As they stepped out of the car, they saw Fredrick Cole, lounging with his usual effortless elegance against his car.
He glanced up as they approached him, his sharp eyes sweeping over them with a knowing glint. "Took you long enough," he remarked, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement.
Jace rolled his eyes. "Keep your comments to yourself, Fred."
Fred just laughed, standing and stretching lazily. "If only I could. But it's not every day I see you looking… what's the word? Loved?"
Jace's gaze darkened, but Grace, still slightly thrown off by Fred's perceptiveness, quickly interjected. "You've not been waiting for long, have you?"
Fred turned his attention to her, the teasing glint softening. "Not at all. But I did wonder if you'd make it out of his clutches in time."
Grace blinked. "I—"
"Enough," Jace cut in, shooting Fred a warning look before turning to Grace. "Ignore him."
