"Stop the car here."

Zephyr slowed the vehicle slightly, his dark brows drawing together in pure confusion as he glanced over at me. "Why?"

"I want to get out here," I insisted, gesturing toward the well-lit pavement about a block away from the towering, illuminated glass facade of the Grand Horizon Hotel.

"Why?" he repeated, his tone sharpening with genuine surprise.

I stood my ground, my hands clutching my black clutch purse tightly against my lap. I looked him dead in the eye. "Isn't it obvious that I don't want anyone to see me arriving with you."

Zephyr stared at me for a long, silent beat, the soft glow of...