t. She placed her napkin on the table and politely excused herself to use the

for a moment of peace away from the clinking glasses and Julian's suffocating presence. A ser

ed freezing cold water onto her flushed cheeks and neck. A woman in a designer dress touched up her lipstick at the mir

el, the heavy restroom door swung

her posture relaxed and overly familiar. She completely invaded Chloe's personal space.

e nature of Chloe's relationship with Ethan, her eyes gleaming with malicious curiosity. "So," Poppy

meticulously. She gave Poppy short, non-committal, per

mirror. She started to humble-brag, her voice dripping with fake sweetness, about how possessive and demanding Julian was of her in

looked great, her voice flat, and exited the restroom to end the psych

deep. A manager from Harrison Properties was loudly joking about a budding office romance between Etha

ck of Chloe's chair, playing along with the rumors to deflect the awkwardness. "We'll let you know," Etha

terrifying expression. His knuckles were bone-white as he gripped his heavy cryst

f neat whiskey. His dark eyes were fixed dangerously on Ethan's arm resting behind Chloe's shoulde

heck, paying the exorbitant bill with the corporate card. "E

ck desk. Chloe grabbed her coat ticket from her purse. The alcohol and tension in the room made her head spin. She slipped away from the group to use

ck exit, she suddenly heard a heavy thud against the wall

intoxicated, his usually perfect posture gone, his steps uncoordinated and heavy. His tie wa

ckly pivot on her heel and walk away bef

. He lunged forward with surprising, terrifying speed. His large han

r space, effectively pinning her back against the flocked velvet wallpaper

t his hard, broad chest. The heavy, intoxicating scent of expensiv

his forehead against the wall right next to her head. His breathing was

x mix of raw pain and heavy intoxication. His lips parted

ntly, entirely convinced he was drunkenly calling out for Poppy, seeking his

her. Her stomach churned. She realized she was nothing but a phys

chest. She broke his weak, drunken grip

her voice trembling with unshed tea

ked confused and deeply dazed, his dark eyes struggling to focus on

orridor, her heels clicking rapidly on the floor. Her hands were st

n, who was waiting patiently by the front door, and rushed outside

e back seat as hot tears of frustration finally stung her eyes. "Where to?" the driver asked. She g