"Why are you so quiet, Estelle?" Roman asked, watching her closely. "Are you hiding something from me?"
Estelle shifted in her chair, letting out a soft scoff as she smoothed an invisible crease on her sleeve. "I'm not quiet," she said lightly. "I'm just taking in the rules." She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze. "And no, there's nothing you need to know."
Roman didn't look convinced. His eyes narrowed slightly, studying her face like he was trying to peel something back. "Nothing I need to know," he repeated slowly, "or nothing you want me to know?"
Estelle held his gaze, even as her pulse thudded louder in her ears. "Aren't those the same thing?" she asked, her tone even.
"No, Estelle, I need to—"
"I'm not hiding anything from you," she cut in, smoother this time. The words settled between them, sharp and deliberate. She drew in a quiet breath, steadying herself. "I think we're done here. The rules are set. I'll send you a copy so you can go over them whenever you want."
