Chapter 69: This wasn't over

Lucien was silent on the drive home.

His hands gripped the wheel tightly, his jaw clenched. The air between us felt heavy, charged with unspoken words.

I kept stealing glances at him, hoping he’d say something—**anything**—but he didn’t.

When we pulled into the driveway, he shut off the engine and exhaled slowly.

“I should’ve told you what I was doing,” he finally said.

I nodded. “Yeah, you should have.”

His eyes met mine. “But you shouldn’t have followed me, Lila.”

I crossed my arms. “What was I supposed to do? Sit at home while you put yourself in danger?”

Lucien sighed, rubbing a hand over...