Love Unspoken

In the very next heartbeat, a firm grip yanked her backward. The box she held was wrenched from her grasp and flung nonchalantly into a nearby, oversized recycling bin.

It clattered to a halt amidst a jumble of sundry items, office paraphernalia, folders, and files among them.

Quinn stood, stunned and uncertain, before him. She used her hands to sign, her gestures asking, "What should I do now?"

Alexander observed her for a moment, his face devoid of expression. His response, when it came, was delivered with icy detachment, "Nothing. You don't have to do anything."

She regarded him, her confusion evident. A small tug at the corner of her mouth betrayed her bewilderment. He had demonstrated his contempt for her so openly, yet now he wanted her constant presence? Hesitantly, she signed, "Aren't you..."

He arched an eyebrow, silently urging her to complete her thought.

After a moment's pause, she continued her signing, "Don't you dislike me?"

Alexander countered with a question of his own, "What does one have to do with the other?"

Quinn was taken aback, his words a stark reminder of his disdain for her. Yet, there had been no conflict in her shadowing him, despite his affection for Getty, whom he had not married.

tantamount to a confession of

Quinn raised her eyes to meet his and

to her ear, "Sorry again?

making you

eyes narrowed, and he abruptly gripped her chin, pinning her against the bookshelf. "Are your apologies

him, "Then what

to kiss her but stopped just short of her lips, "Aren't you the expert in

tightened. This closeness was imbued with an

with his bad leg rushed to save you. How

warm against her face, laced with a tranquil irony that felt like a needle hidden

and signed,

more interested

is eagerly waiting for you! Quinn's eyes flickered; she tried to articulate her thoughts but struggled to

"Never?" he pressed.