STELLA
The bus smelled like heat, metal, and impatience.
I took the seat by the window, pressing my forehead lightly against the glass as Lacase blurred past me. Every bump in the road sent a faint ache through my body, a reminder of the bruise James pretended not to care about,and the ones he never asked about.
My phone vibrated in my palm.
Arthur: Did you get on the bus?
I hesitated, then typed back.
Me: Yes.
Three dots appeared instantly.
Arthur: You're unbelievable
I smiled,slipping the phone into my bag as I exhaled slowly.
My mind betrayed me, replaying the way James eyes had darkened when Arthur’s name came up. The way his voice had gone flat when he said no. The way he’d still let me leave.That part scared me more than if he’d stopped me.
Because James Owen didn’t do th
