Before Aria realized it, they were inside a room. The flickering light of a single lamp illuminated the space, casting shadows across the walls. The rush of emotions within her fear, longing, and a strange, inexplicable desire clouded her mind, leaving her disoriented. Yet, something about the room tugged at her memory, like an echo from her past.
She barely registered his movements until the soft rustle of fabric pulled her attention. Her eyes widened as she watched him slowly unbutton his tailored coat, his every motion deliberate and unhurried, as if savoring her gaze on him. The coat slid from his broad shoulders, revealing a white dress shirt stretched taut over his muscular chest. Next, his fingers moved to loosen his tie, pulling it free in one fluid motion before dropping it onto the chair.