Page 72 of The Rules
His voice was calm. Measured. But every word landed with precision.
"Some people might take it seriously."
He let that hang between them—long enough for her to feel it. To really feel it.
"But don’t worry," he added, with the faintest curl of a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I didn’t."
No mockery. No heat. Just… detachment. Cold, practiced detachment.
"I know what fear sounds like, Winters. People say a lot of things when they’re desperate. Anything to make someone come save them."
He tilted his head, gaze unreadable.
"And it worked, didn’t it?"
Silence.
Ben leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. Not aggressive. Just close enough to make sure she didn’t miss a word.
"I’m not offended. Just… noted."
Hours later, the hallway was quieter—its usual rhythm dulled by the slow crawl of late afternoon.
Ben strode past the rows of glass offices, his steps clipped and purposeful, not lingering or eavesdropping—until a familiar voice drifted from the break room, freezing him in his tracks.
"So, what do you say? You, me, a proper date?" Joshua's voice was light, teasing, and Ben felt his body tense involuntarily.
He shouldn't listen. He should keep walking, ignore the conversation unfolding mere feet away. But then Kath's soft laughter reached his ears, and he found himself rooted to the spot, exhaling slowly through his nose, like it might contain the heat rising in his chest.
"You're persistent," she remarked, amusement lacing her tone, and Ben braced himself, silently praying for her to deflect, to change the subject, to do anything but— "Fine. Yes."
The words hit him like a physical blow, stealing his breath. He didn't need to hear more.
Ben turned sharply, every movement tight, desperate to escape before he snapped. Another word and the mask would crack, taking everything with it.
He strode from the break room, gut twisting at the laughter behind him. Only when his office door slammed shut did he stop.
Chapter 19
Katherine
Kath stirred her coffee absentmindedly, letting her mind drift as the rich aroma filled the shared lounge. It was just another morning at the office—casual, normal. A handful of associates lingered with coffee cups and bakery boxes. Low conversation, soft laughter, and the occasional hum of a printer filled the space.
Until suddenly, a familiar presence slid in behind her, the warmth of his body radiating against her back.
Joshua.
Close. Really close.
He knew exactly what he was doing, voice low and teasing as he leaned in. "If I bring you coffee on our date, does that guarantee a second one?"
Kath couldn't help but smirk, playing along with their usual banter. "Depends on how good the coffee is."
Joshua feigned offense, his hazel eyes sparkling with amusement. "You mean I actually have to try?"
A soft laugh escaped her lips, light and harmless. Until it wasn't.
Because in that moment, her gaze flickered across the room, and she saw him.
