I feel sick. “They did that to send a message?”
She nods. “But he handled it,” she says quickly. “No one’s come for him since so don’t worry.”
“How?” I ask.
She holds my gaze for a second. Then she shakes her head. “I don’t ask questions like that,” she says quietly. “And neither should you.”
RAY
Wynter is quiet when I return to the table. Sofia excuses herself almost immediately, slipping back to Vinn at the bar, leaving the two of us alone in the booth.
I slide in beside her, watching her closely. Something’s changed. It’s subtle, but it’s there. Her posture is stiff, her eyes fixed on her drink like it’s the most interesting thing in the room.
And she won’t look at me.
“I’ve had a nice evening,” I say, testing the waters. “Have you?” She nods. My brow furrows. “Are you okay?”
“Fine.”
I lean back slightly, studying her. “You don’t look fine.”
“I am.”
“It’s just you seem . . .” I pause, choosing my words. “Off.”
“I said I’m fine.”
I exhale sharply. “Clearly not. Did I do something?”
She shakes her head.
Impatience sparks low in my chest. “Adults talk about why they’re upset, Wynter,” I say. “They don’t sit there sulking and giving one-word answers.”
Her head snaps towards me, eyes flashing. “Oh, you want to talk?” she bites out. Before I can respond, she leans in her face inches from mine. “Let’s talk about you breaking your own fucking rule,” she hisses.
I still. “What?”
Her jaw tightens as something flickers across her face. Anger?Fear?
Then just as quickly, it’s gone. “It doesn’t matter,” she mutters, pulling back and pushing to her feet. “Forget it.”
“Wynter—”
“I quit. I’ll pack my stuff and go.”
She turns before I can stop her, weaving through the crowd.
I sit there for a second, stunned, then I jump to my feet and head after her.
By the time I reach the exit, she’s already outside. The night air hits hard, cool and sharp, but she doesn’t slow.
“Wynter.”
She keeps walking. I catch her arm, not rough, but firm enough to stop her. “What the hell was that?”
She pulls her arm free. “Take me home.”
“We’re not leaving until you explain what—”