“I knew I’d find you here.”
The dean’s voice. Calm. Controlled. Terrifying in its restraint.
I stepped back instantly, my throat dry. Adrian’s hand dropped from my shoulder with the speed of light.
“Dean—sir, I—” Adrian began, but the dean lifted a hand, silencing him. His eyes flicked from Adrian to me, his expression unreadable.
“I had a feeling you’d be in his office, Miss Hale,” he said, his tone disappointingly gentle. “You’ve had quite the day.”
I swallowed hard. My heart pounded so violently I could hear it echo in my ears. “I—I just needed to talk to him. I didn’t mean—”
"You don't have to explain." He stopped me, entered, and silently pushed the door closed. "I understand this has been quite challenging for you."
His use of the word " challenging " sounded like a bruise th
