Kane settled onto the far end of the couch, leaving a careful buffer of space between them.
Cyrus sat on the opposite end, his posture as rigid as a boardroom presentation.
The silence stretched until Kane cleared his throat.
"So." He clasped his hands together, adopting his most professional tone.
"Let's approach this logically. You've made an offer—"
"An offer?" Cyrus's eyebrow arched dangerously high.
"—and I need to evaluate the terms and conditions." Kane gestured between them with mock seriousness.
"What exactly are the deliverables here? Mutual affection? Exclusive partnership agreements?"
Cyrus stared at him like he'd lost his mind.
"Are you treating my feelings like a contract negotiation?"
"It's easier than treating them like feelings," Kane shot back, then immediately winced.
"Sorry. That came out wrong."
The air between them felt charged and electric.
Cyrus processed Kane's words, peeling away the defensive sarcasm.
