The office felt suffocating—Xavier’s scent lingered in the air, a mix of cedar and control, wrapping around me like invisible chains. My lips still burned from the press of his mouth, but it wasn't the heat I needed right now. It was air. Space. Sanity.
I shoved the files off my desk in one sweeping motion, watching them scatter like the pieces of me I’d been pretending to hold together. I couldn't do this. I couldn’t be a pawn in his games or a prisoner to my own confusion.
I grabbed my bag and stormed out before Xavier could say another word, before his voice could snake through my defenses and pull me right back under. I didn’t even care who was watching.
By the time I reached the curb, the cool wind slapped my cheeks, snapping me out of the haze. My phone buzzed.
Diego: "I’m outsid
