Julian Sterling lay flattened against the mattress, his body devoid of strength. He held the phone pressed tightly against his ear, listening to the tone of voice on the other end of the line. Lucas Hill's voice was beginning to fray with a distinct edge of grumpiness and dwindling patience, a sound so characteristic of his friend that Julian couldn't help but let out a soft, amused chuckle.
"Alright, alright, I get it. I know." Julian said, his voice still raspy and thick with sleep: "I was just teasing you."
Every time he laughed, his chest vibrated, sending a dull, aching soreness radiating through his lower back, a lingering reminder of the previous night's intensity. Yet, despite the physical discomfort, his eyes gleamed in the dim light of the room, sparking with a mischievous, almost devilish light.
"I think I know who the person who received your contract is." Julian added, his tone playful.
