A Line Drawn in Sand

The next morning, Thea walked into Aiden's office with her research proposal in hand. The room smelled of coffee and old books, a scent that had once comforted her but now felt laced with danger.

"You're early," Aiden noted, looking up from his desk. He was stirring a fresh cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the space. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms, and Thea cursed the way her eyes lingered.

"I wanted to discuss my thesis topic," she said, keeping her voice steady.

He leaned back, watching her. "Is that all you wanted?"

A challenge. A taunt.

Thea swallowed. "Yes. That's all."

Aiden smirked, but he took the pages from her hand, skimming through them. "You always were brilliant," he murmured, fingers grazing hers as he turned the page. "And stubborn."

Her breath hitched. "I have to be."

"So do I." His gaze flickered to her lips for just a second too long before he leaned back, exhaling. "I'll go through these in detail and give you my feedback tomorrow."

She nodded, stepping back. Distance. She needed distance.

"One more thing, Thea," he called just as she reached the door.

She turned.

"Dinner. Tomorrow night. A department gathering." His voice was casual, but his eyes weren't. "You'll be there."

It wasn't a question.

Thea hesitated. "Andrew is visiting."

Adrian's smirk deepened. "Bring him."

She hated that the thought of them in the same room made her stomach twist.

"Fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Then she left, before she could change her mind.

As the door clicked shut, Adrian took a slow sip of his coffee, smirking to himself. She liked her coffee strong and unsweetened. Just like him. And whether she admitted it or not, she still craved the taste of both.