The hallway outside the condo was dark, quiet enough that Scarlet could hear her own breathing. She leaned toward the door and peered through the peephole. Benny stood on the other side, hands loose at his sides, posture relaxed. Too relaxed. He looked like he belonged there, like he had every right to be standing in front of her door at this hour. Her stomach dropped. She cracked the door open and kept the chain fastened, the metal pulling tight with a sharp, final sound.
“I just wanted to see your face,” Benny said. His voice was gentle. Familiar. It made her skin crawl.
“You can’t be here,” Scarlet said. Her throat felt tight, but the words came out steady.
“I’m not staying.” He smiled faintly, almost fond. “I just needed you to know I found you.”
Her breath caught hard in her chest
