The meeting ended with applause and tension so thick you could slice it with a letter opener.
Rayna pressed the elevator button a little too hard.
Aaryan stepped in behind her.
They stood side by side, silent, until the doors slid shut—and the hum of electricity between them returned.
"I didn't know it would be you," she muttered.
"You looked beautiful, Rayna. That night. And now."
She glanced up. "Is this how you treat all your PR managers?"
He stepped closer, his voice low. "Only the ones who haunt my sleep."
The elevator stopped unexpectedly on the 20th floor—but neither moved.
She was breathing faster now. Trapped between the mirrored walls and the heat in his eyes.
"If I kiss you right now," he said, "will you slap me? Or kiss me back?"
"Try and find out."
The doors opened, and they stepped out.
But the next spark was already lit.
And neither of them would escape the fire.