Adeline's POV

The coffee shop Grey chose was neutral territory. A quiet place near the university with booth seating and enough ambient noise that our conversation wouldn't carry.

I arrived ten minutes early, scoped out exits by habit, then chose a booth where I could see the door.

Grey arrived exactly on time, spotted me immediately, and smiled as he approached.

"Adeline. Thank you for meeting me."

"Of course."

He slid into the booth across from me, ordered a black coffee when the ...