TBG - Chapter 21: Blurred Lines

Nadia stepped outside, inhaling the crisp morning air as she made her way to the poolside. The moment she shut the glass door behind her, she pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the rapid beat of her heart.

What just happened?

It was barely a kiss. A mere accident. And yet, it had sent a jolt through her entire body—one she couldn’t ignore.

The reflection of the sky rippled across the pristine water, but her mind wasn’t focused on the scenery. Instead, it replayed the way Theodore had looked at her before she fled the room. That unreadable gaze. The way his voice had softened for just a second.

She groaned, burying her face in her hands. Get yourself together, Nadia. You’re here for the charity, not for… this.

A sharp sound cut through the silence—the sliding of the glass door.

She stiffened.

Footsteps followed, measured and deliberate, before a shadow loomed beside her.

“You left in a hurry,” Theodore’s voice drawled, cool and composed, yet edged with something else. Amusement.

Nadia straightened, smoothing down her dress as if that would help her regain control. She refused to look at him. “I didn’t leave. I just—needed fresh air.”

“Fresh air,” he echoed, his tone dripping with mockery. “Is that what people call running away these days?”

Her jaw clenched. He was enjoying this. She could feel it.

“I wasn’t running away.” She turned to face him now, her eyes burning with determination. “I came here for the charity, and that’s what we should be discussing. Not whatever you’re thinking.”

Theodore raised a brow. “Oh? And what exactly am I thinking?”

She hated how he did this—how he twisted words, how he never revealed too much of himself while effortlessly making her feel like she was the one out of control.

“Nothing important,” she said flatly.

He smirked, his blue-gray eyes glinting. “If it was nothing important, then why do you look like you’ve just committed a crime?”

Her frustration flared. “I do not!”

Theodore leaned closer, just enough that she could feel his presence pressing into her space. “So, you’re saying you’re completely unaffected?”

Nadia swallowed. She would rather face an entire boardroom of skeptical businessmen than deal with this Theodore—the one who played mind games and knew exactly how to get under her skin.

“Like I said,” she forced out, keeping her voice steady, “I came here to discuss the charity. The event is in three days, and we still have a lot to finalize.”

Theodore didn’t step back. Instead, his gaze flickered downward, toward her lips, before returning to her eyes. The motion was brief, subtle—so subtle that if she hadn’t been so hyperaware of him, she might have missed it.

But she didn’t.

Heat rushed to her face.

“You’re right,” he finally said, as if he hadn’t just sent her world into chaos. “The charity is our priority.”

Relief surged through her—too soon.

“But tell me, Nadia,” he continued, tilting his head, “are you sure you can focus? Because from where I’m standing, you look a little… shaken.”

Her nails dug into her palms. Oh, he is insufferable.

“I’m fine,” she bit out. “More than fine, actually.”

He hummed, unconvinced. “Interesting. Then why did you flee the room like a guilty thief?”

Her patience snapped. “Because I didn’t feel like dealing with you.”

He chuckled.

Low. Amused.

She hated it.

“You’re acting as if it was your first kiss,” he mused, eyes gleaming with something she couldn’t place.

Nadia froze.

Her breath hitched, and Theodore noticed. His smirk widened ever so slightly.

“Oh?” His voice was lazy, teasing. “Was it?”

Her heart pounded in her chest. “That is none of your business.”

Theodore tilted his head, his smirk deepening. “Oh, but I think it is. I was there, after all.”

Nadia’s fists clenched. She had to get a grip. He’s just trying to get under your skin. Don’t let him.

“The kiss,” she said through gritted teeth, “was an accident.”

“Hm.” He nodded slowly, as if considering her words. Then, casually, he added, “I was half-asleep, you know.”

Nadia blinked.

“What?”

He shrugged. “That’s why I didn’t react. I was only half-awake.”

Her mouth opened, then closed.

Then—why was he making such a big deal out of it?!

“Oh,” she said, crossing her arms, her tone turning flat. “So you’re saying you barely even noticed?”

“Exactly.”

Something about that—about how unaffected he sounded—made her blood boil.

He barely noticed?!

And yet, here he was, smirking, teasing, pushing her buttons. If he barely noticed, then why was he bringing it up at all?!

“Well, then,” she said stiffly, “I guess this conversation is pointless.”

Theodore simply chuckled. “Maybe.”

Nadia exhaled sharply, forcing herself to stay calm. He’s messing with you. Ignore him. Focus on the charity.

“The event is in three days,” she reminded him. “We have an entire itinerary to finalize, sponsorships to secure, and media coverage to manage. Can we just focus on that?”

For a moment, Theodore simply stared at her, as if assessing something. Then, with a slow nod, he said, “Alright, Nadia. Let’s get to work.”

But as they headed back inside, she knew this wasn’t over.

The accidental kiss had shifted something between them.

And Theodore—cold, infuriating Theodore—wasn’t going to let her forget it.