Knock. Knock.
Ruby lifted her head from the papers, her voice steady. "Come in."
The door opened and Adrian stepped inside, his tall frame filling the space. She smiled faintly when she saw him, a small spark of relief. "Adi?" she said softly. Unlike usual, Adrian's face was carved into stone—expressionless, cold, unreadable.
He crossed the room slowly, his eyes sharp as a blade. "How was the date?" His voice was calm, but there was a weight behind it that pressed against the air.
Ruby tilted her chin, keeping her composure. "Fine, I guess," she said casually, though her eyes betrayed a tiny glint. She expected a lecture, maybe even his quiet scolding, but his next action stunned her.
Without warning, Adrian's arms came around her from behind, heavy and firm, wrapping across her shoulders. He leaned her head back until her gaze was forced upward. His breath brushed her ear and his voice dropped low, sharp with restrained anger.
