Chapter 223

"Not talking. Don’t want to. No interest at all." Claire Richards shut it down with a triple no. No hesitation whatsoever. She brushed past the tall man standing way too close and got up from her seat. "I need the restroom too, mind moving?" Julian Archer didn’t budge. He shifted slightly, one hand on the table, the other on the chair back. His eyes were dark, full of helplessness. After staring at her a moment, he said, "Fine. If you don't want to talk, we won’t. I’ll talk. You just listen." "CEO, I seriously need to pee. Like, now." Claire pushed him again. Before she could take another step, he grabbed her hand and stood with her. "Then let’s go. I’ll walk with you." "Not necessary. There’s no monster in there, I’ll survive alone." Her voice turned chilly. She tried to pull her hand back. Julian held on tighter, words laced with rough vulnerability. "...Even if there is, I still want to be there for you." Expressionless, Claire just stared at him. She hadn’t even been mad last night