The moment I closed the car door, everything hit me like a freight train.
The gun. The orders. The control in his voice. The version of Jason I had just witnessed wasn't the man who kissed me in the elevator like I was the only thing keeping him alive.
It was someone else.
A stranger in the same skin.
I couldn't breathe. My fingers trembled as I tried to steady them against the steering wheel, but nothing worked. The memory of his voice, sharp, cold, and commanding, looped in my head like poison on repeat.
I needed to forget.
Or at least numb it.
Without thinking, I unlocked my phone and scrolled to a name I never thought I'd call again tonight.
Jake.
I hesitated only a second.
Then hit dial.
He answered on the third ring. "Marie?"
"Are you busy?" My voice came out hoarse, like I'd been screaming inside.
A pause. "No. Where are you?"
"I need a drink."
Another pause. Longer this time. "Okay. I'll be there in ten."
