Aria leaned forward slightly, her gaze locking with the officer’s. “Oh, I’m fine,” she murmured, her voice low and smooth. “I was just… distracted by how handsome you are.” A teasing smile curved across her lips.

The officer’s eyes widened, his brows lifting in surprise. “Okay… thank you,” he managed, the shock still clear in his voice.

He leaned closer to Aria’s window, the brim of his hat casting a shadow across his eyes. “Good evening, miss. Do you know why I stopped you?” His words rolled out steady, each one clipped with control.

Aria blinked rapidly, forcing a calm facade even as her body betrayed her. “No, officer,” she...