I don't know why I came here.
She'd asked to go back to uni. Said it like a whisper, almost scared I'd say no. I didn't.
I sent Kai with her. Told him to keep his eyes open. And then I told myself I wouldn't care. Wouldn't think about it. Wouldn't wonder if she was smiling again—like she used to. Before the bruises. Before me.
But here I am. Parked across the street, tinted windows up, watching her.
Ray Lin.
Laughing like the world never hurt her.
She's standing with three friends, two girls and him. Tall. Blond. Backpack slung lazy over one shoulder. Probably the type who volunteers at dog shelters and plays acoustic guitar for fun.
She's smiling at him like she's known him forever. Like he makes her forget. She reaches out—touches his arm while she laughs.
And something sharp twists in my chest.
Kai's standing near, professional as ever. But I don't care about Kai.
I care that she's glowing and it's not for me.
I'm out of the car before I even think it through. Crossing the street. Stepping into the café. The bell chimes overhead.
She doesn't see me at first.
She's talking to the boy—Jamie, I think Kai said. She's saying something about the janitor's cat that sneaks into class. Everyone's laughing.
Then she turns.
Her smile falters.
Big, wide, sunshine eyes lock on me. Her lips part like she forgot how to breathe.
"Sebastian?"
I walk straight to her. Slide my hand to the small of her back. Possessive. Unapologetic.
"You're late," I say, low.
She blinks. "L–Late for what?"
I stare at the boy.
Jamie.
He goes stiff.
I don't answer her. Just keep my hand there, keep my eyes on him until he finds some excuse to disappear.
When he's gone, Ray turns to me, confused. "Did I forget something?"
"Yes," I murmur. "That you belong to me."
Her breath catches. Her cheeks flush.
She doesn't say anything. Doesn't move away either.
And for the first time all day…
I don't feel like killing someone.