I studied her for a long moment, taking in her forced composure. The slight tremble in her hands, the way she clenched them to keep herself steady. She had steeled herself, swallowing whatever reluctance she felt.
"Good," I said simply.
Without another word, I turned and strode toward the sleek black car parked by the curb. The gravel crunched beneath my boots, the cool metal handle smooth under my fingers as the bodyguard moved ahead to open the door.
I slid inside first, the supple leather seat molding to my frame. The interior was dimly lit, the soft hum of the engine filling the space.
Mae hesitated for a fraction of a second, just long enough for me to notice, before she cautiously followed, lowering herself onto the seat beside me.
The door shut with a quiet click, sealing us in
