Aria slammed the office door. She was tired of Kael. There he was—leaning on the wall, arms crossed, that annoying, cocky smile on his face.
"Late again?" he teased.
"I don't care what you think," Aria said, walking closer.
"Good," Kael said, stepping closer too. "Because I don't care anyway."
Her heart started beating fast. She hated him. Hated him… and yet… something inside her felt strange.
"You always act like you're better than everyone," she said, frowning.
"Only with people worth noticing," he said, and his hand brushed hers by accident. A small spark ran through her. She jerked back.
Aria glared at him. Kael leaned a little closer, smirk still on his face. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I'm not," she said quickly, though her cheeks felt hot.
"Uh huh," he said, teasing. "Sure you're not."
They stood there, staring at each other. It was quiet… but not really. The air felt thick. Her body felt weird—excited and nervous.
"You're impossible," she said, crossing her arms.
"Maybe I like impossible," Kael whispered, leaning so close she could feel his breath on her face.
Aria pulled back a little, but it didn't work. Her heart raced too fast.
"You're disgusting," she said, trying to sound angry, but she was laughing a little too.
"I prefer… irresistible," Kael said, still smiling.
Aria turned to walk away, but Kael grabbed her hand lightly. "Don't go," he said, voice low and teasing.
She stopped. Her heart pounded. Hate, jealousy, desire—it was all mixed up. She hated him… but she didn't want to leave.
They stared at each other for a few more seconds. Neither moved. The world outside the office didn't matter. The rain, the city, nothing mattered. All that mattered was this strange, dangerous pull between them.
Finally, Aria let go of his hand. She turned and walked to her desk, pretending she didn't feel anything. Kael watched her go, smirk still on his face.
One thing was clear: this rivalry was only starting. They hated each other… but secretly, neither could stop thinking about the other.
-- end of chapter 1