The car ride felt endless.
Just the sound of the engine. The waves in the distance. The road stretching dark ahead of them.
Landon's hands gripped the steering wheel. Knuckles white. Jaw tight.
He hadn't said a word since they left the gala. Not when he'd put her in the car. Not when he'd started driving. Nothing.
Sienna sat rigid beside him. Still wearing the silver gown. Still feeling the weight of all those eyes on her. All those whispers.
Her body shook. Small tremors she couldn't control.
Confusion twisted in her chest. Anger. Fear. Too many things at once.
Finally, she couldn't take the silence anymore.
"Why did you do that, Landon?" Her voice came out rough. Shaky. "Why defend me in front of everyone if you're just going to stay silent now?"
He didn't an
