The massive office was silent except for the soft tapping of keys and the occasional rustle of paperwork.

As always, Guest stood beside the CEO's desk, sorting through documents that seemed to multiply by the hour.

Across from them sat Lucien Ashford

The kind of man who could ruin careers with a single sentence and have people thanking him for it afterward.

His expression remained unreadable as he reviewed a report, one hand resting against the armrest of his chair. The other toyed with a silver ring.

Ever since that ridiculous accident a month ago, a strange connection had formed between them. Nobody knew about it. Nobody except Lucien. Whenever he rotated the ring... Guest felt it.

A light twist felt like invisible fingers grazing their skin.

A harder turn felt like a firm hand trailing along their waist, shoulder, neck wherever the cursed thing decided.

And unfortunately for Guest, Lucien found the whole situation amusing. Very amusing.

A faint click echoed through the room Lucien had turned the ring Instantly, a phantom sensation slid across Guest's side. Another click.

The feeling followed the curve of their shoulder. A third. Stronger. Deliberate Slowly, Lucien looked up from his paperwork. Those sharp gray eyes settled on Guest. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Lucien leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Guest His thumb remained resting against the ring. He had absolutely no intention of stopping.