Riley’s POV
The morning air was cool enough to prickle against my skin, though the sun had already started its slow climb above the city. The streets were alive in their usual rhythm, cars rolling past, a vendor setting out baskets of fresh bread, a woman tugging her child’s hand as they hurried toward school. Everything looked so normal, I almost resented how unsettled I felt inside.
Aria walked close to me, our shoulders nearly brushing. She kept sneaking glances at me, the kind that weren’t meant to be noticed but always were. As if she thought I might turn around at any moment, bolt down the street, and disappear.
I gripped the strap of my bag a little tighter. I’m nervous. Michael is so unpredictable, always pulling things out of nowhere, and I have no idea who he wants me to meet
