Valerie's mind short-circuited.
She had heard things—whispers in college, hushed conversations about people who liked pain, people who went too far, people who… enjoyed things that didn't make sense.
Her face turned bright red.
In a panic, she immediately tried to scoot away from him, inching backward like distance alone could save her from whatever conclusion her brain had just reached.
Before she could get far—
His hand caught her wrist.
Firm.
Unyielding.
She stiffened.
His lips twitched faintly, like he had caught onto exactly where her thoughts had gone.
"…You are ridiculous."
Her eyes snapped to his, flustered and defensive as she tried to pull her hand free. "I—I am not! I just—let go!"
She tugged again, but his grip didn't budge at first. He just looked at her for a moment longer, like he was trying to decide whether to laugh or not.
Then he scoffed and let go.
