Alice

“Get in,” he says. His voice is low, not angry. Not a request either.

“What are you doing?” I ask, staying where I am.

“You’re not taking a taxi,” he answers immediately. “Get in.”

“I’m waiting for a driver,” I say, lifting my phone to show him.

“Cancel it.”

He looks at me directly.

I’m not used to him being this close with fire in his eyes. I’m not used to this intensity without laughter, without teasing, without the softness that usually sits between us.

“Why?” I ask, forcing my voice to stay steady.

He glances around briefly, making sure no one is watching too closely, then looks back...