Riley walked ahead of us with easy confidence, her steps light but proud. The night air in Jaford carried salt and flowers, and for a moment, everything felt far away from blood and schemes.
She slipped into the front passenger seat and looked back at us with a teasing smirk. "If it weren't for your bad leg, I'd make you sit in the back."
Lewis's throat moved as he swallowed, but his voice stayed calm. "I can carry her."
Riley lifted a brow. "Oh? Then pull over."
The car slowed again, and Harlan rushed up, his steps sharp and restless. His scent hit the air first frustration, longing, wounded pride.
"I knew it," he said, staring at Riley. "You came back. That means we can forget the past."
Riley rolled her eyes. "You're insane."
She slammed the door harder this time and climbed into the back, squeezing in beside me. I instinctively leaned into Lewis. His arm came around my waist at once, firm and protective, like he was claiming space around us without saying a word.
