The words hung between us like a blade suspended by a thread.
STELLA
“…Or what?” I finally asked, forcing my voice not to tremble.
James didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he leaned closer, rubbing my laps softly. My body vibrated. I swallowed.
“A casual glance of a man looking at a maid?” I whispered, placing my hands on his.
“ No.” He said dryly, like he was dissecting every reaction, every flicker in my eyes, every breath I took.
Then he smiled. “You’ll find out.”
The way he said it made my stomach twist. He stepped away at last, not taking his eyes off me. The shift in atmosphere was so abrupt it left me dizzy.
“Finish your work,” he said casually, walking toward the door.
Just like that.
Like the moment hadn’t existed.
Like he hadn’t cornered me, studied me, nearly….
The
