AVELA’S POV
The car slowed, then rolled to a soft stop. I didn’t even realize I’d been holding my breath until Lucas cut the engine. The sudden quiet felt louder than the hum of the car had been.
Before I could ask where we were, Lucas pushed his door open and stepped out quickly, almost too quickly. My heartbeat jumped. He walked around the front of the truck with long, sure steps, the headlights brushing over his shoulders like he’d stepped out of some dark movie scene.
Then—my door opened.
Cold night air washed over me as he leaned slightly, his tall frame filling the space. His eyes met mine, warm even in the dim light.
“Come on,” he said softly.
I blinked at him, thrown off by how gentle his voice sounded after all the mystery and tension he’d been dragging me through all night.
