The rain started just as the car door closed. It splashed against the darkened glass like a thousand tiny fists. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

“Look at me,” his voice said from the opposite seat, deep and calm as ever.

I kept my gaze on the blurred city lights. “I can’t. Not after tonight.”

“You’re overreacting.”

“Overreacting?” My laugh came out sharp. “You let me walk into that ballroom knowing the story was about to drop.”

His eyes stayed ...