Chapter 26 – Unlikely Allies
The storm had passed, leaving a bruised sunrise over the docks. Police tape fluttered in the wind as ambulances pulled away.
Ethan leaned against his car, soaked and silent, while Damien scrolled through his phone.
"Your PR team's going to have a heart attack," Damien said casually. "CEO caught in a warehouse shoot-out. Not exactly the kind of press release they like."
Ethan shot him a glare. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Just a little." Damien grinned, then softened. "But… good work tonight. You didn't freeze up like I thought you would."
That earned him a rare, short laugh from Ethan.
"Guess I'm full of surprises."
They stood there in rare, comfortable quiet until Damien broke it again.
"You know, you're not as insufferable as I thought."
"Don't get sentimental," Ethan said. "We're not friends."
Damien smirked. "Not yet."