"Forgive me, Emilia, I fear our actions were rather brusque in the presence of others. It didn't hurt you, did it?"
Banning released his grip, subsequently securing the office door behind him.
The door latched with a soft 'click', a sound which sent Emilia's heart fluttering, plunging her into a state of heightened confusion.
In the brief span of a few minutes, she had experienced, for the first time, the feel of Banning's hand, followed by seclusion in their workplace.
Her sensitive heart was now pounding so fiercely, it felt as though it might burst from her chest.
"No... It didn't hurt..."
Emilia's response was barely more than a whisper, as soft as the buzz of a fly.
In their previous encounters, Emilia had always displayed boldness, yet now, with Banning asserting control, she was reduced to a shy, naive girl.
Lost in her thoughts, Emilia allowed her imagination to wander.