Jace froze with his spoon halfway to his mouth. Jay nearly choked on air. Bella's eyes widened, and under the table she hurriedly grabbed Leo's arm as if silently saying Don't bully him, he might faint.
Jace recovered first. He casually raised his brows and leaned back in his chair. "That depends on how long you want me to stay here," he replied smoothly, not even a little ashamed.
Bella pinched the skin of Leo's forearm under the table. Leo didn't react. Not even a flinch.
"You can stay," Leo said, calm as ever, "but you'll need to work too."
Bella blinked, looking between Leo and Jace with growing confusion.
Then Leo lifted his gaze fully and continued, "You should join my hacking team. What do you say?"
Jace nearly dropped his spoon. His expression was priceless, a mix of surprise and disbelief and something like being flattered. Bella's mouth parted slowly, warmth blooming in her chest. And Jay… Jay looked as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water over his head.
