Brian's fingers closed firmly around Selena's wrist just as she pushed through the door. His grip wasn't harsh, but it stopped her mid-step, forcing her to turn back toward him. Her chest rose and fell in uneven breaths, and the brightness of the corridor only sharpened the raw tension etched across her face.
"Selena," Brian's voice was low but urgent. "Please… just give me a minute. Just one minute. I need to talk to you."
Her lips parted as if she wanted to protest, but she swallowed the words. Behind them, Jack emerged from the office, his long strides cutting the distance in a matter of seconds. His hand hovered near Selena's back, not touching her, but close enough that Brian noticed.
Brian's jaw tightened. He didn't let go of Selena's hand, and Jack didn't miss the gesture. Their eyes locked, two men standing on opposite edges of a line drawn long ago.
Selena, caught in the middle, exhaled shakily. "Brian… now isn't—"
