Lincoln’s POV
Ryan’s hand was warm against mine, steady and reassuring on the polished wood of the booth.
I looked at him across the low amber glow of the table. He was everything a guy could reasonably hope for. He had a great career, his own place, a supportive circle of friends, and an open, proud comfort in his own skin that made being around him feel entirely effortless. He didn't hide in shadows. He didn't flinch when his skin brushed someone else's. He didn't lock himself in a private study to pretend an attraction didn't exist.
Ryan was safe. With him, there would be no whispers from high-society boards, no terrified corporate heirs running from their own desires, and no complicated employer-employee boundaries hanging over every conversation like a blade.
I forced myself to br
