Grayson drew a long breath. His knuckles were still white from how tightly he gripped his phone.

"Talk. Or I'm hanging up."

On the other end, the woman smiled. He could hear it in her voice, dripping like poison she enjoyed pouring.

"Fine. I'm calling to remind you that… I need you here in a few days."

His jaw flexed hard.

"I can't. I have personal matters to handle."

She let out a soft, mocking laugh.

"Oh, Grayson… You know you can't say no to me. You owe me. And I've already given you more space than a woman in my position would normally allow."

His eyes darkened instantly, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl.

"You know exactly what our agreement was. Don't start."

"I know," she replied, with fake innocence that infuriated him. "But… a woman can always change her mind, don't you think?"

His blood ran hot. He hated that tone. It was the one she always used when she wanted to corner him, when she wanted to trap him.

"I'm hanging up."

"Go ahead. But yo