The drive from the bar was quiet, except for the hum of the engine and the faint sound of snow hitting the windshield. Ethan’s hands gripped the wheel tightly, his knuckles raw and bleeding. Riley sat beside him, her eyes flicking to his profile, then back to his bruised hands.
You’re hurt,” she said softly.
I’m fine,” Ethan replied without looking at her.
That’s a lie,” she whispered.
He finally glanced at her, his jaw tight.
It’s nothing I can’t handle.
“Ethan,” she pressed, her voice stronger this time, “your knuckles are split open.
You’re bleeding.
He sighed, eyes returning to the road. I’ve had worse.
She folded her arms, her expression stubborn.
“That doesn’t mean you should ignore it.
When they reached her place, Ethan tried to brush her off. “I’ll head home. You shou
