Elena Cruz
Ethan drove her back to the estate. The ride was quiet at first. Music playing low. Elena stared out the window watching the city blur past.
She could feel him looking at her. Glancing over every few seconds like he wanted to say something but didn’t know how.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked finally.
“Yeah. I’m just tired.”
“You keep saying that.”
“Because it’s true.”
Ethan’s hand moved from the gear shift to rest on the console between them. Palm up. An invitation.
Elena looked at it. Then at him.
He was watching the road but his jaw was tight. Like he was nervous. Like he was waiting for her to decide something.
She put her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers immediately and relaxed slightly.
They drove like that for a while. Hands linked. Neither of them t
