Chapter 7

I couldn’t decide whether to feel relief or anxiety at his unexpected appearance. Silence lingered, punctuated only by the distant hum of traffic and the soft glow of streetlights. When I noticed he was still holding my arm, I pulled my arm back as if it had been burned. I saw how his jaw clenched as he watched my reaction.

“What are you doing here?” I managed to whisper, my voice coming out barely audible. My heartbeat was loud.

“I followed you.”

“Of course, how would you be here if you didn’t follow me,” I scoffed, unable to hide my exasperation. His presence was the last thing I needed, especially after the emotional rollercoaster of the evening.

His face contorted in frustration.

“Just hear me out,” he practically pleaded.

I crossed my arms, not budging an inch. “You lost that privilege a long time ago, Blackthorn.”

His eyes darkened, and his frustration was almost desperate. “I can explain everything.”

My heart wavered as I looked into his eyes. I knew he had always been an enigm