Grayson stiffened the instant the words left Alexia’s mouth.
The steering wheel creaked under his grip as he turned slowly to her, his eyes no longer casual, no longer distracted by the empty stretch of road ahead.
“An old man?” he asked, each word measured, sharp, stripped of warmth.
Alexia nodded, her fingers twisting together in her lap. “He saw me.”
The engine roared to life before she could say anything else. Gravel spat beneath the tires as Grayson slammed his foot down, the car lurching forward. The trees blurred into dark streaks, branches clawing at the night as they sped past. Wind howled through the open windows, dragging the scent of pine and damp earth inside.
Alexia braced herself against the door. “Grayson—what’s wrong?”
He didn’t answer right away. His jaw locked, nos
