The car moved smoothly through the quiet streets. Rain had fallen earlier, and now the city lights reflected on the wet roads like tiny broken mirrors.
Lucy sat by the window, her hands folded on her lap, heart still pounding from the dinner.
Barry sat beside her, legs spread slightly, one arm resting on the edge of the seat. He didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. His silence filled the whole car.
From the rearview mirror, she could see the black SUV following behind them. His guards. Always close.
She shifted in her seat a little. The red dress still clung to her skin like it had become a second layer. She could still feel the weight of Barry’s hand on her thigh, the way he’d slammed the table without blinking.
He didn’t even look at the man again. Didn’t look at her either. But sh
