My stomach clenched as Rome’s gaze met mine. His usual stoicism seemed even more pronounced, his dark eyes unreadable. The playful atmosphere I'd hoped for had completely evaporated, and this time, it was replaced by a tense silence.
"What's this little...pleasantry meeting about, Xyra?" he finally asked, his voice low and gruff.
The informality of his address was a huge contrast to his usual formality, and it made the hair at the back of my neck stand erect. It sent a jolt through me. It was both jarring and strangely…inviting. But I pushed that thought aside, focusing on the task at hand.
"I, uh," I stammered, fiddling with a loose thread on my jeans. "This isn't some elaborate setup. I just wanted to talk."
He raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism gracing his features. "Talk about
