-Zade Collins:
The ride home from the police station felt longer than it was. The family driver barely spoke, which I appreciated. My head still carried the dull remnants of the headache, and all I wanted was quiet. But it wasn't just the silence—it was my own thoughts rattling around, refusing to let me rest.
I'd just signed away every charge they had on Larkin. I hated that guy—hated his smirk, his attitude, the way he looked at Blake like he knows him more than I do. But the thought of Blake being upset if Larkin ended up behind bars… that was something I couldn't stomach. So I did it for him. Only for him.
When we finally pulled into the driveway, I didn't waste a second. My legs carried me straight past the hall, up the stairs, and to Blake's room. I didn't even bother knocking. I just… needed to see him.
But the room was empty.
