When the night wound down and the others drifted away in pairs and groups, Melinda leaned close to Zoe, her hand brushing her arm in that way that felt both protective and quietly possessive.

"Come back with me," she said softly, her eyes warm but edged with concern. "You've been through too much today, I want to take care of you. Let's celebrate properly, just us."

Zoe hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “I'd like that."

The drive was calm, the city lights reflecting in Zoe's tired ...