Echoes of that night
he drawled, his voice carrying that effortless, playful charm, "but this level of bravery? I adore it."
He watched her make a sharp turn toward the brick wall, leaning her shoulder heavily against the cold surface to catch her balance. As she shifted her weight, her head tilted, and the yellow streetlight washed directly over her face—the bright red hair, the bloody temple, the sharp features he knew instantly.
His face moved from smug to recognition in an instant
"Nina?"
When Nina heard her name called in that low, familiar voice, she stopped in her tracks and finally looked up.