Page 182 of Playing Dirty

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Mason was closer too.

Not directly.

But enough that I could feel the difference.

He wasn’t watching me.

But I could tell he was aware of my direction.

That was the problem with him.

He noticed before things happened.

Not after.

MASON

She moved again.

Closer this time.

Not intentional.

But not avoidable either.

That was the worst kind.

Jace noticed immediately.

“You’re both insane,” he muttered.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“That’s exactly it.”

Rowan passed near the bar area.

Not stopping.

Just moving through.

And for half a second—

the space between us tightened without either of us choosing it.

Not contact.

Not even near contact.

Just proximity that felt like it had a decision behind it.

She didn’t look at me.

Not yet.

But I knew she knew I was there.

That was enough.

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