Searching for the Truth 10

"No," Asher shook his head.

"Are you sure? These leaves are quite rare and have a soothing effect. Conversations tend to go much smoother when you're at ease."

"I don't need tea to think clearly. If you have something worthwhile to say, get to the point."

Hisame didn't argue. Instead, she silently set the kettle down. 

Then, without a word, she lifted the cup to her lips and took a slow, sip.

It was the kind of patience that came from knowing she was in control—or at least believing she was.

Asher would normally call her out for wasting time, but there was something oddly captivating about the way she drank her tea.

Asher clenched his jaw, forcing himself to look unaffected. 

The way her lips pressed against the porcelain made him consider, for a fleeting moment, tasting the tea himself. Or maybe even taking it from her lips directly.