Aliyah’s POV
Panic surged through me. Did he know? Did he see? My arms folded across my chest instinctively. “You’re imagining things,” I snapped.
He studied me in silence, unreadable. Then, finally, his lips curved into a faint smile. “Maybe I am.”
I let out a shaky breath, only realizing then how long I’d been holding it.
“Let me give you a ride home,” he said suddenly.
“No,” I blurted, too fast.
His brows lifted in amusement. “Still stubborn.”
“I said no, I have my bike. I don’t need your help.”
Something flickered in his eyes. Frustration, pride, maybe both but he didn’t push. He nodded once. “Fine, I’ll respect that.”
I hadn’t expected him to give up so easily. That unsettled me more than if he had pressed harder.
“Take care of yourself, Aliyah,” he said quietly, almost gent
