Chapter 8: Crossing the Line

Mia barely slept that night. The warmth of Adrian's lips on hers still lingered, a ghost of a moment that she couldn't shake. She had told herself it was a mistake, but her heart refused to listen.

Morning came too soon, and with it, reality. She had to go to work and pretend nothing had happened.

Walking into Blackwood Enterprises, Mia held her head high, ignoring the rapid beating of her heart when she stepped into Adrian's office. He was already there, seated behind his massive desk, his eyes trained on her the moment she entered.

For a second, neither of them spoke. The air between them was thick, charged with unspoken words and lingering tension.

"Good morning, Mr. Blackwood," Mia said, forcing a professional tone.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving hers. "Morning, Mia."

Her fingers curled into fists at how effortlessly he spoke her name. As if last night had meant nothing. As if the kiss hadn't shifted the ground beneath them.

She placed a file on his desk. "Your schedule for today. You have a meeting at ten, followed by a lunch appointment with Mr. Langston."

Adrian didn't even glance at the folder. "And what about you?"

Mia frowned. "What about me?"

He tapped his fingers against the desk. "Are you planning to avoid me all day?"

Her heart stuttered. "I'm here, aren't I?"

Adrian studied her for a long moment before standing. He moved around the desk, closing the distance between them. Mia stiffened, her breath catching as he stopped mere inches away.

"This isn't going away, Mia," he said softly. "You can pretend all you want, but we both know what's between us."

Her pulse pounded. "We work together, Adrian. There are rules."

He smirked. "I don't follow rules."

Mia exhaled shakily. "Well, I do."

For a second, something flickered in his eyes—something almost vulnerable. But it was gone as quickly as it came. He took a step back, giving her space. "Fine. If that's what you want."

Mia nodded, even as her chest ached. "It is."

She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her. "One last thing, Mia."

She glanced over her shoulder. "Yes?"

A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips. "You say you follow the rules, but last night, you broke one."

Heat rushed to her cheeks. "That was—"

"A mistake?" he finished for her. "If it was, why are you still thinking about it?"

Mia had no answer. Instead, she walked out of the office, her heart in turmoil.

Because he was right.

She was still thinking about it.