Chapter 10

• The Velvet Bean was tucked into a quiet brick alleyway two blocks off campus, smelling rich with roasted espresso beans, cinnamon, and warm sugar. It was dimly lit with exposed vintage bulbs and plush leather booths in the back—a stark, cozy contrast to the crisp autumn air outside.
• Ryder guided me straight to the farthest booth, his hand heavy on the small of my back. He didn't even let me sit down on my own; he practically lifted me onto the leather bench before sliding in right beside me, trapping me against the wall.
• "I'm getting you a double-shot vanilla latte and a hot turkey club," he grumbled, his dark eyes sweeping over my face as if searching for bruises. "You look like you haven’t eaten a real meal since yesterday."