could sense she was hooked, even if she tried to hide it.
