Washing Off The Crown

VANCE’S POV

It’s past three when I finally give up on the crown for the night and go to her.

I shower first, in the dark, because I’ve been in a cold garage and three colder meetings and I’ve got the whole ugly day still on my skin, and I don’t want to bring any of it into that bed.

It’s a rule I’ve made without ever saying it aloud: whatever the day is, whatever’s rotting out there in the world w