Cole
The door clicks shut behind me.
That sound feels louder than Evan’s engine did.
Mara stands with her back to it like she’s holding the whole house upright.
Her wrist is still red where he grabbed her.
I stare at it too long.
“He touched you hard,” I say.
“I’ve had worse.”
That answer makes my jaw tighten.
“That’s not the point.”
She exhales slowly. “I know.”
The house is quiet now. Lily’s bedroom door closed. Night wrapped tight around everything.
This is the part where I should leave.
I don’t.
Mara pushes off the door and walks past me into the living room.
“You promised not to hurt Evan,” she says without looking back.
“I did.”
“You break that promise, we’re done.”
I don’t hesitate. “I won’t.”
She turns then. Studies my face like she’s looking for cracks.
“You al
