Rules had never stopped us.
At least I don't think there are rules to this thing, like an order; all this is new, and it's difficult navigating the feelings, pulses, and shots blindly.
The memory of his gaze lingered, teasing, dark, promising in ways neither of us dared name.
Against the wall, I crossed my arms, trying to anchor myself in reason.
The room was empty. The hall was silent. And yet, Adrian's presence, impossible and infuriating, remained.
A subtle sound behind me, a soft footfall, made me whip around.
His silhouette framed in the doorway, half in shadow, half in light.
His expression unreadable, controlled, yet his eyes were sharp, unblinking.
"You didn't leave," he said softly, almost a question.
"I… needed air," I said, deliberately casual, though my voice trembled despite myself.
"The exercise… it was intense.
He took a step forward.
Not too close. Not yet.
