The night did not soften him.If anything, it sharpened him.There was no slow unraveling this time. No careful exploration meant to reassure. The moment the bedroom door shut behind them, the air shifted — thicker, heavier.Deliberate.Mateo stood at the edge of the bed, watching her.Not touching.Watching.Ariana felt the weight of that gaze like a physical thing sliding down her spine.“You told them you initiated,” he said again, voice low.“Yes.”She didn’t look away.His jaw tightened slightly.“You understood what that would imply.”“That I wasn’t coerced.”“That I pursued.”She swallowed.“I did.”Silence.The city lights flickered against the ceiling.He stepped forward slowly.“Do you enjoy that?” he asked.“Enjoy what?”“Claiming me.”Heat rushed through her.“I’m not claiming you.”“No?”He reached her then, fingers closing around her wrist — not rough, but firm enough to still her.“You stood in front of a compliance board,” he continued evenly, “and removed my leverage.
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