The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never by Gilbert Soysal

After several rounds, her attention shifted from the screen to Bryson, who had been feigning sleep, his eyes closed and his breathing even.

Despite the noise, he seemed undisturbed.

Hannah studied him intently, a small frown creasing her forehead.

Even after all this time together, Bryson remained an enigma to her.

“Am I that fascinating to look at?”

Bryson murmured without opening his eyes, catching Hannah off-guard.

Hannah’s cheeks warmed, and she turned her attention back to her phone with a huff.

“Don’t flatter yourself.

”

One eyebrow arched, Bryson finally opened his eyes, meeting her gaze with a playful spark.

“Why not? Might as well consider me a narcissist.

”

“Humph!” was all Hannah managed, her mock annoyance failing to mask her embarrassment.

crept in, around 7 o’clock,

settled a peaked cap on her head, her beautiful eyes the only feature

black sports coat that toned down

might have passed for a college student, his youthful features belying his true

for a leisurely spring outing

took the lead,

parked, Charlie adjusted his hat and turned to Hannah with

give me a moment to ensure everything

way in through the same entrance we used

”

“Okay.

”

the vehicle and surveyed the area

moments, he turned

to Dotson and the others crammed in the

“Let’s move.

”

of the car and into the night; the coast was

the path ahead swallowed by shadow, as if stepping into the mouth

on his flashlight, casting eerie

hushed his companions with

down from