Chapter 97

• As they drove through the quiet streets, the weight of the evening slowly began to lift from Charlotte's shoulders. Yet, despite the safety of the car and Damien’s reassuring presence, she couldn’t shake off the sense of unease that still clung to her. Her mind raced through the day’s events—the armed robbery, the heroics of Agent Blake, and now here she was, in Damien's car, grappling with emotions that felt both comforting and complicated.
• She glanced sideways at him, his focus intently on the road. A familiar warmth spread through her, but an immediate wave of guilt followed. “You really don’t have to walk me to the door,” she insisted, trying to keep her tone light. “I can manage just fine.”
• Damien turned to her, his cerulean eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief that softened the worry etched on his face. “I know you can. But I want to make sure you’re okay. Just humor me.” His grin faded slightly, giving way to something more earnest. “Plus, it’s late, and I’d rather not leave you to deal with any lingering jitters alone.”