The sleek black car screeched to a halt at the edge of the Grand Regal Hotel's parking lot, where Ethan stood waiting, his arms crossed and his expression a mix of irritation and curiosity.
Jace jumped out, his face flushed from the rush of driving back. The city lights glowed behind him, casting shadows across the pavement. The engagement party was still in full swing inside, the muffled sounds of laughter and music spilling out into the night.
"Sorry, Ethan," Jace said, catching his breath. "I didn't mean to leave you hanging."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, sliding into the passenger seat as Jace hopped back into the driver's side.
"Where the hell did you go? You just vanished in the middle of the party."
Jace started the car, the engine humming as he pulled onto the road. "I had something important to take care of. It couldn't wait."
Ethan leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "Something important, huh? Care to share?"
