THE BOY NEXT DOOR
Abby always looked like someone untouched by shadows—loud, confident, unafraid.
Maya smiled back, relief warming her chest as she hurried over.
“How was your morning?” Abby asked, looping an arm through hers.
“Good,” Maya said quickly. “I’m just glad to be here.”
She meant it more than Abby could ever know.
As they walked, Maya’s gaze drifted—and then stopped.
Liam Parker had just entered through the gates.
He stood out without trying. Tall, broad-shouldered, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. His movements were controlled, purposeful. Like someone who never wasted energy on things that didn’t matter.