she was, until the memory of Damian's storm-grey eyes and the tension that had lingered last night returned, prickling through her chest. Her body betrayed her with

. Even in this vast, luxurious apartment, she felt small, aware of the lingering presence of t

lm, measured gaze that made her feel both observed and vulnerable. Every sip of coffee, every careful

smooth, but edged with curiosity. "D

I... I'm adjusting," she murmured

s, though he made no contact. "Good. Adaptation is key," he said softly. "And..." His voice dropped

de every word heavy, loaded, impossible to ignore. She ha

uments slipped from the counter, she bent to pick them up, and the shadow of him loomed

casually, though the subtex

ng to keep her voice steady, for

he brief, almost accidental contact of his arm against hers was e

tween them sharp, palpable. Every glance, every quiet step seemed charged. She hat

t awareness is even more important. Every gesture, every hes

g mixture of rules, teasing, and authority. Her thoughts raced, her pulse thundered, and she hated hers

d tension. Every step she took, every glance, felt magnified under his gaze. The offic

osing the door behind her. "But speed

of the heat pool

the faint scent of his cologne. "Discipline isn't just about following rules. It's

r between them felt ali

d softly, almost whispering, th

ly. "Recognition is... important. Awareness

ed through her with every step he took, every look he gave. She hate

passed. "Living here isn't just about rules or schedules. It's about understanding tension,

very movement, every word, every glance seemed to carry unsp

t every nerve was alert, that every glance from him caused a jolt through her

controlled, "we begin the first real test. It will challenge

d her stomach in knots. Her mind swirled with possibilities-and she hated that

Six months. Six months of Damian's control, his teasing, his constant presence. Six mon

real challen

e feared it-a

icipation, every heartbeat echoing the

ver Damian planned next, she would be tested in ways

rtment around her. The city lights flickered like distant stars, and the tho