Chapter 27: Before the Break
They both felt he shift in the coming days. Not sharply. Not all at once. But enough. It surfaced at the wrong moment. On that particular day, just before she left with her team. “You don’t have to go with them.” Athena turned. Bobby stood a few steps away, composed—but not untouched. “I do,” she said. “We’re handling the same accounts.” “I can take you.” “It’s not about convenience.” “Then what is it about?” “Boundaries.” The word settled between them. “They’re my colleagues, friends,” she continued. “Before anything else. And whatever you think is happening—” “I don’t think,” he said quietly. “I see.” “You’re seeing it wrong.” “They’re comfortable with you.” “I’m allowed to be comfortable.” “Ortaliz—” “They only cross a line if I let them,” she said firmly. “And I won’t
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