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So naturally, I did the smartest thing available.

“No.”

His head tilted slightly. “You are a poor liar.”

My heart slammed against my ribs. “And you're blocking the exit.”

“Yes.”

“Move.”

“No.”

I stared at him.

He stared back.

“Who are you?” I demanded.

“Not relevant.”

“That usually means extremely relevant.”

Nothing.

Not even a blink.

I took one slow step sideways.

His gaze followed me.

“Are you going to stop me if I leave?”

“Yes.”

I swallowed. “Did Central Review send you?”

He said nothing.

That was somehow worse than yes.

I tried another step.

He moved once.

Barely. Just enough to put himself directly between me and the second exit.

Fast. Too fast.

My pulse spiked.

He hadn't threatened me. Hadn't raised his voice. Hadn't even reached for a weapon. But something deep in my body understood before my brain did.

This male was dangerous. Not warrior dangerous. I had seen warriors. This was different.

Controlled.

Quiet.