Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 51

Posted by Adminj, ? Views, Released on January 7, 2026

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Chapter 51 Lines Drawn in Neon

Ryan caught Mason’s message the second it popped up.

‘Drinks? At this hour? His reply flew back. What happened? Did she serid you packing?

Mason let out a low, humorless breath. So that’s the game.

riched

He didn’t bother typing and sent a photo instead. The picture was from dinner, taken directly on his Holoband. His fingers were laced with hers. Ava’s eyes were wide, her posture stiff, and she looked clearly flustered.

A moment later, another message followed. ‘Packing? Look again. Tell me what you see.

Ryan stared at the screen until his jaw tightened. D*mn it. Neither of us has even gotten close, and Mason’s already ahead.

That snake never waits for its turn, always sneaking in first.

“Ethan!” Ryan burst into the study. “Mason just beat us to her!”

Ethan sat behind the desk, skimming over a thick file. He scarcely looked up as Ryan stormed in, barefoot, with messy hair and anger clear on his face.

Ryan shoved the Holoband ford. “Look at him showing off. Every one of them’s turning into a d*mn vulture. We’re the only ones still playing straight.”

Heat rushed through his chest. Yesterday’s honesty suddenly felt like the dumbest move he’d ever made.

Ethan examined the image closely and remained calm–this was the outcome he anticipated. Ava’s openness and trust made her vulnerable, especially to men who knew how to spot weakness. Ryan was the only person who thought things would stay simple.

Ethan typed back, ‘Where?‘

The reply came fast.

Neon Rush–a bar buzzing with young people

y night.

Mason arrived first and claimed a corner couch. He checked his Holoband and tapped Ava’s icon, but the chat window stayed blank.

The time ticked past 11 p.m.

No way to know if she was already asleep; his fingers moved before he stopped them.

‘Sweet dreams.

He shut the device down right after.

Ryan and Ethan arrived shortly after, with Ryan fully masked and in disguise–wearing a mask, cap, and a high–collared shirt, leaving only his eyes visible.

1/3

11:15 Wed, Jan 7 M

Chapter 51 Lines Drawn in Neon

The dim lights did nothing for his mood. He shoved into the private room, ripped off the reactor

the mask and cap, then ran a hand through his hair.

“This better matter. I didn’t sneak out for nothing

Mason ignored him, offering Ethan a brief nod instead.

They took the long couch to the right of the door. Ryan glowered, twisting the black ring on his finger as it owed him an apology.

Ethan stayed composed. His eyes settled on Mason. “You walked Ava home tonight?”

“Her family had other matters. They asked me to handle it,” Mason replied.

Ryan’s tone turned sour. “Funny how your cousin keeps handing you chances.

Among the five, Mason shared blood with Cassius. Keith and Louis carried their own family ties. Those connections opened doors that the rest had to kick.

Mason flicked Ryan a sideways glance. “Feeling left out? That’s not my problem.”

“You crossed first,” Ryan snapped. “Hand–holding already, then pretending it means nothing.”

A short laugh escaped Mason. “You’ve got a short memory. Weren’t you the loudest insisting you’d never accept this forced match and touch this arrangement? Just one look at her, and you folded. That’s pretty impressive, even for you.

“She’s my legal wife. What happens between us stays there. I won’t interfere with you and Ethan, so stay out of my space.

Mason’s stare sharpened. “Learn where your line is.”

Ryan surged halfway up. “You!”

The door slid open before it could go further.

Keith walked in, calm and collected. A quick look around the room made him softly chuckle. “What’s this? Tension night?”

Ethan passed Ryan a drink and explained, “Just words being thrown around–nothing too serious. You arrived surprisingly quickly. I thought you might bail.”