Lorien’s POV

Auren’s eyes flicked down to me as he inserted his card into the reader, and the heat of embarrassment crept up my neck until my cheeks burned. I hated that he had to swoop in and save me as if I were some helpless damsel who couldn’t stand on her own two feet.

“Let’s go home,” he said, his voice low and gruff. The words were final, leaving no room for argument. My small smile faltered, and I nodded quietly. There had already been enough chaos for one day; pushing him ...