The cold morning air slapped my face the moment I stepped outside.
I didn’t slow down.
My feet moved faster than my thoughts, each step sharp against the driveway as if speed alone could pull me out of the mess twisting inside my chest. I gripped my bag tightly, the strap biting into my palm, my fingers clenched so hard my knuckles ached.
Breathe.
Just breathe.
The gate loomed ahead, freedom only a few more steps away—
A hand wrapped around mine.
Firm. Warm. Unavoidable.
Before I could even turn, I was being pulled backward, my body stumbling as Zander moved with purpose, dragging me toward the car like a force I couldn’t sidestep.
“Let go of me!” I shouted, yanking at his grip. “Leave me alone what are you doing?”
He didn’t answer.
Didn’t slow.
Didn’t even look at me.
My shoe
