Joseph embraced Irish tightly, his arms encircling her with a reassuring grip. Lowering his head, he sought her lips and whispered, "Irish, I genuinely care about you."
Irish responded by pressing her lips against his, cherishing the closeness and breathing in his familiar scent. After a moment, she softly expressed her feelings, "I understand, but visually, it still makes me uncomfortable."
"Sorry." Joseph apologized to her and then kissed her lips.
As they returned to the car, Irish held tightly onto Joseph's hands, her grip firm and unwavering.
Irish spoke in a hushed tone, her voice filled with conviction, "I agree with Daisy. Right now, the Runestone Group needs you to save it."
Joseph responded directly, his tone tinged with resignation, "William will not allow me to return."
"Then what should we do?"
Joseph kept silent for a while and then said, "Just wait."
Wait?
Irish couldn't understand it.
