Eryx
I locked eyes with Ethan, his gaze darting between Adeline and me like a trapped animal. The air thickened as he stepped into the room, the door creaking shut behind him. Adeline's warm smile faltered, her expression twisting into a complex web of emotions.
"Ethan," she said, her voice laced with caution.
His eyes narrowed, jaw clenched. "Addie, can we talk?"
Adeline's hands stilled on her work, her fingers tightening around the fabric. "I'm busy."
Ethan's gaze lingered on me before snapping back to Adeline. "About us. Privately."
The tension spiked, Adeline's shoulders squaring. "There is no 'us'."
Ethan's face darkened, his voice dropping to a low growl. "Don't play games, Addie. We need to talk."
Adeline's eyes flashed, her voice icy. "I'm not playing games. I'm working. And I don't have time for your drama."
The silence was oppressive, Ethan's anger palpable. His fists clenched, knuckles white.
"Who let you in?" Adeline demanded, her voice rising. "This is a workspace, not a social hub. Follow the rules or leave."
Ethan's eyes blazed, but Adeline stood firm, her gaze unwavering.
"Leave," she repeated, her voice firm.
The standoff ended with Ethan's abrupt turn, the door slamming shut behind him.
The room exhaled, the tension dissipating.
"You okay?" I asked, breaking the silence.
Adeline's shoulders relaxed, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Yeah."
Adeline's exhaustion was palpable in the cozy confines of her cabin. Soft lighting cast a warm glow on her features.
"Talk about us?" she muttered, shaking her head. "Bullshit!"
Her voice, laced with frustration, drew me in. I sensed the turmoil beneath her composed exterior.
"Sorry for the drama," she offered, her smile faint.
I leaned back in the armchair, eyes locked on hers. "Nah, it was interesting."
"It's boring," she teased, her gaze drifting to the floor.
I chuckled. "Or maybe it was."
Adeline's eyes snapped back to mine, a hint of amusement sparking.
"Ex?" I asked, curiosity slipping out.
"Yes," she replied simply.
I nodded, standing up. "Okay then... I'll take my leave."
Adeline rose, echoing my earlier phrase, "Thoughtful of you to drop by."
"Told you," I said with a hint of sass.
"I'll call if needed," I added, hand on the cabin door's handle.
"Needed what?" Adeline asked from behind.
"My girlfriend," I said with a shrug. "Forgot?"
Adeline's chuckle was low and throaty. "Don't know where this will end, man."
"In good," I reassured, smiling.
"See you, Ms. Carson," I said, exiting the cabin with a subtle grin.
Even I didn't know where this would end.
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Beyond The Lie
RomanceShe took a step closer, her eyes blazing with anger. "You want to know what's really unfair? It's that you're mad at me for doing what you should have done in the first place. You should have come to talk to me, should have made an effort. But no, i...
