From Frost to Flame

Part 41-Eyes of Jealousy

Sorry for any mistakes, I didn't get a chance to proofread this chapter.
Hope you enjoy it anyway!


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Pete could feel the nerves coil tighter in his chest with each step toward the conference room. It wasn't just the upcoming presentation—it was the knowledge that Vegas would be in the same room. After days of cold avoidance, the thought alone was enough to make his heartbeat jitter.

As he and Mr. Day neared the large glass doors, Pete's steps slowed. His fingers twitched slightly at his sides, a sign even he didn't notice.

Mr. Day opened the door and walked in first. Noticing Pete wasn't following, he paused and glanced back.

"What happened, Pete?"

Pete blinked, startled. "Nothing... I'm coming," he mumbled, forcing himself to step inside.

The conference room was brightly lit, sunlight falling across the long wooden table where department heads and project leads were settling in. At the far end, Sky waved him over. Pete quickly walked to the seat beside him, trying to keep his breathing steady.

His eyes flicked toward the head of the table—Vegas wasn't there yet. He couldn't decide if that made him feel better or worse.

Before Pete could gather his thoughts, the sharp sound of a chair scraping beside him broke through his focus. It was Mr. Day. He sat down smoothly, offering Pete a pleasant smile.

"You seem nervous, Pete," he said kindly, leaning in slightly.

Pete shook his head too quickly. "It's nothing like that."

The door opened again.

Pete looked up—and there he was. Vegas.

He entered alongside Kinn, dressed in all black, crisp and composed. But unlike the others, Vegas didn't scan the room. His eyes went directly to Pete. For one brief, electric moment, they locked eyes—then Vegas looked away sharply, almost like it had burned him.

Pete dropped his gaze to his notes, but the heat already bloomed on his cheeks.

Sky leaned toward him. "You okay?"

Pete gave a small nod. But he could feel it—Vegas's presence like a weight across from him. When he risked a glance, he saw him taking the seat directly opposite, next to Kinn. Their eyes didn't meet again, but Pete knew: Vegas was watching.

Miss Lena stood and began, her voice steady. "We'll begin with project updates."

She gave a summary first, then added, "Pete and Sky from the design team will lead today's presentation."

Pete's nerves surged. He looked at Sky, then both of them stood, slow and measured. Mr. Day leaned in and whispered, "Don't get nervous, Pete. You've got this."

Pete gave a tight nod and took his place in front of the projector beside Sky, hands slightly trembling.

Slide by slide, Pete spoke clearly, stepping forward as needed. Sky supported seamlessly. They worked in sync—but across the table, Vegas never blinked.

His attention was fixed. Watching every word Pete spoke, every subtle gesture—like when Pete tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear. Vegas saw it all.

Pete kept glancing down, avoiding eye contact. But when he finally dared look up—Vegas's eyes were already on him.

Kinn leaned toward Vegas, voice low. "Pete's doing great. I told you he's perfect for this."