The morning after Adrian stayed over was quiet, but the peace felt fragile, as though the world was holding its breath. Kian walked into the office with an uneasy calm, the memory of Adrian's touch still fresh on his skin. The events of the past few days lingered in his mind, from Harlow's offer to Adrian's unwavering protectiveness.
Kian felt different now—more grounded, more certain of his place in Adrian's orbit. But that certainty was laced with the knowledge that Harlow wouldn't let his rejection go unchallenged.
As Kian settled at his desk, the usual buzz of office chatter seemed muted. Lila approached, a frown pulling at her lips.
"Have you seen the latest email?" she asked, her voice low.
Kian shook his head, his chest tightening. "What email?"
Lila glanced around before leaning closer. "Harlow's announced new task force protocols. Mandatory weekly reports, stricter oversight... It sounds like he's tightening the leash."
