UNDER HIS RULES: Trapped in his game
I didn't move,I stood in the center of the room, my hands clasped loosely in front of me, matching his heavy, silent presence with my own unyielding wall.
When he finally lifted his head, his piercing, dark gaze locked onto mine.
It was an instant clash.
The air in the room grew dense, a silent power struggle vibrating between us.
He was an apex predator accustomed to people bowing the moment he looked at them, but I refused to bend.
I held his gaze pound for pound, hiding the slight tremor of intimidation beneath a layer of absolute, defensive armor.
Neither of us spoke for a long, heavy beat.
"Miss Hale," he said finally, breaking the silence.