For several seconds, neither of them spoke.
Then Sylvia slowly set down her glass. "Well."
Thomas closed his eyes.
"I am sorry," he said.
"For what? Him? Please. I've met worse."
His eyes opened.
Sylvia reconsidered. "Actually, no, I haven't. I just wanted to sound worldly."
Despite everything, Thomas laughed again.
This time the sound was almost helpless, worn through with shock and exhaustion and the strange relief of a blade finally pulled free.
Sylvia looked at him, and her chest did the stupid, dangerous thing again.
Absolutely not, she told herself.
Thomas Lancaster had just ended a political mating arrangement in front of her, was likely about to be dismantled administratively by multiple governments, and came with more emotional consequences than any sensible woman should approach without protective equipment.
Unfortunately, Sylvia had never claimed to be sensible.
Thomas looked at the door Andrea had slammed, then back at her. "I should go after him."
