The bell chimed, cutting through the heavy silence of Room 204.
Mrs. Gable began tidying her brochures, her voice trailing off as she dismissed the class with a final reminder to "dress for success".
As the room stirred, Danny, Sarah, and Mike shared a quiet nod.
"We're heading to the library to secure a table before the rush," Mike muttered, glancing toward the door. "You coming, Alex?"
"Go ahead," Alex replied, his gaze already fixed on the front row. "I have a few things to settle here first."
As the trio headed for the door, the air around Alex suddenly shifted. A familiar scent of expensive perfume and heat trailed over him as Madison slowed her pace, lingering just long enough for her shoulder to brush his.
She leaned in, her lips ghosting against the shell of his ear, her voice a low, rhythmic hum that was meant for him alone. "The archives are cold, Alex... we'll be on our knees waiting to feel your heat."
