Elijah sat on the couch, drink in hand, his face set in a determined expression that Ryder had seen too many times before. But tonight, there was something more—an edge of desperation that made Ryder uneasy.
Ryder watched as Elijah took another long drink. "You've had enough, Elijah. Stop drinking now," he said, concern lacing his voice.
But Elijah just shook his head, dismissing the comment, and poured himself another glass.
"I'm fine," Elijah muttered, his eyes unfocused. "What's not fine is that Noah knows where Ash is, and he's keeping it from me."
Ryder sighed, leaning back in his chair. He cared deeply for Elijah—had always looked out for him, ever since they first met years ago. Elijah was three years younger, but their bond went beyond age. Ryder had seen him rise through the ranks, a force of nature in the business world. But this…he can't see Elijah like this. Elijah is losing it, and Ryder hated seeing it.
