Page 135 of Playing Dirty

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Because she was right.

And I hated that she knew.

The elevator dinged.

Third floor.

Doors didn’t open immediately.

Stuck for half a second too long.

Then they slid apart.

But neither of us moved instantly.

That was the problem.

We both noticed.

Rowan

The doors opened.

Hallway light spilled in.

Normal.

Finally.

I should’ve stepped out immediately.

I didn’t.

Because for a second—

neither of us did.

Then I moved first.

Too fast.

Too controlled.

And I didn’t look back.

But I could feel him behind me anyway.

Still there.

Still aware.

And now—

no longer optional.

Twenty Three

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

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