Jefferson's POV
The persistent buzzing of my phone cut through the heavy silence I had been savoring, pulling me from the dark thoughts that had consumed me for the past hour. Elisabeth's name illuminated the screen like an accusation. I exhaled slowly, my thumb hovering over the decline button before I pressed it firmly, watching her name disappear.
Javier lounged in the leather seat across from me, that insufferable smirk painted across his features as he observed my deliberate rejection of the call. One perfectly arched eyebrow rose in mock curiosity. "Absolutely certain you want to ignore that? I swear on my honor I will refrain from making any romantic sound effects."
My gaze cut to him with all the warmth of arctic wind, though I lacked the motivation to summon genuine irritation. "Is silence completely beyond your capabilities?"
