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“I know, I know. But if there’s any chance…” He shakes his head and takes another step forward. My arms automatically come away from my chest, trying to subtly put some distance between us.

“Jayden, it was one night,” I try to placate, gripping onto the strap across my chest as I draw back from him.

His eyes dip to my mouth as his head slowly inches forward.

I shoot my clammy hand out, putting it on his shoulder, pushing him away. “Woah, Jay. I’m sorry.” My voice trembles as I side-step around him, needing to put as much space between me and him as possible.

His face flashes with anger.

We both agreed it was a one-time thing. We were drunk and lonely and needed an outlet. It was nothing more than that. At least, not for me. I had no idea that Jayden would feel the way that he does about me. I see the way he looks at me before and after work, how he always wants to say something but closes his mouth before it comes out. This was a long time coming, but I don’t feel that way about him. He’s just a close friend to me.

He hesitates but narrows his eyes and starts backing away towards the door again. My stomach turns. I’ve seen that look before. The look that made me cower away every time.

“No hard feelings?” he asks, and his face softens.

I shake my head and smile awkwardly, breath trembling. “See you tomorrow, Jay.”

The lights in the car park turn on one by one as I speed-walk towards my car, hood over my head and face cast down.

Get me the fuck home.

As I approach my car, the smell of sulphur tickles my nose.

I go to fish my car key from my gym bag.

Only… there is no key.

Panic settles deep in my stomach as I frantically search for it.

“No, no, no, no,” I mutter.

Where the fuck is it?

I spot a large, black stain underneath my car, leading to the bonnet.

“No, no, no, no,” I cry, raising my voice, as my head spins with panic.

I knew my car was dying, but now? Really?

“Lost something?” a familiar deep voice asks from behind me.

I straighten, folding my arms over my chest, gathering all the leftover confidence I can find from tonight, and turn to face him. “You again. I thought you left.”

Xander observes me. Like a shark sizing up its prey.

It was different inside the club. There was security and bouncers to interfere. Here… we’re all alone. And the way he’s looking at me now sends shivers down my spine.

But it’s not entirely from fear.

He nods towards the stain on the ground. “Need help?”

I tilt my head to the side. “No, thanks. How do I know you didn’t do this?”

His mouth briefly sets in a thin line before a sly smirk appears on his face.

Why do I get the feeling that I’m right?

“Are you stalking me?”