Page 40 of Midnights
Two simple words, and yet the tension in my shoulders melts like ice under a flame.
How the hell does this man know exactly what to say? How does he do it so easily, like it’s second nature? Or maybe this is just what decent men do. Either way, hearing him say it makes me feel a little better.
Not that I fully trust him. But something about the way he says things with such certainty, makes me want to.
I could stand here and argue, or I could just get in the damn car, charge my phone, and figure out how to get home from there.
I exhale slowly, giving in to the inevitable.
“Okay.” The word slips out before I can second-guess it.
The night around us seems to settle and the tension eases as Kane gently guides me toward the SUV. I don’t know why, but the moment he reassures me, everything stops spinning. It's strange how easily he does that.
As we approach, the tinted windows catch the streetlights and out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flicker of movement. I pause, turning, but there’s nothing there.
A strange sensation curls at the nape of my neck, like something is pressing on my skin. I swallow hard, pushing the thought away. Kane is already leaning forward, talking easily with the driver like they’re old friends, just like he said.
Rachel looks completely unbothered, throwing me a shrug as she climbs inside like she’s stepping into a damn limo. I hesitate for only a second before following.
Kane slides in beside me, his voice as smooth as ever. “Would you rather drive around for a bit, or just sit here and wait?”
I blink, thrown by the question. Why would he even ask that? It’s such a random thing to offer, and yet something about it puts me at ease.
“We can just sit here and wait.” I make my voice as confident as possible. “I promise we’re close. There's no point in driving around just to end up back here.”
His gaze lingers for a second longer than necessary, then he nods, satisfied.
“Okay. We’ll wait.”
He settles back into his seat. No teasing. No smug grin. Just calm, steady acceptance.
I take a moment to really look at him and the relaxed way he drapes his arm along the back of the seat. The way his expression has softened is a stark contrast to the cocky, sharp-witted man I’ve been dealing with all night. And somehow, this version of him is even more dangerous.
Because there’s no arrogance here. No attempt to impress me.
Just Kane.
The realization makes my stomach twist in ways I don’t have the energy to unpack. I force myself to focus on my phone, watching the screen slowly flicker to life as it charges. The tension from earlier still lingers, woven into my muscles like knots I can’t untangle.
Rachel is still deep in conversation with Cam and her laughter is easy and light. It’s almost funny how she’s fully enjoying herself while I’m sitting here overanalyzing everything.
I exhale slowly and close my eyes, running through a few breathing exercises my grandmother taught me.Focusing on the inhale, count the exhale. Let everything else fade.
The SUV hums softly beneath me as the faint scent of leather and cologne settles in the air. I focus on that instead, letting it steady me. When I open my eyes, I find Kane staring at me.
His gaze is steady, but there’s something there, something quieter than before. A small knowing smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.
“You alright?”
“Yeah.” I say automatically, but even I can hear the lie in my voice.
He raises a brow, waiting.
I sigh, rubbing a hand over my face. “Okay… Ihatebeing lost.”
The words come out before I can stop them. And surprisingly, saying it out loud actually helps.
The screen of my phone lights up, buzzing faintly in my palm, and I nearly groan in relief as the moment evaporates. I quickly scroll through my email, finding the booking confirmation. My stomach untwists the second I see the address.Finally.
