Ren knew exactly what would happen if Syris found out about Altair.
She fully intended to tell Syris eventually, on her own terms, because keeping a secret of this magnitude from her highly volatile, possessive husband would cause far more harm than good in the long run.
But she definitely wasn't going to let Vex control the narrative.
She narrowed her green eyes at him. Ren had enough life experience navigating the cutthroat restaurant industry to spot a shakedown from a mile away. Even if she bluffed and lied, telling him that Syris already knew all about the eagle, she couldn't risk Vex approaching him with this juicy gossip just to stir the pot.
"What do you want, Vex?" Ren asked flatly.
Vex's smirk widened into a breathtaking, triumphant smile.
"I was wondering when you were going to ask," he purred.
Without another word, Vex leaned forward, his hand slipping to the back of her neck, and claimed her lips in a deep, forceful kiss.
