The group gradually took their seats.

Mason, of course, positioned himself beside Aurora, and Jace seemed equally determined to sit next to her. Waterfield made an attempt to settle in, but Derek blocked his way with an unapologetic grin. “Sorry, this seat’s reserved. My wife’s sitting here.”

This arrangement left Sophia seated beside Jace, which meant Derek was bound to end up beside her, leaving Waterfield, at best, sandwiched between Derek and Sophia, his ...