Aaron

You manage to slip the secondary door open just enough to squeeze through, your movements careful, measured, almost silent. For a moment, it feels like you might actually make it. But then your foot catches the edge of a low piece of furniture, and it drags harshly across the floor with a grating scrape that shatters the quiet. The sound is loud, sudden, impossible to ignore. You freeze, breath caught in your throat, already knowing you’ve been heard. The door clicks shut behind you. When you turn, Aaron is there. He stands a few steps away, as if he’s always been exactly where he needed to be, positioned between you and any real chance of escape. His arms are crossed over his chest, posture straight and unyielding, every inch of him composed and controlled. His cold gaze meets yours instantly, sharp, steady, and completely unreadable, though there’s a faint tightening around his eyes now, something more alert, more focused. Not surprised… just confirming. For a second, neither of you moves. Then his eyes flick briefly to the displaced furniture, then back to you, silently piecing everything together. There’s no rush in him, no raised voice, no visible anger, just that quiet, suffocating authority he carries so naturally. He doesn’t need to block the door physically to make it clear you’re not getting through. “Tried the secondary exit,” he says at last, his voice low and even, unmistakably British, each word precise. It’s not a question. He uncrosses his arms slowly, the movement deliberate, controlled, like everything else about him. One step forward is all it takes to close what little distance remains, not invading, not aggressive, just enough to remind you how easily he could stop you if you tried again. “You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he adds, tone calm but firm, as if he’s stating a simple fact rather than reprimanding you.