17
TUNNEL TEETH
DOMINIC
Cal walked into Ravenswood like he hadn't spent two days pretending I didn't exist.
I was in the east corridor with Noah, discussing security rotations for the upcoming gala, when I saw him.
The anger hit first. Then the relief I didn't want to feel. Then anger again because the relief made me feel weak.
Noah noticed him at the same time I did. His hand came up, a subtle warning gesture, but I was already moving.
“Dom,” Noah said quietly. “Not here.”
I ignored him. Closed the distance between me and Cal in six strides, using my size deliberately, crowding into his space the way I knew made most people step back.
Cal didn't step back. Just lifted those mismatched eyes to mine with an expression that was part challenge, part calculation, and completely infuriating.
“You have some nerve,” I said. Voice low.
“Good to see you too.”
“Two days.” I stepped closer. “You going to tell me what that was about, or are we pretending it didn't happen?”
“I've been working.”
“Bullshit.”
“Dom.” Noah's voice again. “This isn't the place.”
“Then he shouldn't have shown up uninvited.” I kept my eyes on Cal. “What are you doing here?”
Cal's jaw tightened fractionally. The only visible crack in his composure. “I need to speak with Adrian.”
NotI need to speak with you. NotI came to explain. He'd come to Ravenswood, walked into my territory, and immediately made it clear this wasn't about me at all.
“Adrian.” My voice came out rougher than intended. “You came here to see Adrian.”
“Yes.”
“Not me.”
“This isn't personal, Dom.” Cal shifted his weight slightly. Still holding his ground. Still refusing to give me anything real. “I need access to Eden. Adrian owns it. So I need to speak with Adrian. That's how this works.”
“How this works?” I repeated slowly. “You disappear and act like what happened between us was just another decision you've already moved past.”
“It was.” Cal's eyes stayed steady on mine. Cold. Detached. Everything I'd thought had cracked open that night locked down tight again. “And if you can't separate professional necessity from personal complications, that's your problem, not mine.”
Noah moved between us before I could respond. “Enough. Both of you.” He looked at me first. “Dom. Breathe.” Then at Cal. “And you. Stop poking him just because you can.”
“I'm not?—”
“Yes, you are.” Noah's voice stayed calm but firm. “You're doing that thing where you turn clinical and cold because you're scared. I've seen it enough times to recognise it. So stop.”
Cal's mouth tightened. For a second I thought he might actually argue. Then footsteps echoed down the corridor, measured and deliberate, and we all turned.
Adrian.
