REED
I entered the dining room, and the moment my eyes landed on Alexandra sitting at the long table, something stirred in me. She looked small in the grand space, almost fragile. Her back was straight, but the nervous energy rolling off her was unmistakable. I noticed she hadn’t touched the food in front of her—just as I expected.
As I walked toward her, I caught her gaze. She didn’t flinch, but there was something in her eyes, a flicker of uncertainty. It only made me smile. This cat-and-mouse game between us was becoming quite the thrill.
"Enjoying the meal, Alexandra?" I asked, keeping my voice casual, as if this were any normal morning between us.
She nodded, her response almost reflexive, though I could tell her mind was elsewhere. Her voice barely above a whisper when she replie
