Victor's POV

I had waited downstairs for centuries, by the clock. My palms were starting to grow slippery from waiting, but could not bring myself to betray the level of frustration I felt. The hotel lobby was too open and too public. I craved the quiet, private conversation, but could not find Jasmine or Rose. I glanced at the watch—thirty minutes were lost. Thirty minutes were spent sitting, trying some sort of patience, but each one felt increasingly longer.

I had come here to sort ...