The neighborhood was quiet when Zane dropped her off.
Too quiet.
A lone streetlamp flickered outside her building, casting its pale glow across damp pavement. The laughter and music from the Cordell estate had faded miles behind them, leaving only the hum of the engine cooling and the pulse still drumming beneath her skin.
When she stepped out of the car, the night air kissed her bare shoulders, cool and intimate. She turned back briefly — he was still in the driver's seat, one arm resting on the wheel, eyes half in shadow.
"Goodnight," she said softly.
His gaze lingered. "You sure you'll be all right?"
She managed a faint smile. "Always."
He nodded, but didn't move to drive off until she was halfway up the stairs. She didn't look back — not until she reached the landing and caught the glint of headlights slipping away.
The door clicked shut behind her, sealing in silence.
