Page 39 of Falling Off Script

Of course it did.

He’s one ofAdrian’s.

I try to keep my face neutral, but internally?

There’s a fire drill in my brain. Sirens, flashing lights, an intercom voice yelling“THIS IS NOT A DRILL. YOU ARE CURIOUS ABOUT THE ENEMY.”

Because now I’m wondering—what if thisiswhat Adrian’s been teaching? Not lines. Not games. But actual embodiedconfidence, mixed with just enough Boyfriend Experience to make a woman question all her past standards?

I donotwant to know if Adrian Zayne can flip a woman gently.

I donotwant to imagine him saying “Don’t move.”

I cross my legs. For no reason. Just... atmosphere control.

Rachel sighs blissfully. “I just didn’t know it could be like that. Like I wasn’t being handled—I was beingclaimed.”

Okay.

Cool.

Super healthy reaction I’m having.

My internal monologue sounds like a Whatsapp group for emotionally compromised podcast hosts:

What if your nemesis has great hands?

Are you allowed to despise someone’s values but still... investigate their technique?

EMILY DO NOT GOOGLE ZAYNE TACTILE METHODS.

I force a smile. “Sounds like he’s done a lot of growth work.”

Rachel nods. “That men’s group thing? Whatever it is? I think it’s working.”

I just nod and swallow.

She tilts her head. “You’ve been really quiet. Are you okay?”

“Of course.” My voice jumps an octave. “Just... collecting data.”

Because that’s what this is. Not jealousy. Not projection.

Research.

Very respectable, platonic, unthirsty research.

Rachel hugs me goodbye. I close the door and whisper to the empty room:

“I am insomuch trouble.”

Because now I’m not just thinking about Adrian’s methods.

I’m thinking aboutapplication.

And that is a road paved with extremely bad decisions.

18. Adrian

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