scraping down her throat. She placed her napkin on the

he dim, quiet hallway, desperate for a moment of peace away

ensive floral soap. She turned on the brass faucet and spl

el, the heavy restroom door swung

ed her innocent act entirely, her posture relaxed and over

ve life. She specifically hinted at the nature of Chloe's relat

meticulously. She gave Poppy short, non-committal, per

ch and began adjusting her makeup in the mirror. She started to humble-brag, her voice dri

She told Poppy she looked great, her voice flat, and

he colleagues were a few drinks deep. A manager from Harrison Properties

sily. He casually draped his arm over the back of Chloe's cha

rken to a thunderous, terrifying expression. His knuckles w

He ordered another double pour of neat whiskey. His dark eyes were

ison called for the check, paying the e

wood floor. They shuffled toward the front of the re

the room made her head spin. She slipped away from the group to use the l

orridor near the back exit, she sudden

t of the men's room. He was clearly intoxicated, his usual

ckly pivot on her heel and walk away bef

ting figure. He lunged forward with surprising, terrifyin

He stepped into her space, effectively pinning her bac

t his hard, broad chest. The heavy, intoxicating scent of expensiv

ward. He rested his forehead against the wall right next

x mix of raw pain and heavy intoxication. His lips parted

s. She was instantly, entirely convinced he was drunkenly ca

her. Her stomach churned. She realized she was nothing but a phys

er of his chest. She broke his

" she spat, her voice tre

pposite wall. He looked confused and deeply daze

speed-walked away down the corridor,

tand. She ignored Ethan, who was waiting pat

he hailed a yellow cab alone, sliding into the back se