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"Oh, really? You're the one who got him hooked on Wagyu."

Synthia gasps. "It's the healthiest meat for him."

"I'm not even allowed red meat," I point out.

"You, my dear, are not a dog."

The hotel comes into view, a scrum of photographers surrounding the entrance. "I have to go, it was great to hear your voice."

"Same. I'm glad you're feeling better. Come home. Skip the prince."

"I'll think about it," I promise again.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Hannah sitson the couch in my suite wearing a black sweatsuit, a bowl of popcorn in her lap. She's flicking through the movie options. I settle next to her, an open bottle of wine in one hand and two glasses in the other. "What are you in the mood for?" she asks.

"Comedy," I say. "Nothing to do with contraception or women's rights."

Hannah huffs a laugh. "Exhausted with the topic."

“Yes.”

“Have you talked to Lauren yet?” she asks, referencing my financial advisor.

“No, but I spoke with Tamara. And she spoke with Lauren. I’ll meet with her when I’m home.” I place the wine bottle and glasses on the coffee table. “What are you going to do?” I ask, looking over at Hannah.

She’s not wearing any makeup tonight, and the shadows under her eyes suggest she’s sleeping about as well as I am—which is to say terribly. “I’m not sure. Mary is getting married.”

I nod. “I know.”

I start to pour the wine. A knock at the door interrupts as I finish.

Glancing at my phone, I see a missed text from Ash asking if he can speak to me for a minute. "Come in," I yell. Hannah holds up the bowl of popcorn, offering Ash some as he enters.

"No, thanks," he says. "I just wanted to confirm tomorrow's schedule."

"You should probably be talking to Lloyd then, you know I'm just the puppet and that man pulls my strings." Ash does not smile at my joke. His sense of humor is hard to find. Apparently, he’s only into homicide jokes.

"Do you want to go for a run in the morning?" Ash asks.

"Have you been talking with Synthia?" I sit back into the couch, taking my wine glass with me.

Ash's eyes drop to it briefly; no obvious judgment crosses his expression, but I manage to feel it nonetheless. I can have a glass of wine or two with a friend while watching a movie. There isn’t a stick up my ass, unlike some giants I know.

"Your normal training schedule would have you running tomorrow morning, but Lloyd has you at the gym. I thought you might like to go outside."

My gaze flicks to the window—dark now. I've never been to Berlin before and have had no chance to explore. I could be out there right now, dining with Zade, Lloyd, and other members of the cast, but my skin feels raw, my battery for dealing with people low. Running through the city in the early morning before it's fully awake would be really nice, though. "Yeah," I say, turning back to Ash. "That actually sounds great. Thanks."

"Of course. I'll meet you at six?" His eyes flick to my wine again.

I cock my head at him.I know you're judging me.

I'm just standing here waiting for a reply.

"Let's make it six thirty," I say. "Want to join us?" I turn to ask Hannah.

"I only run when being chased, but thanks." She smiles at me.