C13 Negotiating Trust

The silence between us grows loud and uncomfortable as I stare at Nick, waiting for him to break it. His eyes are inscrutable, his expression guarded as if weighing his words carefully.

"Look," he finally sighs, leaning in slightly. "My past is my past. We can't let our private lives get in the way of business."

I shake my head, frustration bubbling up despite my attempts to stay calm. "Nick