Maya I shove my phone into my bag, my fingers fumbling with the zipper as if the act alone could erase the message I just sent. My heart is hammering, fast enough to feel it in my throat, and I glance toward the window, catching a glimpse of Lucien’s face staring back at me. He’s getting out of the car, smooth and controlled, his expression unreadable, but there’s that weight behind his eyes, the same one that makes me feel like I’m under a microscope. I step backward instinctively, wanting distance, wanting control over this moment that’s already slipping.My shoe catches a crack in the pavement, and pain shoots through my ankle. I stumble, my hands flailing for balance, and I curse under my breath, harsh and quick. I can feel him moving toward me before I even see the motion, and I snap, “Stay back!” My voice is sharp, cutting through the quiet hum of the street, the words more desperate than I intend.He slows, and I catch the hesitation in his step, the way he doesn’t push forw
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