Cassian's throat felt dry, words tangling somewhere between honesty and panic.
Leonel's gaze was fixed on him steady, sharp, and far too perceptive for comfort.
He hesitated, forcing a small laugh, trying to sound casual. "No one," he said quickly, grabbing a tray and turning away to hide his face. "Just the counter lady helped me pick out some of the meat and stuff. Took forever 'cause she wouldn't stop recommending cuts."
The lie tumbled out smoother than he expected, but his pulse betrayed him fast, jittery, pounding in his ears.
Leonel didn't respond right away. He just watched, the flickering orange light from the grill reflecting in his eyes. His jaw tightened briefly, but he said nothing. Instead, he flipped a few pieces of meat, the sizzling sound breaking the uneasy silence.
