Scarlet Tension

ass conference room door

of the chairs, spinning a pen betw

aled a breath sharp enough to

all lazy smiles

e late

door behind her wi

g into the chair across from him. "You'

, rich sound that c

ured, voice dipping just enough to make

throat and reached for the folder she'd

ictly professional. We divide responsibilities, we stay out of each oth

ind his head, shirt pulling taut across hi

friendship bracelets and confessing s

him with a gl

- a flash of something real, someth

oice softer. "We work. We

f trying to dismiss the thick, hum

d her pen agai

in half. You handle acquisition

asing new authors while you sit here pol

retation," Vivienne sa

uine one this time

like a su

his Damian - warm, tea

like how her

ll tugging at his mouth. "

ed her eye

lbows on the table, his voice droppi

ery Friday night. Just yo

inked. "Fri

ng serious, we have to put in the time. U

t from fear, but from

aid, voice like

, slow an

your

izzled - full of words they couldn't

abruptly, gathe

is. But don't flatter yourself, Wo

ing closer, his shad

ecause you're going to nee

invisible thread tigh

eathing thing now, crackling

ng open the door and stepping into t

e it

followed her down the corridor -