Before the dinner at Esther’s house…

Gaara checked the watch on his right wrist, a faint curve tugging at the corner of his mouth. He turned off the car engine and climbed out quickly, then ran up the steps to the front door. It was only seven thirty in the evening. He needed just five minutes to change into something more fitting for the invitation he had promised Esther he would attend.

It was the same day he had made plans with his friends, a long awaited trip to Vinson’s ranch in ...