Hailey’s POV
The ride back to town was quiet, filled with the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of leaves outside. Roy sat beside me in the car, face tense, jaw set, fingers tapping lightly against his leg. I knew that look—focused, controlled, worried. The news from the school had come in: the holiday was cut short, and everyone had to report back immediately. It was disappointing for me, considering all we had uncovered, but I also knew we didn’t have a choice.
Roy’s driver dropped me off in front of the school. “Good luck today, Hailey,” Roy murmured, leaning close, his hand brushing mine briefly before he stepped out to head to his team practice. His scent lingered, warm and familiar, and for a second I allowed myself to remember the stolen kisses, the lingering touches, an
