Noah nodded, though the look in his eyes suggested disappointment more than understanding. Michael did not notice. His phone vibrated again. Another meeting reminder. Another reason to hurry. He kissed Noah’s hair, grabbed his coat, and left.

Three hours later, his assistant’s voice came through the phone, tight with panic…Michael Arden had always believed that life rewarded those who stayed ahead of it. If you planned far enough, worked hard enough, and never let yourself slow down long enough to feel fear, then nothing could truly surprise you.