Keifers pov:
The hallway was too narrow.
Or maybe it was just her.
Jay stood there like she owned the air around her—chin lifted, spine straight, eyes sharp enough to cut. She didn't step back when I moved closer. That was the worst part. She stayed. Let me invade her space. Let me feel the heat of her body without touching her.
I stopped inches away.
Close enough to see her lashes tremble. Close enough to feel her breath hitch—just once—before she forced it steady again.
"Move," she said.
I didn't.
My hand lifted on instinct. Not to grab. Not to pull. Just… to touch. To see if she'd still react the way she used to.
Her fingers snapped around my wrist mid-air.
The contact burned.
"Don't," she said, low and sharp.
My jaw tightened. "Why not?"
Her grip tightened. "Because I told you."
God.
That tone.
That command.
Something dark curled in my chest. I leaned in without thinking, lowering my voice so only she could hear. "You always liked it when I didn't listen."
Her eyes flashed. For half a second—just half—something cracked.
Then she swore.
"That thing isn't working anymore."
The words hit harder than a slap.
I froze. My lips were so close now that if she leaned forward even a fraction—
I could see it then.
The color blooming on her cheeks.
Slow. Unwanted. Beautiful.
She noticed me noticing.
Her chin lifted, defiant. "Don't look at me like that."
"Like what?" I murmured.
"Like you think you still own me."
I swallowed.
I leaned closer instead.
Not touching. Never touching. Letting the tension stretch until it screamed.
"I don't think," I said quietly. "I know."
Her breath stuttered. Again.
She hated that she couldn't stop it.
I dipped my head. My mouth hovered right by her ear now, not quite brushing. I could feel the heat of her skin. Smell her. Feel her pulse jumping under that calm, controlled exterior.
"You're blushing," I whispered.
"Shut up."
I smiled. Slow. Dangerous.
"You can say all you want that it's not working," I continued softly, "but your body—"
She shoved my chest.
Hard.
"Don't finish that sentence."
The space between us shattered, then reformed as I stepped back only half a step. Still close. Still wrong.
"You don't get to read me anymore," she said, voice steady, eyes blazing. "You lost that right."
I laughed under my breath—not because it was funny, but because it hurt.
"You think I don't see it?" I asked. "The way you freeze when I get this close? The way your breath changes?"
"I said stop."
I didn't.
I leaned in again.
Slow.
Deliberate.
My lips hovered right in front of hers now. So close that the air between us felt thick, electric, unbearable. One inch. Half an inch.
She didn't move.
Didn't kiss me.
Didn't pull away.
Her eyes dropped to my mouth.
Just once.
That was all it took.
I tilted my head, barely, giving her time to stop me. Giving her every chance to walk away.
"Keifer," she said, voice shaking now, furious at herself for it. "If you do this—"
"What?" I murmured. "You'll tell me not to again?"
She cursed softly.
And that was when I knew.
I dipped closer.
So close that my lips brushed the corner of hers—barely there, more a promise than a kiss.
Her whole body went still.
Then she gasped.
I pulled back instantly, heart pounding, watching as her cheeks flamed red, as her control snapped back into place a second too late.
She hated that reaction.
Hated that I saw it.
Her eyes went ice-cold. "Don't ever try that again."
I straightened slowly, forcing my hands into my pockets so I wouldn't reach for her. "You felt it."
"That doesn't mean anything."
"It means everything," I shot back.
She stepped past me then, shoulder brushing mine on purpose. That single point of contact felt hotter than any kiss ever could.
She stopped at the elevator, back to me. "Whatever game you think you're playing," she said calmly, "it's over."
The doors slid open.
She stepped inside without looking back.
I stayed in the hallway, chest tight, pulse racing, every nerve screaming.
She hadn't forgiven me.
She hadn't given me an inch.
But she'd blushed.
And God help me—
That made it worse.
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A/N:
Hi loves 🤍 Thank you so much for reading this chapter!
I was in a really good mood while writing this, so I hope you felt the tension and emotions too 😉✨
I'd really love to know what you think—drop your reactions, opinions, and theories in the comments 💬