Chapter 55 Close Quarters

• Samantha's POV
• The vehicle door slammed with a strong thud, locking me into the backseat next to Royce in low light. The air smelled faintly of leather and cologne, and I could feel the strain snapping between us like electricity. Even when Royce's eyes locked on me with that terrifying mix of curiosity and amusement, I tightened my hold on the diary and resisted letting it go.
• "It's not every day someone risks their life for a book," he added, his voice bright yet slanted with something sinister. Samantha, you have never been one to follow the easy path either.