"What?!" Alex's eyes widened in pure shock as his breath caught in his throat. His hand instinctively pressed the pillow even harder against his lap, his knuckles whitening from the force. "What the fuck are you saying now?" he demanded, his voice breaking with a mix of panic and disbelief.
"Just joking, Mr. Alex," Gabe replied casually, followed by a burst of laughter that echoed through the quiet office. The sound was carefree....maddeningly carefree and it made Alex's jaw clench in irritation.
Alex exhaled sharply, his pulse still racing, and finally loosened the grip he had on the pillow. His heart thudded violently in his chest as he tried to regain composure.
"Gotcha!" Gabe announced suddenly, his tone playful and reckless. Before Alex could react, Gabe reached forward and snatched the pillow away in one swift motion.
Alex's face turned ashen. His body went rigid.
