Chapter 143

“This isn’t professional. It’s not appropriate.” Hayes stands, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. “Professional?” he repeats, his lips curling into a faint smirk. “You think I care about that right now?”

I instinctively step back, needing the distance. “You should,” I say firmly, though the quiver in my voice betrays me. “This—whatever this is—it’s crossing a lin