Josie
I couldn't look at Kiel. His presence was a weight pressing on my chest, heavy enough to make my breath uneven. The air between us felt charged, but not in a good way—more like a storm brewing just out of sight, ready to break when I least expected it. So, instead of forcing myself to meet his eyes, I stepped back and murmured, "Excuse me." My voice sounded too calm for how unsettled I felt.
I turned to leave, but before I could even make it to the door, Kiel moved. Fast. He was there first, his tall frame blocking my path. It startled me so much I froze mid-step.
"You don't want to speak to me?" His voice was low, not accusing exactly, but there was a wounded edge buried in it.
"It's not like that," I said quickly, though my gaze still wouldn't meet his. The truth was… I didn't have anything to say that wouldn't lead to another argument. "I just—" My words faltered. "I have nothing to say right now."
