LAUREN'S POV

My car pulled to a stop in front of Roman’s place, the tires barely grinding against the gravel before I was already pushing the door open. I didn’t even remember to slam it shut. I just rushed out, practically stumbling as my feet hit the ground because my entire mind was spinning, racing, trying to catch up with everything I had just seen.

The air felt heavier today, like it was pressing against my chest, making it hard to breathe. I walked — more like half-ran toward the door, my heart pounding so fast I felt like I could hear the rhythm in my ears. I fumbled a...