house the following week. It wasn't just the looming event; it was the electric tension between them that left her feeling bo

etails of the book launch. But as Elena stepped into the sleek, gla

world was pressing down on him. His usual composed demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Elena could see the faintest

ool, but there was a hint of something... el

ped into the room, her heels clicking softly against the polished fl

pen, waiting for her. Elena's gaze flickered to it briefly before settling b

eyes were sharp, as if seeing right through her. "Most people would be rattled b

sper. The truth was, Julian Hayes unsettled her in ways she didn't underst

e her, his eyes locking

Elena could feel the tension rising between them, thickening with every passing second. His gaze drift

ou," Julian said softly, hi

a step back, her mind scrambling for co

ng a step toward her. His hand brushed against her arm as

swung open with a sharp click, and

find you here with Ms. Moo

filled with endless possibilities. Her dark hair was swept into a messy bun, and her lips were painted a deep shade of crimson. She was wearing a l

in his eyes as he looked at the woman. "Veronica," he

vitation. Her gaze slid over to Elena, her eyes scanning her with an almost predatory in

rged between Julian and this woman-something unspoken but undeniable. It was clear that

an said, his voice firm as he turned back

But you know, Julian, if you're ever in need of a little distraction..." Her voice

ting with a mix of confusion and jealousy. Was this wo

urned slightly colder. "Veronica, I think we'

to leave. But just as she reached the door, she paused, glancing b

ble silence. Elena couldn't ignore the surge of emotions rising within

n't speak, and Elena wasn't sure if she should. The moment had been shattered, a

n said after a long pause, h

ther. "It's fine," she replied, thou

but never fully gone. Elena could feel the weight of his words from earlier, the way they had danc

Julian stood and offered her a

something darker. "We'll need to discuss a few

a thousand unanswered questions. Julian Hayes had always been a mystery. But now, with Veronica's sudden appearance and the way

g. The quiet of the elevator felt too loud, too suffocating. She thought about Julian's words, his touch, the tension th

ould she let