Chapter 19. Are You Saying I’m Not a Good Man?

Calista’s POV

After a meal eaten in near silence, the four of us—Cedric, Draven, Zane, and I—sat quietly at the table. Despite the subdued atmosphere, I couldn’t deny how delicious Draven’s cooking had been. It was a surprise, considering my initial impression of him as a detached, affluent individual who likely spent most of his time in solitude.

“Let me clean these up,” I offered suddenly, breaking the quiet spell that seemed to hang over us. Their eyes turned to me in surprise.

“Are you sure, Calista?” Zane asked with concern. “I know you must be a little tired after your—”

“No, it’s fine,” I interrupted, mustering a smile. “I’m in the mood for it.”

Cedric jokingly cleared his throat. “Well, I could take care of it instead. Don’t want a girl to get tired,” he teased, winking at me with a wide grin.

Zane sighed softly. “Well, Calista, you just have to make sure of that,” he whispered, giving me a knowing look. I nodded in acknowledgment.<