Sophia’s P.O.V

The car slowed to a stop, its engine purring low like a lullaby before Nathaniel leaned back in his seat, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on his thigh. He turned to me, his eyes soft, but unsure—just like mine.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked gently, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, clutching the strap of my purse a little tighter as I offered him a fleeting, rehearsed smile. “Yeah. Just drop me off here. One block ...