MICHAEL

The ride home was silent, apart from the rain tapping on the windshield.

Aliana sat next to me, her hands firmly gripping her lap, her gaze locked on the rivulets of water flowing down the window.

Each time the lightning showed the sky, I glimpsed the shape of her face — weary, defensive, still furious.

Mad at Dominic. Upset with me. Perhaps frustrated with herself as well.

I couldn’t hold her responsible.

She remained silent, yet her silence resonated more than thunder, but I didn’t feel sorry because her being safe was the first thing on my priority list.

I wasn’t sure what I despised more — the reality...