Page 361 of Double or Nothing

“You’ve built something incredible here,” I tell them. “This place is fantastic.”

Jack grins.

“We’re quite a duo, aren’t we?”

Eli smiles at Jack with a warmth I wasn’t expecting.

“We are again now, yes.”

I feel like I’m witnessing something private, but I can’t tear my eyes away. The depth is real between them.

Jack gets up from his desk, still smiling at Eli.

“Right, I’m off. See you tomorrow, Poker Face.”

“Will you?”

“Of course. I do have a job to do, after all.”

“For once, I actually believe you,” Eli says.

Jack gathers his phone and keys, all set to go.

Eli holds out a hand to me before we reach the door.

“Goodnight, Someone. It was a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure we’ll be crossing paths again.”

I grip his hand, hoping he feels the sincerity.

“Goodnight, Eli. Same to you.”

The Argent is busier when we return to the gaming floor. There are more people at the tables now, much more action and tension, but Jack doesn’t even cast a glance. His steadiness I saw in the office remains. It’s there in his shoulders and the measured pace of his steps.

This version of Jack is strange to me.

Not wrong. Not boring. Not faded.

Just different.

A member of staff brings Jack’s coat when we get to the entrance. Jack takes it with a thank you, then waits while another member of staff retrieves mine. And then we’re done. The doors open into the London night and Jack steps onto the pavement beside me.

Things feel more real out here. More vulnerable, even than the first face off when I appeared in his office. He flags down a cab while I’m still staring at him.

We sit close together in the back on the way to his. Not touching straight from the off. There are several inches of leather between us, and I’m aware of every one.

Jack looks through his window. London lights move across his face, catching the sharp edge of his cheekbone and the blond strands above his forehead.

His hand rests on the seat. Close enough to reach.

I stare at it like an idiot until he glances towards me.

“You’re thinking very loudly.”

“I’m not saying anything.”

“Exactly.”

There he is. A glimpse of the old Jack.