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Minimal.

Controlled.

Rafe shifted. His weight scraping the seat. A heavier breath.

Hennessy noticed it too.

“I can schedule imaging. It won’t take long.”

“No.”

Too fast.

The word sat between us.

Uncorrected.

“If you change your mind.”

“I won‘t.”

Rafe cleared his throat. My senses heightened. A whisper against my skin.

A beat. Then⁠—

“If we’re finished here.” Rafe murmured.

“Yes.” Hennessy. “Yes of course.”

Movement came. I turned with the sound of the door. Rafe said nothing. Not a sigh. Not even a heavy breath. The ding of the elevators came. I stepped inside. Waited for the doors to close, making sure we were alone.

“Say it.”

“Nothing.”

“Really?”

“Nope. Not a thing.”

“Liar.”

The air wasn’t awkward. Just… aware. The elevator came to a stop. I followed Rafe out and headed to the car. But my focus drifted, slipping away from the sound of his steps in front of me.

You found me out here, didn’t you?

The car door opened.

I climbed inside.

Thud.

Thud.

The engine started.

“The Brownstone.” I murmured. “Take me there.”

Silence.