Chapter Six: No More Pretending

Adelani didn't believe in coincidences.

So, when she saw Alexander St. John standing outside the library two days after the alumni event, dressed impeccably in a tailored navy coat, hands tucked into his pockets like he had all the time in the world she knew.

This was intentional.

She had just finished her shift, stepping out into the crisp evening air when she spotted him across the street. At first, she considered pretending not to see him. She could turn left, take the longer route home, pretend this wasn't happening.

But then, as if he could sense her hesitation, he looked up.

And smiled.

That knowing, unhurried smile that made her feel like he was already ten steps ahead of her.

With no escape that wouldn't seem ridiculous, she took a slow breath and walked toward him.

" Professor St. John," she greeted, keeping her tone neutral.

" Alexander," he corrected smoothly, his eyes flickering with amusement." I think we've covered this."

She exhaled sharply through her nose." What are you doing here?

" I was in the area," he said with deliberate casualness." Thought I'd take a walk. Enjoy the scenery. Perhaps, if I was lucky, run into someone interesting."

Adelani folded her arms." You don't strike me as a man who leaves things to luck."

His lips twitched." I don't. Which is why I happen to know that your shift ends at exactly five-thirty, and that if I positioned myself here, I'd have the pleasure of your company."

She stared at him." So, you… orchestrated this?"

His gaze never wavered." Yes."

No shame. No hesitation. Just pure, unapologetic intent.

Adelani wasn't sure whether to be irritated or intrigued.

" That's "she started, then stopped, because what was this? A little unsettling? A little charming? A little reckless?

" Bold?" he offered, reading her thoughts with unnerving ease." Yes. But I find that when one wants something, there's no sense in pretending otherwise."

The air between them shifted.

Want.

It was there, wrapped in his words, lingering in the space between them. He was saying it without saying it, leaving her to decide whether she wanted to acknowledge it.

And she wasn't sure she did.

" Walk with me," he said, already turning, as if he knew she'd follow.

And against her better judgment, she did.

They moved in easy silence at first, the sounds of Norwich settling into its evening rhythm around them. The city was a blend of old and new, cobblestone streets leading into modern cafés, historic buildings standing beside sleek glass-fronted shops.

Alexander strolled beside her like he belonged everywhere, his presence both commanding and effortless.

" How long have you been working at the library?" he asked, hands still in his pockets.

" A while," she said vaguely." I like the quiet."

" I suppose I should have expected that."

She glanced at him." What's that supposed to mean?"

" You were always "he paused, as if choosing his words carefully." watching. Thinking. You never spoke much in class, but I knew you had thoughts. The best minds do."

Her stomach flipped unexpectedly.

She had spent so much time assuming she had been invisible to him, a background presence in his lectures, just another student moving through the system. And yet, here he was, making it clear he had seen her all along.

" You're very sure of yourself," she muttered.

" I am."

" And what exactly do you want, Alexander?"

He stopped walking.

She did too, realizing too late that they were standing in a quieter part of town, where the streetlights cast long, golden shadows.

He turned to face her fully, and for the first time that night, there was no teasing in his expression only certainty.

" You."

The word landed between them, deliberate, direct.

Adelani's pulse jumped.

She let out a soft, incredulous laugh, shaking her head." You don't even know me."

His gaze didn't waver." Don't I?"

He took a step closer, just enough for her to catch the faint scent of his cologne—something woodsy and clean, expensive but not ostentatious.

" You think too much before you speak," he murmured, studying her." You hesitate before answering questions, measuring every word. You stand on the edges of rooms, observing rather than participating. You like control. But you're also "He paused, his voice lowering slightly." wild, in a way most people wouldn't expect."

Her breath caught.

He couldn't possibly know that. Not fully.

And yet, she felt exposed, like he had pulled back a curtain she hadn't realized was slightly open.

She willed herself to remain unaffected." You're awfully perceptive for someone who's barely had a full conversation with me."

He smirked." I pay attention."

A shiver annoyance, intrigue, something in between ran through her.

She wanted to push back. To remind him that she wasn't some puzzle to be solved, some experiment in observation. But part of her a dangerous part liked the way he looked at her. The way he spoke with certainty, as if he had already decided she was worth pursuing.

And that was what made him dangerous.

" This isn't going to work," she said, taking a small step back.

" And what is 'this' exactly?"

She opened her mouth, then closed it.

Alexander smiled, slow and knowing." See? You don't even have an answer. Which means you're thinking about it."

Her jaw clenched.

He chuckled, the sound rich and unapologetic." I won't push. Not tonight."

Then, to her complete surprise, he reached out not touching her, but close enough that she felt the suggestion of it.

" But I will see you again, Adelani."

And then, before she could find the words to argue, he turned and walked away.

Leaving her standing there, heart racing, knowing full well that he was right.